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Thoughts on moving from a 1200G to Sota Saphire or above

Two different animals, I know. I’ve read some pretty decent reviews on the Sota’s with the vacuum option and intrigued. We’re always looking for that little extra something, something. I’m interested in retrieving a bit more detail and upping the sound stage. 
Maybe this would be a lateral move? Maybe I should change my cart? Something else? Be happy and spin vinyl? Thanks for your feedback. 
Gear:
Technics 1200G
Ortofon Cadenza Black
Herron VTPH-2A phono preamp
Audible Illusions L2 Line Stage
Levinson 532-H
B&W 803 D2 speakers
AQ McKenzie interconnects for phono

bfoura

Showing 8 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
old guys and gear rule…..today we spin vinyl on an ancient Sumiko FT-3 upgraded with flying Cardas leads, CF armtube and VTA tower structural mods…. Absolute sonic trash ;-)


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
why not try all  three…draw some conclusions, tell us….and give back to the forum…… ?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Hi Tim - My SOTA / Sumiko FT-3 came w Sumiko din to 2xrca plus ground wire box. Lew is spot on, some experiments w various ground schemes recommended to get best performance. i do have a Nordost Rca to rca that i use w integral wire for grounding. AQ Fire w a seperate ground wire sounds better.
ideally i should have had tonearm wired in one continuous run from headshell to phono inputs…..like my Triplaner..
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Water is the bare minimum, IMO


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
i also have my Herron on Stillpoints w HRS damping block on top.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
OP yes. Fire or better. Is your tonearm cable a DIN ? 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
the truly hardcore solder everything, no disconnects….
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
I have a sapphire w some upgrades, modified Sumiko FT-3 ( CF arm tube, ridged lock VTA tower / wiring ) Hana ML and your same Herron phono. I also have in a different system Brinkmann Bardo / Triplaner / Lyra.

I think you should spend $ on Fire Level or better IC out of table and phono, different cartridge and isolation for table. Maybe not in that order….
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