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SME 309 and SOTA Sapphire - Cable & Cartridge Help

I have just ordered a new SOTA Sapphire and will use the SME 309 and the Cosmos armboard. I am looking for some feedback and help with the following:
1. The stock cable with the SME 309 is a right-angle DIN. I purchased the Furutech AG 12 right-angle DIN. Does anyone know if there is enough clearance underneath the SOTA for it? The vdH stock cable has a much smaller shell. Also, why can't a regular DIN work? The SME specs show that the tonearm interface faces the back of the tt and is parallel to the plinth.
2. Based upon the SME/SOTA/Furutech configuration, which of the 2 cartridges would you use: the Shelter 901 mk2 or the Dynavector XX2 mk2?

As always, I appreciate the help and feedback!
Thanks and happy listening!
ksl822
ksl822 OP
32 posts
 
It just came but I haven't had a chance to set it up yet.
I will this weekend! :)
999r
12 posts
 
HOPE you can give us a little review i am looking at turntables. looking to replace a music hall mm-7. The Sota SME compo Looks good.
dhcod
706 posts
 
Just to give another perspective, I've had both the 309 and IV and in both cases I compared the stock tonearm cable to an aftermarket cable (one was a Nordost Tyr and the other the top of the line Origin Live-- both about $500) and the music felt choked with the stock cable. Now I was using it on a particularly dark sound system, tubes all around and Quad ESLs so maybe the cable it just balanced well and I need something on the detailed side. Or maybe what they say about the stock cable is true. I'm sure it's a little of both.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Dhcod - are you talking about the internal wiring of the arm, or the external cable, or both?
manitunc
795 posts
 
I run an SME 309 on my Sota Star with great results. I use a Dyna 17d2. The 309 will fit on the Cosmos board and it has enough clearance for the right angle cable mount. I would use the Shelter as the SME has a very neutral sound on the Sota, but maybe a bit tilted towards the bass and I think the Shelter is a livelier cartridge than the Dyna.
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