2. analog
  3. 1146174070

SOTA Nova vs SME 20/2

I currently own a Sota Nova series 5 with cosmos armboard (circa 1999) with an SME V tonearm recently serviced along with internal wiring upgrade at SME in England. Cart is Benz Micro Ruby2 H. Long story short, i am seriously considering replacing the Sota with a new SME 20/2. I would keep the SME V and mount it on the 20/2 along with the Ruby2. I was also considering the SME model 10 but i do not feel this would be a significant upgrade over the Sota hence going to the 20/2 makes more sense. I have also considered the Cosmos but i am really leaning toward the SME tables now. Before the Nova i owned a Star Saphire. I've been a Sota owner for almost 20 years. I have read rave reviews from around the audio world on all 3 SME models 10-20-30. Would appreciate any thoughts or comments anyone may have. Just want to make sure i am going in the right direction. I believe i am.....Sly
smoffatt

Showing 4 responses by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear Plinko: Yes, I read that review. The own footers ( three columns ) that have the Analog one are not up to the " task ". I by-passed through Pneumatic Audio technica footers and the sound is stellar.

For the arms, you can take a look to " my system ".

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear Smoffatt: As Jfrech posted you can't go wrong with either TT.

Now, when you are looking for that quality level is convenient to have a wide TT alternatives.
I can recomended at least two ones: Acoustic Signature and Galibier, take a look. These ones compete with the best out there.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear Sirspeedy: +++++ " I have had(as well as two friends)a SOTA vacuum system(in various models) for over two decades,without a single tick or pop,that I could blame on the vacuum system. " +++++

You are really lucky. I use vacuum system for many years ( I still use it ) because the impact, for the better, that has on the quality music sound reproduction but over those years in some of my LPs growth some " noises " that were develop by the vacuum system, I will try to explain: it does not matters how high/low was the vacuum presure we must to leave " perfect clean " the TT vacuum platter before we put the LP on it and we must to have " perfect clean " the LP side that is in direct contact with the vacuum platter ( this job is almost imposible to achieve: " perfect clean " ), if not any dust could stick permanent on the LP tracks and from this we could have " noises " on the LP reproduction.
Till today I don't have a solution for this critical subject. Now, this is a trade-off and we have to decide if we take it or not, I take it because the improvement in the quality music reproduction is " heavy " that those " noises ".

Sirspeedy, I would like to know how did you solve that issue.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear Sirspeedy: Maybe your dedicated room is the " subject " against my living room.

Yes, the XV-1 is a great cartridge but the Allaerts: WOW!!!!

Btw, nice and interesting experienced you have with Mr. King!!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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