Assuming the SOTA has been properly stored for that period and was not torture tested by its owner, installing the REGA RB 300 and getting a replacement cartridge should ensure you better sound than what you presently have. SOTA is back in business and you could send it their way for basic cleaning, adjusting and maybe installation of the RB 300. I would forget a used linear tracking arm that, from what you say, was already problematic any way. A conventional arm like the RB 300, is way more simple and the RB 300 is quite sturdy so that I can't see, again short of torture testing, what could be wrong with it. I would not recommend a used cartridge, since you can never really tell were it's been. Unfortunately, most (if not all these days) moving coil cartridges do not have user replaceable styli, you have little choice but buying a replacement. Find a new cartridge at a decent price and you should be in business. Before you send the tt out for check and tune-up though, if and when you get it, cleaning every nook and cranny, checking and cleaning the belt, or replacing it if need be, and oiling the bearing should give you some idea of what you may expect. You do not mention if you have a mounting board for the Rega arm. If not, you will have to order one. I hope they have them pre-drilled for the Rega, since you have to be properly equipped and know what you aere doing to get that job done right. The RB 300 would work well with a moving coil, since it is pretty sturdy and of medium mass. The Shure V15-V xMR with the stabilizer down also works well in that arm. Check for motor noise. Find a local audiophile who is more handy than you to help out, if you can. Good day.
Turntable upgrade - worth the effort?
I currently have an NAD 533 with a Shure M97xE cartridge and am looking to upgrade. A friend has offered to let me borrow long term (and possibly keep) an older SOTA Saphire. It has a Souther linear tracking arm (I believe an SLA-3, which he claims had some tracking problems)and a Sumiko Blue Point Special. When I went to borrow it, I noticed that the turntable has been unused for many years and the needle was gone from the cartridge. I assume that I need to replace the entire cartridge (not just the needle) - and the turntable may need to be serviced since it has been unused for many years. He also has an RB 300 arm that is unattached (presumably used before the Souther).
Since I am not particularly adept mechanically, if I borrow this turntable, will I be asking for all kinds of headaches - both with regard to set up and financial (new cartridge). I really just want to upgrade my analog with as little headache as possible.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Related Equipment
Preamp - BAT 3ki
Amp - Hafler DH 220
Speakers - Spendor FL9
Since I am not particularly adept mechanically, if I borrow this turntable, will I be asking for all kinds of headaches - both with regard to set up and financial (new cartridge). I really just want to upgrade my analog with as little headache as possible.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Related Equipment
Preamp - BAT 3ki
Amp - Hafler DH 220
Speakers - Spendor FL9
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