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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
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.
dougdma
7 posts
 
Manitunc said "Koa is still available. Basically, you can choose any veneer they can find, or you can supply".

I thought the plinth on a SOTA was solid wood such as Ebony, African Rosewood and American Cherry. I the finish a veneer?
manitunc
795 posts
 
Solid wood might warp, crack or twist, so most tables use veneer. Why pay for what you can't see.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling OP
1,883 posts
 
Just found this thread I started from over 5 years ago. What I ended up doing was buying a Clearaudio Innovation Wood (spring 2013) with a Graham Phantom Supreme. Great gear, but my rack at the time, even with lead-shot fill, was NOT up to the task. It became a mix of great detail and speed, combined with bad feedback/footfall issues. But I persevered.

In fall 2017 I upgraded to a Master Innovation with a CMS Maxxum rack (same time). BIG upgrade! VERY happy now. But I still loved the old SOTA...so this summer I got it rebuilt as a new Nova V, into the same old Koa chassis, dedicated to my high-end Stax setup - situated on just a Salamander Synergy stand, since the SOTA suspension can handle a lot. I love that table too! Both the Clearaudio and SOTA tables are sublime given proper conditions. I still want a Cosmos, and am also tempted to yank my old Innovation Wood back off my dealer’s consignment rack, lol. But having 4 high-end turntables within ~ 1000 square feet is probably way way excessive...
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