SOTA STAR Sapphire Turntable Care and Feeding

I owned a Star Sapphire III as my only TT for 10 years or so.  I found the vacuum clamping to be generally effective for edge warps.  What bugged me is whether I could hear an effect on SQ that I found to be not so copacetic, although very subtle.  But you know how "we" audiophiles are about stuff like that. I own a peripheral ring clamp but would never dare to use it for fear of damaging the cartridge.  I do use a record weight or clamp on the spindle, but I cannot kid myself that it does much to eliminate warps.  Anyway, it's amazing how much of a warp can be "played" without an obvious audible problem, is my experience since selling the SS III.

@jrcotner here's a great setup (not affiliated with seller) should have you singing and very happy.

I got on the phone with SOTA to talk about refurbished turntables.  Had a few nice conversations with Christan and we talked about my stereo upgrade plan, the room and my listening habits and tastes.  Turns out they have one rosewood Sapphire III ready to get refurbished.  We talked about my budget and Christan gave me some options, so I pulled the trigger.  It's going to get Series IV electronics, Rega 330 tonearm and a Hana cartridge, which will keep it in my budget.  It should be ready in January.  I enjoyed working with Christan and am excited to get a SOTA turntable after 30+ years of pining for one.

" It should be ready in January"

Great way to start the New Year. Enjoy it!

When the bug bites, you can always find a really nice used arm(when you're ready to try a "better" cart) in the listings.

I got on the phone with SOTA to talk about refurbished turntables.  Had a few nice conversations with Christan and we talked about my stereo upgrade plan, the room and my listening habits and tastes.  Turns out they have one rosewood Sapphire III ready to get refurbished.  We talked about my budget and Christan gave me some options, so I pulled the trigger.  It's going to get Series IV electronics, Rega 330 tonearm and a Hana cartridge, which will keep it in my budget.  It should be ready in January.  I enjoyed working with Christan and am excited to get a SOTA turntable after 30+ years of pining for one.

Good deal! Awesome that you get a 3 chassis with that exotic wood - they used some really beautiful woods back then. On the flip side - SOTA's tech, engineering, and materials quality for inside the chassis took a HUGE leap forward when Christan came onboard a few years back. They were somewhat stagnant for a long time before that. You're in good hands!