The Official SOTA Turntable Thread

MisterDK said:
Guys, thanks to all for the tips and advice!
Looks like I may have gotten lucky on this table. Other than the flimsy belt slipping a bit for a couple seconds, (guessing it’s old) this seems to be working perfectly. Vacuum sucks the record down and it’s at proper speed within about 5-6 seconds - and that’s with using this weighted puck and not a proper clamp. Pump is very quiet, turntable is silent, doesn’t look like suspension springs are sagging either. Speeds dial right in using the weight puck markings.

Need to replace the cartridge and then spin some records - hopefully tonight. First I need to do some rearranging; I don’t dare put this SOTA on the wood and glass stereo rack my Rega is on top of.. This SOTA weighs about what 4 Regas would.
I think I have just the right stand for this though; it weighs around 60#, it’s at a perfect height and is stable as can be. My rotund wife could even dance on it (if she wouldn’t fall off). ^_^

View attachment 1542140
Click to expand...

Good for you! Nice looking 'table.

Replacement belts are available direct from SOTA. Do yourself a favor and get the real thing instead trying to save some $ with anything else.

At the same time, if you can find the serial number, SOTA can tell you if it's ever been upgraded or serviced.
 
I wouldn't think glass would be a good choice for most stereo gear but then again what do I know. It may not have a sound signature.
 
mkane said:
I wouldn't think glass would be a good choice for most stereo gear but then again what do I know. It may not have a sound signature.
Click to expand...

The glass upper shelf is about 3/8” thick and the Rega wasn’t directly on it. I have the Rega on Mod Squad tip-toes, on top of hockey pucks. It sounded fine to me but - I wanted a SOTA since the day I bought the Rega, in ‘86. I was most worried about not only that top shelf glass, but actually having it much more top heavy with the SOTA up there. Probably would have worked had I replaced the glass top shelf with wood, but I had something else in mind..
 
You know what? This SOTA sounds great!
Not even a fancy cartridge on it, but an old AT Lab Series LS400 I had here (Dynavector the table came with lost a cantilever). This does seem to have much more “punch” and clarity than the Rega ever did and I’d tried quite a few cartridges on that Rega.
The table I have it on weighs over 60#, is a three leg style with 3” butcher block top. It was actually built for benchrest shooting. The feet are on more hockey pucks, under both the SOTA and the shooting table.
My old Adcom 555 is now on a crate beneath with the vac pump on a thick, folded towel, inside the right side crate. Can’t hear the pump at all. While this isn’t the fanciest looking rig, it sounds good to me. Previous owner had this stored, supposedly for a long time (he said 20 years). Another SOTA out of storage and spinning records. ^_^

AF06FD39-0C98-48A3-9A3F-FFCD4E71B8FE.jpeg 9D1CF8C6-24FE-48C1-AB62-766D9CAB765F.jpeg
 
MisterDK said:
You know what? This SOTA sounds great!
Click to expand...
I hope so:p
MisterDK said:
(Dynavector the table came with lost a cantilever).
Click to expand...
You should look into getting it fixed, or another MC like a Sumiko

MisterDK said:
The table I have it on weighs over 60#, is a three leg style with 3” butcher block top. It was actually built for benchrest shooting. The feet are on more hockey pucks, under both the SOTA and the shooting table.
Click to expand...
Nice table and it looks good with the SOTA. I don't think you need any of those hockey pucks, the SOTA is a whole other ball game when it comes to isolation than any other table.

MisterDK said:
My old Adcom 555 is now on a crate beneath with the vac pump on a thick, folded towel, inside the right side crate. Can’t hear the pump at all.
Click to expand...
That's a good way of hiding the Vac/PS
 
4-2-7 said:
...I don't think you need any of those hockey pucks, the SOTA is a whole other ball game when it comes to isolation than any other table.
Click to expand...

You’re absolutely right - but they raise it up another 3-4” total, putting it at a comfortable height for me.

I’m really enjoying the sound of this SOTA. I thought for years that my Rega sounded good - but this is so much better.
Wondering now if I should pick up some of the other interesting audio gear my neighbor wants to sell.
 
Finally got my SOTA Sapphire Star setup and running! It replaced my Thorens TD126. I also put in the ARC SP11 and Forte Class A mono blocks (replaced my Fisher 800C). It’s a very impressive system all around. Super tight base and killer mids and highs. Soundstage is the best i’ve heard. This setup is a keeper.

