SOTA / FT-3 / Sonata compatability?

Hi, Dave:

I used to own a Premier FT-3K tonearm, and used it with several different Grados. The combination was a good, moderately-priced one. The only problem that the Grado cartridges tend to have is susceptibility to hum caused by the turntable motor. This hum is not normally audible when playing an LP. I have not used this tonearm/cartridge combo on a SOTA turntable, but hum was not a problem with my VPI HW-10 Mark 4. Since the SOTA is a quiet table with a decently shielded motor, I don't think you will experience any problems.

I have been using a Sota Saphire III/Audioquest PT-5/Grado MCZ since early '90s. No hum problems at all. My next cartridge will be a Sonata.

Warning!! I am a dealer. I've been a Sota and Grado dealer for 20 years. The Sonata will work fine in the FT3. The Grado's will pick up AC hum in some turntables because they are not shielded. However, the SOTA has a DC servo motor, so the Grado won't have the AC hum problem. -Harry