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Thoughts About Turntable Upgrades

I hope everyone is having a good Saturday. I'm sitting here listening to CDs because at the moment my digital playback is simply better than my turntable. The Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC that I purchased a few months ago is simply outstanding when paired with my old Cary 308. This leads to my questions/musings about turntable upgrades. 

I got back into vinyl a few years ago and purchased the Rega P3 with a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 preamp as a starter kit. I upgraded the cart to a Denon 301 II, which was big improvement for me. Looking forward, I'm leaning heavily towards a Sota Sapphire. I want a US made table only because I'm interested in having a US based system. The Sota seems like a good fit because I value sound that is more laid-back and I'm looking for a table that will emphasize warmth, soundstage, presence, solidity. That's the best I can offer in verbally describing my goal. I'm frankly looking for something that will top the Tubadour experience! The Rega is good, but after a few albums my ears are a bit exhausted.

Here are my questions:

Do y'all have any thoughts on my leaning towards Sota? Any other recommendations? Is there any reason to start with a new preamp rather than a new turntable? If so, what are your recommendations? 

I'm interested in your responses to these questions, but also any other suggestions as well. Let me have it! 

 

rblondeau
edcyn
1,876 posts
 

After spending untold amounts of time in the attempt to make judgments as to what order to place my three sources in terms of fidelity -- CD/SACD, Phono & Streaming, I've simply lost the jones to carve my order of preference in stone. I possess some truly excellent sounding CDs and SACDs. I've got plenty of lovely sounding vinyl. I can glean killer quality tone via Qobuz. The 21st Century is a good place to feed your HiFi yen.

rblondeau OP
28 posts
 

Thanks for the input, y'all. It's given me some more to chew on and research. I'll definitely check out MoFi and start reading up on phono pre-amps. 

Source quality is important for sure. I absolutely can hear the difference. I do still enjoy used record shopping though! 

Thanks again, y'all. Have a good week!

durkn
63 posts
 

I’m extremely happy with my VPI Prime 21+ & Soundsmith cart.

US made & excellent customer service.

audionut51
25 posts
 

Other recommendation made USA: Any Basis Audio table from 1400/2001/2000 and up. Used market steal/best value.....

larryi
3,756 posts
 

Sota tables are very well made, sound good, and are reasonably priced.  I don't think you will go wrong with your choice.  Basis makes terrific tables, but at a significantly incresed price (I own a Basis Debut vacuum clamp table myself).  Older VPI tables in good condition are also decent USA made choices, but I am a bit leery about current and recently made tables because of some reported reliability and poor construction issues.

If you are also looking for an American made tonearm, the Triplanar is one of the best, but current models are extremely expensive.  The Basis Vector is also good, but also somewhat pricey.  

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