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SOTA STAR Sapphire Turntable Care and Feeding

I'm seriously interested in a used SOTA STAR Sapphire Series III Turntable with Vacuum, Electronic Flywheel and SME Series IV Tonearm, that is close to me and a very reasonable price.  It would be a big step up from my current Pro-Ject X2B, but I want to make sure it is not too technical for my dinosaur brain before I pull the trigger.  How difficult it is to get set up?  Once it is set up, do you need to constantly fuss over it or just the occasional check?  I have an upgraded Joliida JD-9 phono pre-amp.  Would this pre-amp be sufficient for the SOTA  or would I need to upgrade that to do justice to the SOTA?  Any other quirks of this turntable that I should be aware of?  Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

John Cotner

New Ulm, MN

jrcotner

Showing 3 responses by pindac

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,453 posts
 

Considering the exchange of material used for the TT's Structure would be a move that can prove extremely beneficial.

To exchange the Aluminium Base for a Phenolic Resin Impregnated Densified Wood, will have the potential to catapult this TT forward as a design. 

There are Big Name Manufacturers already adopting this material over Metals. 

 

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,453 posts
 

The Hana Blue is slowly becoming by those with a broad experience, the suggested Cart' to replace another well known Cart' Brands Upper End Models.

The cost of the Blue and the outcome of comparisons, makes the Blue as an option a viable consideration. 

It is also becoming a Cart' seen used on very expensive Vinyl Set Up's at Audio Shows, further reinforcement for the models capability. 

The Blue is an attractive option for a Cart' and I am confident will be very much enjoyed. 

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,453 posts
 

To check TT Speed it is best done with a Standalone Strobe. 

The Standalone Strobe will show speed fluctuation. 

I am with first hand experience where the Standalone Strobe can also detect eccentric rotation as well.

The inbuilt Strobes on TT's will  in general not be as informative as the Standalone option. 

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