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Time to move on from my old SOTA ?

With a $1500 budget, should I refurbish my vintage gear or update to a modern set-up? HISTORY: In the early 80's, I assembled a SOTA Saphire, Lustre GTS 801 arm and a Dynavector "Ruby" cartridge...I have not used the table for years and it needs to be sent back to SOTA for service and repair. I have been out of the loop for so long... Do I invest my time and money into refurbishing/updating my old set-up or move on to a newer package like the Marantz TT 15S1 with arm and cartidge...ready to go. Moreover, where would I be if I invested my budget into my old gear, how would it compare with what's out there today? Any suggestions/opinions? Thanks for your read...
larseand
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
You still have a good table. I would sell the Grace and get an MC that would be better with the 801, Raul may have other views. The 801 has VTA adjustment during play if I remember mine correctly, which is very handy and not that common. I would have it serviced if it needed it, you would have to spend a considerable amount of money to improve on it, just what needs repair? A new belt and lube would be a good idea but tables tend to have long lives. I would avoid shipping it if possible. If I kept the Grace I would get a lighter headshell for the arm, the 801's is very good but somewhat heavy for the Grace.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Sell off what you have and get the Marantz. Upgrades are in general, a poor value. New gives you the current tech, warranties etc. Often the Marantz can be had for about $1100. So a sell off would yield about a net cost of about $300. Not to take away from SOTA, they make excellent products. Hold on to the SOTA clamp. It is one of the best.
elevick
2,439 posts
 
If you have a good tech in the area, you can get it cleaned, lubed, belt and totally adjusted for a lot less than 1500. A new cartridge will run you anywhere from 100 to 1000 depending on you tastes. A Goldring 1012 or 1042 work great with the table. I recently put a clearaudio aurum on mine and it is a little better. However, the added weight is a problem.
The Sapphire will keep up with anything made today. I feel that proper set up is more important than anything else.
tbromgard
787 posts
 
Keep your SOTA-once the factory refurb. it will be good as new. Put money into other components, cables, new vinyl or a record cleaning machine.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
Refurbish the SOTA. I had a Star Sapphire that SOTA converted to a Nova Series V and for the money they charged I would have had to spend twice as much IMO to get something else that was comparable.
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