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Turntables & Tonearms Where Analog still Rules

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  #51  
Old 11-27-2019, 09:51 PM
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The Luxman has a 7" tonearm! Never heard of that. I'll have to look up more on the 151; its price is close to that of the Technics.

By the way, does anyone have any experience with the SugarCube SC-1 by SweetVinyl? It's supposed to remove noise from LPs.
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  #52  
Old 12-08-2019, 06:38 AM
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Forgot I had these. Two TT shots from the NY Audio Show. The Luxman PD-171A and the Technics SL-1200G (a bit blurry). The Luxman is gorgeous.
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File Type: jpg IMG_0502 copy.jpg (89.8 KB, 86 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0499 copy.jpg (83.5 KB, 81 views)
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  #53  
Old 12-14-2019, 06:39 AM
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As reported in my "curiosity" thread, I heard back from SOTA regarding my inquiries on the Sapphire. They didn't get the first e-mail for some reason, though the address was correct. I would indeed be able to send them my SME 309 to install on the Sapphire, saving me the cost of a new arm. The last time I changed out the cartridge, though, there was some difficulty getting the 309's headshell off. Perhaps the screw was somehow stripped; it couldn't possibly be the dried-out felt washer, could it? The screw seemed to turn in place for quite a while before I got it out of the headshell.

Since I play records very little these days, one wonders why I'd consider investing in another turntable. The 'tables at the NYAS were beautiful to look at for one; second, my VPI's too old to get parts for if it breaks down (except for the belt, perhaps); third, I realize I'm too lazy to deal with getting rid of my 700–750 albums if I chuck the VPI; and fourth, some of these albums were my mother's, so there's some sentimental value there. I do have the sense that, if I replace anything in my setup, it'll end up being the TV or the turntable.
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Last edited by prepress; 12-27-2019 at 09:03 AM.
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  #54  
Old 12-28-2019, 11:40 AM
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Because my turntable machinations have morphed into full-on research toward a solution, I'm moving further posting on that from my "Curiosity" thread to here.

I have narrowed things to a Sota Sapphire or Nova, or a Technics SL-1200G. I am engaged in gathering info on both. I've recently replied to Donna at Sota with questions on what performance benefits are realized for the additional $900 cost of a Nova over a Sapphire. In either case I would cannibalize my VPI by sending them the SME 309 arm to install, and have them replace the cartridge as well. For finishes, I'm considering the stock oak (looking gorgeous on a Nova on Sota's website), or a custom black oak or gloss (piano) black. As for the Technics, I want to spend more time with Michael Fremer's review of the SL-1200G as it goes into quite some detail. I'd like to understand more of the belt drive vs. direct drive controversy as well. Each has its pluses and minuses.

The reason I lean toward the Sota at this point is that, while the Technics supposedly has good resistance to vibrations, the Sotas are famous for it. Also, mulveling's picture of his Sota has me fully captivated! More as it develops.
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  #55  
Old 01-25-2020, 01:52 PM
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Throwing a quick update here.

My overall budget here is $5,000. I have been in touch with Donna Bodinet at Sota. We're working toward cementing this thing. The plan is/was for me to ship them my SME 309 with Grado Sonata 1 attached, whereupon they'd inspect the cartridge. If it's in good shape, fine; if it needed replacing anytime soon then the cost of a Grado Sonata V2 would be added (another $600).

To keep within budget I've opted for a Sapphire in black oak, with the new aluminum platter, and dust cover. Here's a video with it; the Sapphire shows up at about 4:50 in. The video is a nice little peek at the latest from Sota.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3vAuWDMlHc

Except for the arm, mine will look like that.

Meantime, I was confused as to the differences between a Grado Sonata Reference and Sonata Statement. The low-output Statement is a performance upgrade, says Grado, and they're offering me a trade-in on my Sonata 1! Though I don't play records much these days, the Sonata's seven years old. Grado says it's probably fine, but if I want the performance bump I can send them the complete headshell with cart and they'll mount The Sonata 2, as the headshell will need modification to accommodate the 2's larger body. I'll need to find something to ship it in, and I'm on my way.
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Last edited by prepress; 01-25-2020 at 03:02 PM.
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  #56  
Old 01-25-2020, 02:57 PM
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Charles.......The SOTA Sapphire turntable looks very nice, and being able to mount the SME 309 tonearm is a real plus. The video was interesting, too. Thanks.
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  #57  
Old 01-31-2020, 08:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
Charles.......The SOTA Sapphire turntable looks very nice, and being able to mount the SME 309 tonearm is a real plus. The video was interesting, too. Thanks.
I thought it was interesting too. I have gone back to that link a couple more times to look at that Sapphire VI.

I've run into a snag on the tonearm (typical for me), though. I'm having trouble getting the 309's headshell off. The same thing occurred the last time I changed out a cartridge. I got it off eventually last time, but am concerned that the headshell bolt is either stripped or over-tightened (a no-no). It drove me nuts seven years ago, and it's getting close to that after about 30 minutes of trying. The reason I think it may be stripped is there's more play for the wrench than I think there should be. It's the same wrench that came with the arm, so this should work. I wil have to come up with ideas on how to loosen up the bolt, so this thing can move forward.
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  #58  
Old 02-01-2020, 11:00 AM
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For high quality isolation and elimination of vibration, you should check out Herzan active anti-vibration tables or Minus-K active isolation tables.
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  #59  
Old 02-04-2020, 06:03 PM
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This is crazy, but for those who are familiar with the SME 309 arm, which direction should I turn the screw that holds the headshell in place to loosen it? I want to be sure, since it doesn't loosen so far. I've been turning it counter-clockwise. I'm concerned the screw's been stripped. Last time I took the headshell off was seven years ago and I had the same trouble then; also, the adhesive that held the headshell screw's nut in place dried out back then and is long gone. Any suggestions?
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  #60  
Old 02-08-2020, 02:45 PM
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Grado asked for a photo of my headshell, and upon receiving it they say they don't need the headshell, just the cartridge (which is great, since I've been unable to get it off the arm).

So, I'll need to de-install the cartridge. Is there a specific kit for this, or is all I need is a screwdriver and some sort of plier to disconnect the tonearm wires from the cartridge? Never done this before and don't have a kit of any kind.
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