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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
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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Larseand: I concur with Stanwal about the SOTA ( keep it, like others agree too. ) and on the GST-801 tonearm: very good too ( keep it. ).

I don't know where Stanwal read Grace for a cartridge but anyway you can make it better in that analog rig with this top quality performer:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
larseand OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for your advice folks. I like the idea keeping the OL' SOTA! More advice needed... How far should I go with the repair and updates? SOTA advises me that this table can be brought up to a current production Saphire (5th generation?) Is this advisable or should I repair and maintain my table as it was produced in 1983? Also, the repair I have mentioned involves the wooden frame seperating from the platform; it has let go and the platform is sagging... Raul, thanks for the MP 50 link!
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