Replacing my old soda Sapphire: which clearaudio

why not get your sapphire refurbished?

My wife objects to the wood base of the turntable.

Get a quote on getting it refinished at an auto body shop, I recall seeing one in high gloss red and while it didn't float my boat the fit and finish looked great. I'm sure they could finish it in any color you like. Will likely be cheaper to do that and get it upgraded at sota than buying the new tt. Just food for thought. Either way GL with the search.

Bill

In your price range I like the Origin Live decks

I have both, Sota Star and Clearaudio Performance. the Performance is a very nice table, dead quiet and speed right on the money. The Satisfy carbon arm is also very good. I dont think you will lose any performance by switching to the Clearaudio, but you will need to isolate it in some manner if room vibrations are an issue. The Sota has about the best suspension system around, so you will lose that benefit.