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Turntable Advice?

My SOTA Star Sapphire motor has gone bonkers, so I'm planning its replacement.  Hoping to get some thoughts on my options - I think some of you enjoy a challenge like this.  Major components are Aerial 10T's, Classe 6 Mk II pre-amp, Classe DR-150 amp.  Primary listening is well-recorded jazz, blues and solo guitar.

I could either re-use or sell my SME V arm.  I'm hoping I won't have to shell out more than another $1,500 either way.  Here's what I'm thinking:

1)  Get a new table and cart for the SME, have it all set up by a local pro
2)  Buy an old SOTA and cannibalize the motor
3)  Sell the SME V and go with:
  • New Music Hall mmf-9.3 with Goldring Eroica LX (no head amp needed - Classe has a MC input)
  • New Music Hall mmf-9.3 with upgraded cartridge (suggestions?)
  • Rega RP6 with Exact 2 cartridge
  • Clearaudio Concept or Emotion w/ dedicated arm and cartridge
  • Used table/arm (as long as it's durable)
This is admittedly a very wide-ranging list of options, but I'm all ears.  What would you do?  Thanks in advance!
keegiam

Showing 3 responses by keegiam

keegiam OP
731 posts
 
Thank you all.  Never have I seen such unanimity on a discussion topic!  I will get in touch with SOTA today.
I had read extensively on the web that the Pabst motors were no longer available and that SOTA was not properly supporting its customers.  Should have checked with them directly.
lewm, the table's speed fluctuates wildly - not slight pitch change.  Maybe you've figured it out, because the motor does still turn.

miller, this is why I usually have pros do everything.  I'm kind of hapless and lack confidence that I'll get it right.  I'll see what SOTA suggests and give it a try myself first.
keegiam OP
731 posts
 
No response from SOTA yet.  Mijostyn, is the new platter intended for the Star Sapphire (vaccuum hold-down)?

Any cartridge recommendations?  My pre-amp (Classe 6) has a MC switch that adds 22db (57db total).  I hope to have $1k left in my targeted outlay after the SOTA upgrades.

Thanks again everyone.
keegiam OP
731 posts
 
Thank you all so much.  I'm weighing my options with Donna at SOTA.
Bigwave, your post in particular is quite inspiring.  There were reasons I fell in love with the SOTA and SME V almost 30 years ago - this has been an excellent wake up call.
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