Sota+SME IV=Ugh !!!

All,
Thanks so much for sharing your opinions – there are several options here that I’m sure I would be very happy with.

A few things I would like to present/clarify:

First, I apologize for the misleading title on this forum post caused by not hitting the caps key when punching the =+ key. I meant to title it “Sota+SME IV+Ugh !!!” which was my way of putting forth my struggle in identifying the cartridge I’d like to have with my table and arm rather than “Sota+SME IV=Ugh !!!” which implies I’m having issues with my Sota/SME combination. That is so far from the truth; I couldn’t be happier with that combination.

Secondly, I specified “wood bodied” knowing that non-wood bodied cartridges would also meet my prerogatives. Why did I do this? I simply like stuff made of wood, like why I was attracted to Tannoy’s Prestige line and a Sota TT - their wood work is absolutely beautiful.

Anyway, I’m pursuing a Grado Reference for its characteristics and price point. I realize that the sum of my components, including the addition of the Grado, probably add up to overly warm. For me, this is what I’m looking for, really. I’m so fond of the distant memories I have of my father playing his tube equipment back in the day when that warm lush sound was so prevalent. I guess I’m trying to re-create that joy.

Thank you.

I’m pursuing a Grado Reference for its characteristics and price point.

I would be cautious about the possibility of hum pickup, which the Grado's are prone to with SOME turntables, due to the lack of shielding that results from their wood construction. I used a Grado Sonata for a time with my SOTA Sapphire (from 1983 and still going strong!!), and there was a slight hum whenever the cartridge was moved into position above the rotating platter. By "slight" I mean that it was completely inaudible when music was playing, while being a little bit above the threshold of audibility at the listening position with no music playing and the volume control at typical settings.

Regards,
-- Al

My friend has the SOTA, SME V combo and its awesome. He runs Clear Audio but I think he recently upgraded cart, I will verify tomorrow.

Thanks Al - What arm did you have the Sonata mounted to? Do you think the arm/Grado combo caused the hum or do you think it was the Grado alone?

Thanks, Randy

Hi Randy,

The arm was (and still is) a Magnepan Unitrac. I'm not completely certain as to whether or not the arm may have played a role in the hum, but my guess is that it did not.

Although it doesn't necessarily signify anything conclusive about the possible role of the arm, I'll mention fwiw that the hum completely disappeared when the arm was moved toward the rest position, as soon as the cartridge reached the point of not being directly over the rotating platter.

The only other thing I can add is that over the years I've heard a number of other reports of Grado's having hum problems with a few various non-SOTA turntables (I don't recall which ones), from those I know as well as well as on the web.

Best regards,
-- Al