All vacuum systems are working as they should. Records are glued to the platter and the Eminent Technology TP-2 arm moves effortlessly. I did have an issue with the tonearm wires catching the wand at end of record - but that was an easy fix - it literally shot he tonearm back 2-3 inches! Here are some pics of the setup and my helper.


06861143-944B-4100-9027-37D2D298B14E.jpeg 3B1CCAD9-32DC-46E7-80B4-72A01426EE70.jpeg C5E93FF0-ACD2-4834-B2AF-BE53A71DC91C.jpeg
 
Finally got started on a Sapphire that had been waiting for quite awhile. There were no unusual noises from the platter but the spin down time was pretty short, much less than my other tables. I decided to take a look at the bearing and I'm not sure if I am seeing an intact or broken sapphire. From what I have read the bearing will appear worn or cracked if there is a problem. I also found some metal shavings around the outside of the bearing from where the lock screws had worn into the bearing housing. I filed the rough edges down and cleaned up the shavings and the old grease. Three questions. 1. What are your opinions on the bearing condition? 2. What lubrication do you recommend for the ball bearing and bushing? 3.Has anyone ordered the replacement sapphires on fleabay? Thanks in advance
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2393.JPG
    IMG_2393.JPG
    88.5 KB · Views: 55
  • IMG_2394.JPG
    IMG_2394.JPG
    57.5 KB · Views: 56
  • IMG_2395.JPG
    IMG_2395.JPG
    90.6 KB · Views: 55
  • IMG_2396.JPG
    IMG_2396.JPG
    84.3 KB · Views: 56
Last edited:
ZackD said:
Finally got started on a Sapphire that had been waiting for quite awhile. There were no unusual noises from the platter but the spin down time was pretty short, much less than my other tables. I decided to take a look at the bearing and I'm not sure if I am seeing an intact or broken sapphire. From what I have read the bearing will appear worn or cracked if there is a problem. I also found some metal shavings around the outside of the bearing from where the lock screws had worn into the bearing housing. I filed the rough edges down and cleaned up the shavings and the old grease. Three questions. 1. What are your opinions on the bearing condition? 2. What lubrication do you recommend for the ball bearing and bushing? 3.Has anyone ordered the replacement sapphires on fleabay? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Do you see any thing wrong with the steel ball bearing? Any cut rings in it? That will tell you is the sapphire is crushed and turned to dust.

Oh this bearing doesn't used oil, just a little grease to hold the ball bearing in place

If you want to get a good look at the sapphire, take a block of wood and tap the spindle out of the platter. The sapphire is glued into a recess in the base of the spindle. To reinstall, drop it back into the platter, and take a socket and extension and tap it till it's fully seated.
 
The ball bearing looks good. I think I will try some fresh grease and get everything set up and balanced before I take it further since the ball bearing is in good shape. Thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate the help.
 
Got my Sapphire up and running today. The bearing wound up being fine. The ID tag has the Oakland CA address and a serial number a little below 16000. The table was in very good condition and came with a blank arm board. I was looking for a dust cover and found one that included an oak plinth and springs from a Star Sapphire at no additional charge. I just did the usual clean and deoxit of the pots and replaced the belt. I was waiting until I could swing a new Audiomods arm but got tired of waiting so I decided to try the Linn Basik LVX arm from my KD 500. Everything looks and sounds good so far.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2407.JPG
    IMG_2407.JPG
    59 KB · Views: 30
  • IMG_2406.JPG
    IMG_2406.JPG
    55.7 KB · Views: 27
ZackD said:
Got my Sapphire up and running today. The bearing wound up being fine. The ID tag has the Oakland CA address and a serial number a little below 16000. The table was in very good condition and came with a blank arm board. I was looking for a dust cover and found one that included an oak plinth and springs from a Star Sapphire at no additional charge. I just did the usual clean and deoxit of the pots and replaced the belt. I was waiting until I could swing a new Audiomods arm but got tired of waiting so I decided to try the Linn Basik LVX arm from my KD 500. Everything looks and sounds good so far.
Click to expand...
Great looking table, looks like you got everything sorted out on it and can sit back and enjoy, congratulations

Audiofreak71
 
Thanks for the compliment Audiofreak71. I don't post very often but I needed some advice this time and there aren't many SOTA experts out there. 4-2-7 saved me from going down an unnecessary road with the bearing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom