Sota turntable

[edkoz]

I am looking at adding a TT to my office setup and I am interested in the Sota Star TT with a Zeta tone arm. I looks neat with the vac record hold down. Looks like I can get it for a good price but I know very little about this type of TT. If anyone has any experience with this TT I would like to know your feeling about the Sota brand and vac hold downs.
Thanks Ed

[nalthien]

I know that 427 (Dan) (not sure if he's still around AA) has at least 3 SOTA Star turntables set up in his house and I will say they are absolutely exceptional. While I considered buying one, the aesthetics didn't work in my living room and VPI (which I also love) has a much higher WAF.

[edkoz]

Originally Posted by nalthien

I know that 427 (Dan) (not sure if he's still around AA) has at least 3 SOTA Star turntables set up in his house and I will say they are absolutely exceptional. While I considered buying one, the aesthetics didn't work in my living room and VPI (which I also love) has a much higher WAF.

Thanks for the feedback. I have a VPI classic in the living room and the new TT will be going in my office, so the looks are all not that much of an issue. I am concerned that the vacuum hold down may add noise hence my question about this type of hold down. Second I can have fun with it because I will be the only one using the room. Looks like I will have to do an audition of the TT.
Ed

[nalthien]

So I've been to Dan's place 3-4 times and listened to various arms and cartridges on 3 different SOTA Star Sapphire turntables and not once did I hear the vacuum interfering with the sound (nor did I hear the vacuum period even when the audio was off). The vacuum motor is in an entirely separate unit and I found its operation virtually inaudible.

[Steady339]

Ed, I own a SOTA Star TT. Really excellent bass and isolation from foot falls with SOTA's four-point, suspended design. Easy to set up with lead shot. On the heavy side at 60 lbs. Generally very good sound. The vacuum is quiet, but requires the platter be kept dust free. The weakness of the design is a very slight pendulum motion of the suspension that has a small effect on speed stability.

[dcmfan]

I've also got a Star and love it. If you decide to buy the table do some research on how to move it. The Star has a Sapphire bearing that is easy to damage if the chasis is not properly locked down with the set screws underneath it.

The tonearm and platter sit on the same chasis, separate from the plinth, so you will see the two move together when you put the tonearm on a record. If the springs are in good shape, any pendulum motion should end quickly and not continue past the lead in groove. (At least that's how mine is).

The vacuum has a long tube with it, so you can put it well away from the table. I can hear the pump if I'm right next to it, but not at all if I am a few feet away.

[Steady339]

dcmfan, I was wondering if you have checked whether you are getting a steady speed-disc pattern with your Star? The speed-disc pattern I am getting wobbles back and forth a bit on my TT. Maybe mine needs servicing--new grease, spring replacement, and a new belt? I've read that SOTA claims they have corrected the speed stability issue.

[Masterlu]

dcmfan... Welcome to AA!

[edkoz]

Thank you for the hints about moving the TT and also the potential for speed issues. I plan to take a look at the table this week. I am not sure of the condition but it should be fun seeing it in action and looking for the things you both have pointed out. I will take a few records I am very familiar with as a ref.
Thanks again
Ed

[dcmfan]

Originally Posted by Steady339

dcmfan, I was wondering if you have checked whether you are getting a steady speed-disc pattern with your Star? The speed-disc pattern I am getting wobbles back and forth a bit on my TT. Maybe mine needs servicing--new grease, spring replacement, and a new belt? I've read that SOTA claims they have corrected the speed stability issue.

I checked it tonight with an iPhone app (RPM something or other) and it was spot on, even when I nudged the tonearm mount. Same result with a strobe disk. My table was updated to series IV by the previous owner, so it's been serviced in the last two years and updated to the newer motor controller.