2. analog
  3. 179574-83759

What is the best tonearm for a SOTA Nova turntable?

I haven't played an LP for a while now. I've moved from CD's to streaming both Tidal and my own rips from a Roon Nucleus plus. My SOTA Nova with an ET2 arm has been sitting idle along with hundreds of high quality LP's. I've heard that the ET2 is not a good match with the SOTA, and may be the weak point in my analog chain. (SOTA-ET2-Lyra Kleos -Allnic 1201 phono stage- ARC Ref6- PS Audio-BHK300 amps-Reference 3a Grand Veena speakers and unnamed sub system. 

My digital system with a Holo May DAC and Roon with HQP trounces the analog system pretty soundly.

I'd like to resurrect the analog system as I have read that I'm missing out not using it.

My question is, where can I make the most improvement for the least cash outlay?

I'd like to keep the SOTA table, but everything else is expendable.

Thanks in advance for some help.

-John

gyneguy225

Showing 2 responses by dover

dover
2,182 posts
 

 I've heard that the ET2 is not a good match with the SOTA, and may be the weak point in my analog chain.

Not true, I ran a Sota with ET2 for a number of years - it is a great combination.

The SOTA has a balanced hanging suspension and is much more stable than TT's like the Linn where the platter/arm sit on top of the springs.

You will have to spend a lot of money to get a better arm.

If you do want to go to a convection pivoted arm I would suggest the Kuzma 4Point 9 - one of the best arms around regardless of price. If you want a cheaper arm the Audiomods Classic or 6 punch well above their weight.

The Allnic is a good phono - why not just get it serviced and buy a new set of decent tubes.

dover
2,182 posts
 

@gyneguy225 

Thats a great outcome

On the SOTA you shouldn't need to do a complete upgrade.

The Nova already has the AC motor with double regulated frequency synthesised power supply - this was a massive improvement on the older DC motor.

I prefer the original bearing ( inverted bearing with sapphire thrust pad ) if its in good condition. When the Sota is transported you must use the transit screws to lift the platter off the sapphire thrust pad - most damage is cased by transporting without the transit screws. Secondly make sure the bearing does not run dry.

If the original bearing is good - you could do the springs yourself.

You could get a basic service - new springs, clean and lube the bearing, check all the vacuum system - hoses, gaskets etc - the air pumps should probably get the internal rubber bellows replaced due to age.

Just bring the Nova up to as new condition - its still a great TT.

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