VIP, SOTA & Oracle Turntables

I agree, buy once and save money.

I went from a cheap Technics to a Rega P3-24 then subplatter,Techno Weight, then power supply, then Acro Platter. I then sold it for a Scout, then 300 RPM motor. I sold the VPI and bought an Avid Diva II which blows them all away in MY system.

The only reason I'd upgrade now for some reason, would be some sort of windfall. I would like to climb the Avid chain though:) That isn't going to happen in the foreseeable future unless the Power Ball hits.

All of those tables mentioned can be upgraded and much of it can be performed by yourself, if your handy.

I had a SOTA Star Sapphire for many years and upgraded it periodically myself, including new springs, armboard, vacuum system and platter mat (the platter did need to be sent to SOTA for bonding of mat.) Contact the factory.

Some food for thought: Upgrading via factory is expensive and you must be sure you have the correct packing materials for a turntable (the SOTA has a special box and hold-down system that must be used.) Shipping is expensive and chancy. Plus, you have to deal with down-time, packing, shipping, insurance...

I like the idea of getting a VPI scoutmaster and upgrading at home once the checkbook recovers.

I want to thank all who responded here. However, I just realized that I did not provide very important information. I did not provide you information regarding the kind of music I listen to.

I love classical, spiritual and jazz music. In regards to classical I love small and large scale choral works. I also listen to large scale orchestral works. I love organ music and individual works for the violin and harpsicord. When I listen to jazz I listen to Miles, Stan Kenton, Gill Evans, McCoy Tyners, Coltrane, Monk, Brubeck and one of my most favorite composer/conductors Ms. Maria Schneider and her orchestra.

I am looking for a big, wide, tall and bold analog type sound with excellent bass. Is there a turntable that can handle this variety of music without flinching that does not cost an arm and whole body? Can a used SOTA or VPI give me what I am looking for-for starters? Thanks again everyone and I find the information you provide wonderful.

I haven't used a SOTA in a long while but the VPI will give you what you want if pared with the right cartridge. The job of the table is to permit the cartridge to do the best possible job; cartridges vary widely in sound and are a very personal choice. An HW 19 or Scout or corresponding SOTA will satisfy you for a long time, I regularly switch between cheaper and more expensive tables, the more expensive are better but the cheaper ones are very good and easily beat out CD. The advantage of the Scout is that it comes with a very good arm. Eliminating the arm board reduces your choice of arm but significantly improves the sound according to what I hear back from 2 well known table manufactures.

I have owned a Sota Sapphire (older model), Vpi Scout,and a VPI HW-19 mk2. In my system I like the HW-19. I listen to all kinds of music. My amp and preamp are tube, my speakers are time aligned first order crossovers.
These together sound the most balanced for the kinds of music I listen to.......