Sota+SME IV=Ugh !!!

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

Nice to read your update on the SME+SOTA combo. As another data point, I used a Sonata on a SOTA Sapphire + Sumiko MMT arm for a year with no problems, hum or otherwise.

I have a Sota Star with SME 3009s2 arm and Cardas Myrtle Cart. I picked the cart up used on this site for much less than you are looking to spend. I am very happy with it.

I hesitate to answer you since I will be putting both of these cartridges up for sale in the near future, but quite honestly, either would fit your stated needs. These are the Benz H2 or Soundsmith's The Voice. The Benz is the more 'lush' of the two, while the Soundsmith is a bit more neutral (but still on the warm side).