2. analog
  3. 166861-98013

SOTA NOVA, HR-X VPI, Technics 1200G recommendations?

I am considering SOTA NOVA, used HR-X VPI and Technics 1200G TTs. I have an old SOTA STAR with vacuum, (and essentially a Jelco 750 arm-retipped Denon 103R) so I know its high quality and durability. Technics apparently has performance that far exceeds its $4000 price tag. For tonearms, I am down to Jelco 850M and old FR-64S. I am considering low compliance cartridges. For VPI, it would be JMW 12 or 3D. Changing the tonearms seems to be more of a hassle on VPI. What are your thoughts and recommendations?
128x128chungjh
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
Does anyone have a B-60, the VTA Base for FR-64S that you want to sell?
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You can buy new IKEDA VTA base, it’s the same. The original B-60 is old and very hard to find (even replica). 
noodlyarm
91 posts
 
I owned the SOTA Sapphire, V1.   Hands down the best table I’ve ever owned.   You could do nuclear testing in the room and that table never missed a beat.   It was as close to flawless as I’ve seen.   I don’t know about their current products, but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy well maintained older tables.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,017 posts
 
An elephant could stampede past my turntable with no Ill effects. It’s where and how you mount it that matters. I’ve never once heard a skip or a blip while it’s playing. Solid turntable shelf mounted on an equally solid concrete wall. A music hall mmf 9.3 or 11.3 would be my choice. Hard to beat either for the money. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,230 posts
 
Chung, once you are use to a Sota the other tables will drive you nuts.
Just get a Noba Vacuum. Jelco is out of business and I think you are headed in the wrong direction with a low compliance cartridge. You just increase record wear. There are many medium to high compliance cartridges of the highest caliber. Just put the most expensive Origin Live arm you can afford on it. Stay away from unipivot arms!!
More to discover