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Seeking opinions on Clearaudio vs. SOTA tables

Looking for opinions and experiences on the SOTA Cosmos vs. Clearaudio Innovation Compact, or thereabouts in each line.

Someday it will be time to upgrade my beloved (never refurbished/upgraded) SOTA Star III. Though it reliably continues making beautiful music, the bearing/springs/etc show signs of being past their prime. The silicon lip was dried out when I acquired the table on consignment 6 years ago, so I've never experienced a working vacuum hold down (I cut the lip off so that records would lay flat).

Based on the Star III, I'd almost certainly love a Cosmos, either new or refurbished (new bearing/platter/vacuum). The question is how much improvement would be gained. Unfortunately, my friendly local dealer doesn't carry SOTA. However they do carry Clearaudio. The Innovation Compact looks rather stunning in design and build -- a work of art. On the other hand, some things about Clearaudio turn me off:
* Very high pricing
* Not a fan of some of their magnetic bearing tonearm implementations; one unit in particular would jump a groove at the *slightest* in-room vibration
* Their screw-on clamp is a huge WTF; that damn screw-cap has no business being able to fully twist off so easily (and the resultant juggling of the damn thing next to a $$$$ cartridge pisses me off like you wouldn't believe) without a stopper!
* Sometimes I feel like they're experts at over-engineering certain elements, but then other elements show neglect and complete lack of thought (see above).
* I've read recently that there may be some dispute as to the effective mass of their Universal tonearm (i.e. their spec may be wrong) -- not confidence inspiring

I got to audition an Ovation Wood (below the Compact) with an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (I do have a decent grasp of how this cart sounds); it has some very nice attributes but ultimately I preferred my SOTA w/ Koetsu Platinum. Not a fair comparison sure, but ultimately it had me doubting whether the Ovation would provide a worthwhile upgrade. The Innovation Compact on the other hand...
128x128mulveling
mulveling's avatar
mulveling OP
2,018 posts
 
A friend and I listened more to the Innovation Compact. I'm totally smitten by its sound, even with JUST that $1200 Cadenza Red. When I started this thread, I really didn't know my dealer would be bringing in that Compact; perhaps he reads these boards :p

I'm now fairly set on going whole-hog for the full Innovation Wood. BUT I'm also considering adding the ring clamp and either a Universal 9" w/ VTA or Graham Phantom Supreme 9"/10". WAY more than I'd planned on spending, and yeah it's going to be a stretch, but it's time to modernize my source and finally make it the system's strong point again.

I'm surprised there's relatively little online discussion of the The Innovation Wood/Compact tables, since they're such stunning pieces of machinery. But then, I guess that's somewhat in line with the lack of attention for my beloved Tannoy speakers.

Props to the SOTA Star III w/ Fidelity Research arm -- it's given me tons of problem-free pleasure over the past 6 years; not bad for a "starter" table, and still a fine rig after all these years!
manitunc
795 posts
 
I believe that the farther up the line you get in any manufacturers product line, the closer the turntables sound to other manufacturers, which only makes sense if they are chasing absolute perfection. The lower line products have their issues as they are designed to a price point, with various tradeoffs that affect the sound. so you get a brighter, detailed sound, or warmer, more musical sound or whatever. As they improve, and address the lower products shortcomings, they tend to converge on a point that is similar in nature.
The Sota Cosmos IV that I have is more detailed than my Sota Star, cleaner sounding, better speed regulation, deeper bass and crisp highs. The midrange jumps out from a blacker background. It is the best table I have heard.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Mulveling,

If you are thinking about an arm in the Graham range, you might want to give a Moerch arm a try. Just upgraded to a DP-8 from a DP-6 and have loved both. Mehran at Sorasound sells both so he can run down a comparison for you. Love the Moerch's interchangeable armwands.
wrm57
1,066 posts
 
I ran a Phantom II on my Innovation Wood, alongside a Universal arm, and preferred the Graham by quite a bit. If you go with the outer ring, I'd recommend the 10-inch wand. With the 9-inch, the ring comes very close to the cuing platform on the Graham. You can use the 9-in. but you have to be very careful.
audiolui
295 posts
 
I have been using the Graham Phantom II Supreme on my old Clearaudio Maximum Solution and the result is excellent. I love the Phantom's user-friendliness. I am now adjusting VTA on the fly for different records. The VTA adjustment really makes a big difference. The Phantom' set up is painless.

Yes, with the 9 inch Supreme, I have to be careful putting the ring clamp on. I get used to it though. No problem at all. 10 inch would be a bit easier.

I am also considering the Innovation Wood, but at the same time distracted by the Master Innovation. I need to check my checkbook now.
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