Had a Star Sapphire in the late 80's, with the sapphire bearing and aluminum platter. Swapped out Sumiko arm for Eminent Technology straight-line tracker and that made a dramatic difference. Light weight tonearm probably a good bet. l spoke with the designer, Alan Perkins, back then who then started Immedia where i had their TT and arm. Now he's been involved with the design of the MoFi TT's so that might be a source of sorts. It's true the SOTA was very vibration resistant and the speed was steady.
Does Anyone Know the History of the Early Sota Turntables?
Does anyone know the differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 and 3 of the Sota Saphire tables? I found a very clean Gen 1 table I am going to use as a casual player. I have some extra arm boards and an extra arm I can put on it. Motor and bearing is in excellent shape. The platter feels like alumium, and I do not know if in these first tables they went to the lead or acrylic composite platters. The way the spindle looks I doubt this is the inverted bearing either. Anyone know the history of these early Sota tables?