I have a Sapphire, Gen 1, that I purchased new, and (like the rest of my high-end system) haven't used since moving to New Jersey and getting married. I don't know what tone arm this is, and it has a Grado cartridge mounted on it. There is also a spindle clamp. And in a cabinet drawer, I have an equally old Koetsu Rosewood with the stylus missing. The SOTA shipping box (I remember, it was a robust piece of work) was destroyed in a nor'easter years ago.
After all these years, I don't dare turn any of this equipment on. Probably catch fire. I'm just saying, I appreciate this thread.
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?