SOTA vs VPI (or stick with my Rega?)

@mgolpoor I’ve thought about climbing the Rega ladder, but speaking to my local dealer it didn’t sound like there is a huge jump between the current Rega P3 and P6. 

You also make a good point about just enjoying the music vs tinkering. I don’t gain much pleasure from tinkering, so that’s something to consider. 

Other used TT that are in my price range ($2500-3000) include the Acoustic Signature WOW XL, but I’ve heard it it extremely neutral and not much fun. I enjoy listening to records, and would hope my next upgrade would add more depth to that experience. 

I hasn’t considered Clear Audio, but will look into their line up further. Thanks!

My VPI has served me well for years, since I upgraded from my old Ariston deck...very happy with it.  Good luck.  

Why not stay with Rega and move up the ladder since you like the Rega sound. You don't mention your budget but I am sure you know Rega makes wonderful turntables way above the Planar 3.

All the tables you mention are fine. I love the sound of my Clearaudio Performance and if one day I want to improve on that I will stay with Clearaudio. I know their design philosophy and know how to sit them properly.

Whilst technically i agree about the VTA setting you have to ask yourself this question: Are you a Lover of Music or infinate tinkering?
There is no right or wrong answer. That just identifies you as a listener.

I have a Lyra cartridge which is super fussy about set up. I have set up VTA (by ear !) using one of my faviourite records and have left it at that.

Of course every record is different from the others in terms of its thickness but when i place it on my table all I want to do is listen to the Music.
    

I don't have any experience with the Origin tonearms, so can only offer one observation.  The JMW arm on the Prime has VTA on-the-fly.  I consider this the single most important feature any tonearm can have.  Even a minute adjustment can make a huge difference in the quality of playback.  This is because no two records are precisely the same thickness; that makes any fixed VTA adjustment an inherent compromise.  I have fooled around with the VTA feature on the JMW and found it to be smooth, easy and repeatable.  Precisely what you want.  The VTA on my Graham is a bit too stiff for my liking, but holds the setting perfectly and really lets me dial in the XX2.

I'm personally pretty picky on this stuff, so may not be a particularly good touchstone for you on certain fine points.  I believe that the cartridge has to compliment the speakers, the tonearm has to allow the cart to perform to its maximum capacity and the table has to spin reliably, precisely and silently.  Bear in mind that the beauty of tables like SOTA and VPI is that you can change arms & carts freely to find the synergy that pleases you.  I like the SOTA approach to the table, but given the choice you've presented, I'd tend to favor the VPI because of the arm that's on it presuming everything else is equal.  

Note that the JMW is not an easy retro-fit to SOTA; requires modification of the plinth.  Not something I'm in favor of.  That means VTA-OTF options for SOTA are reduced by one very good tonearm manufacturer.

Like I said, I'm picky so these things are important to me.  Consider how important they may be to you.  None of this stuff is cheap and you want to make sure you get something that makes you happy for some time to come.

@effischer @mulveling What are your thoughts on the Origin Live Silver MK3A tonesarm? This is currently being bundled with a 2016 SOTA Sapphire V. Seems promising. 

I also just found a used VPI Prime (single owner trade-in) through a dealer at a fair price. So both options are on the table.

Thanks again for all your input. Appreciate it!

@effischer
Yes that’s definitely an important consideration you've pointed out. I’ve had tables on very suboptimal stands/floors before, and the 4-point SOTA suspension works wonders to prevent all kinds of problems you’d otherwise suffer. In my home, the ClearAudio decks basically require a high-end rack under them.

The SOTA suspension is not like those lightweight, way too unstable/springy suspensions you see in other tables - it’s much better.

You’ll be a bit more limited in what arms you can mount on suspended tables, but the SOTAs can handle a bit over 2 lbs, which covers the vast majority of arms. My Fidelity Research FR64fx (pretty heavy) makes the cut, but the 3 lbs FR64S monstrosity doesn’t.

I went from a Rega Planar 2 with a DV 23R to a SOTA Sapphire III with a Magnepan Unitrac I and another DV 23R.  I've never looked back.  Never had to add any tweaks; the suspension is nearly faultless and the build quality is superb.  Playback is neutral and fully detailed.  I use the Reflex clamp which seems to do pretty well and went with a Vinyl Flat instead of going to a vacuum system.  Way less expensive and much more compact;-)

SOTA is great to work with, too.  When my Unitrac died, they made it very easy and inexpensive for me to refurb the table to take advantage of the Graham Phantom I'd decided to go with.  Got the series V platter and bearing, a custom arm board and new suspension.  With the DV XX2 Mk II, I feel like I'm extracting just about everything that's on the vinyl.

You pays your monies and takes your chances, but I strongly recommend the value proposition that SOTA delivers.  That said, both VPI and SOTA are outstanding tables and you won't go wrong with either one.

Good luck & happy listening!

@gritter2 - having gone down the road you are considering here is a link to all of the mods I completed on my Rega Planar II

http://image99.net/blog/files/category-turntable-mod0027s.html

Basically - I have replaced EVERYTHING! - the only thing left is the cover and the on/off switch.

It sounds fantastic, but it was a very long and $$$ journey - however I learned a lot along the way

Would I do it again? - NO

I've not heard VPI or SOTA TT's, but I think I might lean towards those brands

Another fine looking TT is the Music Hall mmf 7.3 - I think this would get a lot of my attention

Having said that - the best Rega mod's I have tried (in order) are...
- Audiomods Classic II tonearm
- ISOsub GT 2 S UPGRADE SUB PLATTER  Upgrade
- SRM/TECH Acrylic Platter  Upgrade

Hope that does not muddy the waters for you :-)

Regards - Steve

And yes, @tooblue has found a gem.  The SCoutmaster for $1600 is a great deal.  Be prepared to put that table on Bear Claws or Stillpoint Cones in the same way as the description of the Aries setup.  VPI cone/feet don't work very well.

@gritter2 I

In my opinion, there is another option you might consider....

Search around for an early (v1 or v2) VPI Aries or Aries Extended (MUCH preferred).  t might take a little while since, even used, these early Aries are in pretty high demand.   Put the Aries on Bear Claws or Stillpoint cones. (hard isolators, not rubber or soft material)  If the motor ends up a little too low, put it in a paperback book (will isolate vibrations from the motor.).  As an option, place the entire system on a large, thick maple butcher block.  

There is a like new Scoutmaster for sell on Canuck mart with the 10 inch arm for around $1,600.00  american that would be very hard to beat.

Here is another option. This dealer has a return policy incase you are not happy with it!
http://hifiheaven.net/shop/Technics/Technics-SL-1200GR-Grand-Class-Direct-Drive-Turntable-System?gcl...
Also comes in black!
http://hifiheaven.net/shop/Technics/Technics-SL-1210GR-Grand-Class-Direct-Drive-Turntable-System

I just upgraded my old SOTA Star III to a Nova V and love it to death. GREAT sound. But then my buddy has a VPI Scoutmaster that he loves; great value too. And a Planar 3 is a pretty decent deck itself!

One thing I can't live without anymore is a hold-down system for edge warps. You'd have to save up a bit longer and move up to a vacuum clamping Nova with the SOTA, or just go for a refurbished Star (which SOTA sells). The VPI you could add a peripheral ring clamp as budget allows.

The SOTA look is a bit more personal and potentially striking, as you can choose the wood. Some of the exotic choices are stunning (highly recommended). The VPI looks cool but won't be as eye-catching as a nice SOTA.

Go for the VPI Prime. It does everything that you described that you wanted