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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
derekw14
13 posts
 
By the way, excuse my lack of knowledge, but was the Graham a direct fit for the Cosmos (SME adapted?) armboard, or you had to use a different armboard?
effischer
555 posts
 
@derekw14 You have to get a new armboard from Sota to fit the Phantom.  Totally different mount from the SME.  Also, you need a right-angle DIN IC for the Phantom to get everything to fit without interference.  

As far as SME V versus Phantom performance, the Phantom has one feature the SME can't match:  VTA on-the-fly.  IMO, that's the single most essential feature for extracting maximum performance out of any vinyl playback system.

Good luck & happy listening!
derekw14
13 posts
 
Thank you so much for your answers. I agree Graham VTA on the fly is pretty nifty! Otherwise, how would you say the two arms differ sonically?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,869 posts
 
thanks to all the posters past. I am w SOTA factory help resurrecting an older Sapphire and am wading thru some potential upgrade options. The table is for my “ Vintage “ system, so let’s not get to carried away, but assist w prudent while at factory upgrades. ( vintage system is MX-110Z, Croft RIAA-RS, MC-240, Quad ESL-63 )
Probably start off using the Sumiko FT3 and my trusty Nakagoka, but may adopt the REGA OEM300 I also have...

options
Mag-Lev bearing, $ 140 additional over sapphire
Platter damping $175
subchassis mod $175

probably just do all three....

thoughts, help, opinions glady accepted
effischer
555 posts
 
@tomic601 I went with the Series V platter (includes damping), a replacement sapphire bearing (the original in mine was worn out), the subchassis mod and Series V suspension.  Worth every penny!  Mine was done by Kirk (RIP), and he said my Series III motor was in perfect shape; dead steady on speed and not a sound to be heard.  That was about 6 or 7 years ago now, and I remain totally satisfied.  SOTA is a great company to work with, too.  Good luck with your project & happy listening!
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