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What to consider with used Sota Sapphire??

A local pawn shop has an old Sota Sapphire: Sumiko MMT arm (I think), detachable headshell, oak frame w/ black plinth, the headshell has been replaced with a Stanton, cartridge is a Stanton as well. Has hinges for a dustcover, but no cover. Had been $375, but recently marked down to $275.
I already HAVE a good table, so I'm not really in the market for another; still, I got my thinking cap on just for the hypothetical "purchase" of the table.

The manual for the SOTA is available on Vinyl Engine and points out the somewhat elaborate box that SOTA uses for shipping: the table is locked down to plywood, so shipping stress is minimized. I've read that the bearing of the Sapphire is somewhat fragile and the manual suggests locking the transit screws even for a crosstown move.
In the pawn shop, the suspension is quite loose and springy, so I wonder if someone schlepped the table to the store with it bouncing up and down in the back of someone's SUV??? And wonder what chances of damage were if transported this way??
The new SOTA sells a shipping package for $65, but if the damage is already done, a person would have to consider sending it back to SOTA for a tune-up (and of course further expense). A replacement headshell is $40 from Needle Doc, new dustcover is $185, the bearing could be replaced if damaged (~$200?).
doodledog

Showing 1 response by gregadd

gregadd
574 posts
 
Doodledog- not a good deal in and of itself. If you are not a sota man, I would pass. SOTA does buy used tables. They also offer refurbushing and trades. Two problems. You are right about the springs. They will have to be replaced. This was always a major problem with the early sota tables. Second transporting the table without tieing down the springs can cause the sapphire bearing to crack. If it's cracked, it should be obvious.

Bottom line- if you want a sota it could be good for a trade or refurbishing. If not leave it alone.

The arm is also go good.
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