SOTA STAR Sapphire Turntable Care and Feeding

Thanks for the info.  It comes with a Grado XTZ cartridge and a clamp.  Does the pump run during the entire play time?  How loud is it?  I have spousal approval, but don't want to leap before I know what I'm getting into.

Thanks for the continued input.  Since my stereo is in a small room, how far can the vacuum unit be from the turntable?  Space is a premium and if I can put the workings on another room it would save me some space.

Turns out timing really is everything.  While I've been getting more info on the turntable, it has been sold.  At least now I'm properly informed if another one becomes available.

The tragedy is I already had approval from the CPO (Chief Procurement Officer).

There's always a sunset on these things.  Not to mention a good dose of Christmas spirit while putting up the tree.

Since I missed my chance for a local SOTA Star Sapphire turntable, I'm obsessing about getting one.  And spousal approval has not been withdrawn yet so I need to act expeditiously.  I've noticed some are vacuum and others non-vacuum.  How much improvement is the vacuum over the non-vacuum turntable?  Is the vacuum unit more of a hassle than it's worth?

Thanks for the info.  Good to know you have the option of getting an elderly vacuum model and able to get the vacuum refurbished in the future.

I've been thinking along the same lines.  More cost, equipment and fuss for a benefit I may likely not hear.  Pretty cool idea, though. 

I got on the phone with SOTA to talk about refurbished turntables.  Had a few nice conversations with Christan and we talked about my stereo upgrade plan, the room and my listening habits and tastes.  Turns out they have one rosewood Sapphire III ready to get refurbished.  We talked about my budget and Christan gave me some options, so I pulled the trigger.  It's going to get Series IV electronics, Rega 330 tonearm and a Hana cartridge, which will keep it in my budget.  It should be ready in January.  I enjoyed working with Christan and am excited to get a SOTA turntable after 30+ years of pining for one.

Any upgrades to the turntable will be far in the future.  I still have to upgrade my amp and speakers.

Thanks for the tip on belt care.  I don't have a smart phone, so the app is out.  Would electronic contact cleaner be a better choice than brake parts cleaner for the platter rim?  Brake cleaner stuff is pretty pernicious stuff, and electric contact cleaner evaporates very quickly.  This turntable/arm/cartridge combo is the absolute most amount of money I can spend, but I'll keep your suggestions under advisement in case I find a sack of money during my daily stroll.