Hey Sota - Whatever Happened To Customer Service?

Pick up the phone and call them. Donna is very responsive.

I find it helpful to remember that I'm not the center of the universe in situations like this, especially around the holidays when people are taking time off to spend with their loved ones. 

Christian is also exceptional.

 

Recently, I contacted Sota Turntables to inquire about their Comet VI model. I had a very simple question: What is the total height of the turntable without the dust cover? This is important to me as I store my table on a pull-out shelf with limited headroom. The reply I received was " Thanks for the inquiry.  I don't have that measurement quickly available, but I do know it's 6-1/4" tall to the top of the cover, so I'd estimate an inch less." I responded that I needed to know for certain and could not rely on an estimate, due to my space issue. The response? " I'll see what I can do."

That was 5 days ago.

Wow. Has anyone dealt with Sota recently? How can I feel comfortable making a substantial purchase from a company that cannot answer a basic question from a potential buyer? I can't help but wonder what service after the sale would be if needed. SMH...

IMO their after sales support is pretty darn good… way better than average… I have no hesitation in recommending them.

And if it was a few weeks ago I would take credit for having them distracted, on my 38 year old table. 😎 So getting support happens, but it is also not instantaneous.

If it lasts you a few decades, then I am not sure 5 days is a deal breaker.



At this time of year, with holidays, and the amount of snow in Wisconsin and up north, I would suggest you maybe would have been better off with a phone call if you suspected that the email was overlooked.
(or, as mentioned, contact your closest dealer.) 

@gnoworyta  How high is the space you have?

Based upon my different model Sota, I would assume it would be at least 5” high, and likely more like 5-1/2”. As the clearance for the dust cover is maybe 3/4” above the tonearm.

The tonearm probably defines the height… but a spindle clamp has to be at least 1-1/4” and can also define the maximum.
The feet on mine are also providing about 1-1/2” of extra “lift kit”… the Comet will be different… and I have no experience with that model.

I have not had a better table, and I have not had a worse one.

@holmz,

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

I find it funny the amount of people making excuses for the lack of such a simple request. "People are on vacation" "People are busy" "After sales is much better".

  It doesn't take half of the staff to find a measuring device, be it a ruler, tape or any modern electrical devices, then place it next to a factory demo an get a proper answer. Buck up, money is tight, and if you want a chunk of mine, you must be willing to show me you'll earn it. 

@roadwhorerecords,

Thanks. My thoughts exactly. I was not asking them to move a mountain.

I would say you need at least 6 inches based on my Comet VI - 

Just measured my Comet VI - it is 6 5/8 inches to the highest point of my tonearm - but I have a Audiomods Series VI tonearm on my Comet VI (Sota did a custom order for me) and I have the brass feet pucks under the brass spiked feet, which adds a little - I would estimate the brass pucks under the feet add 1/4 inch; 

I expect the standard Rega tonearm would make it a tad shorter; the 6 1/4 inch number from Sota is likely accurate for the standard configuration without the feet pucks, but the tonearm counter weight would be the highest point and I suspect is a close fit with the dustcover - which is why I would say you need at least 6 inches. If you change the brass feet (they add 1.5 inches ) to a shorter set, you could likely knock off up to another inch (you still need some feet - the bearing well protrudes approximately 1/2" below the plinth). 

I too have not had a better table than this. Build quality is outstanding, solid speed and very quiet. Sounds fantastic. I was actually searching for a table to fit the tonearm, and the Audiomods tonearm is Rega geometry. The worry was that the tonearm would not fit under the dustcover (the VTA adjuster is a little taller than the rest of the arm) but it does and the table and tonearm with the dust cover look like the were designed with each other in mind. I will add that I have a Falcon PSU for speed control (easy add on for this table - just plug it in). 

Hope this helps..; if you need more help PM me and I will see how short I can make mine and let you know.