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Any Sota Sapphire experts out there?

I've recently purchased a used Sota Sapphire series 3 on which I installed an SME series V arm. I have to say, this 'table almost blows my VPI Scoutmaster with many improvements (including 10.5 arm and periphery ring) out of the water. Deep, tight, effortless bass. Tracks anything. Extremely musical.
However, I can't seem to find any basic maintenance information for the table. Specifically, spindle bearing lubrication, what kind, and how. And motor bearing lubrication, same, what kind and how? I need some tips on these assemblies; how do I disassemble to access for cleaning, oiling, etc?
Surely, some of you Audiogoners can lead me in the right direction... (The Sota folks are nice, but seem that they would much rather me send them the table for inspection and upgrades; I just want to know how to maintain the gear I own.)
seantock

Showing 2 responses by dover

dover
2,189 posts
 
I imported, distributed and owned Sota's back in the 80's and had no problems mounting SME V's. Balanced fine with the lead shot and no sagging.

Lubrication for the sapphire thrust pad was white lithium grease from memory.

You must always use the transit screws to lift the platter when moving. I have seen chips in the sapphire thrust pad when the table has been moved without using transit screws. The resulting sound is very grainy. You should check the thrustpad for damage, it is easy to replace in the field.

You can always bypass the suspension by removing the springs if you prefer. This can improve speed stability.
dover
2,189 posts
 
dorkyguyrandy
5/16"-18

steelhead

I used the adjustable VTA to compensate for a very long term and slow sinking of the armboard over many years.  
If your armboard is sinking then the platter and armboard would be out of level unless the other four corners are sinking at the same rate.

Changing the VTA does nothing because the armboard and platter are affixed to the same common floating base.




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