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SOTA table owners- getting upgraded

I have an older Star Sapphire version II which I bought new back in 1986 and subsequently upgraded with a III platter. In 1999 I put it into storage when moving to London and got it out earlier this year. I thought about getting a VPI Scout but ended up sending the table to SOTA to have the springs upgraded and while there, had the platter bearing replaced, the sub-chassis stiffened and dampened and purchased a Cosmos composite armboard. The motor, the original pabst, and the vacuum checked out fine.

I use the table with a SME V and a AT OC-9 cartridge. Man, what a difference these mods have made. Speed stability has improved as the hanging turntable no longer wobbles all over the place due no doubt to the new springs. The table's background noise is now so low that music comes out from a black and quiet background. Soundstaging and clarity have likewise seen substantial increases. If you have an older SOTA, I highly recommend these changes to your table.
barolobrain

Showing 4 responses by clio09

clio09
3,364 posts
 
I just got my Star TT back from SOTA after having it upgraded to a Nova. In the process I also got rid of the black base in favor of American Cherry - what a difference in look along with the much nicer acrylic dust cover. I just added a new Benz M2 moving coil cartridge and I'm excited to hear the difference. Currently using a Cary PH-301 phono stage but will be upgrading that as well.

I'm glad these guys are still around, they make outstanding TTs.
clio09
3,364 posts
 
sirspeedy,

Thanks for the suggestions. Prior to getting the SOTA back I bought a Joule Electra LA-200 preamp on auction. It came with a Music and Sound power cord. I am clueless as to the history of this PC, but since I was sending the Joule in for a tune-up and retubing I thought I would use the PC on the pump/power supply. It sounded pretty good out of the box and I'm not sure how much it needs to burn in, but when I compared it to the stock PC it was like night and day. I may leave the Music and Sound in the pump/power supply when the Joule gets back because I have a Virtual Dynamics Nite II can use on the Joule.

The pump/power supply sits on a maple amp stand and has the rubber/cork blocks under them that you see advertised by Mapleshade. Except these came from another source and contrary to what you hear from Mapleshade, HVAC companies supply these to put under furnaces and they are not as expensive as Mapleshade charges.
clio09
3,364 posts
 
sirspeedy,

Thanks for clarifying, I'll look around at some options. I have someone who makes great power cords for me and he may be able to take on this job as well.

Also, I run my TT through a Running Springs Audio Haley. I just boxed up my PS Audio P300, even though it has MultiWave II+ that helps control the table speed, as I was itching to try something new and the Haley works better with all the other sources, as well as handles the preamp and amp.
clio09
3,364 posts
 
Nrchy,

I'd be interested to learn what you find out as well.

Sirspeedy - Today I had to reposition my pump/power supply because of hum issues. I also am now using a PS Audio xSteme Statement pc on it and have removed the ground pin. Everything is now quiet.
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