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SOTA Sapphire speed issue

Hi, Gang,

I have a SOTA Sapphire turntable that I bought new in the late 1980's. it was sent back to SOTA for a refresh several years ago. They inspected it, replaced the suspension springs and put in a new bearing. 
The table is now having speed problems. It can take literally 4 or 5 minutes to spin fully up to speed. 
Have any of you seen this on your own SOTA table? Any ideas? I'd love to avoid the time and expense of shipping this beast back to SOTA if I can. 
Thanks in advance. 
rebbi
regafan's avatar
regafan
30 posts
 
You should be able to remove the protective cover that houses the 33\45 switch, the on\off switch, and the speed adjustment. With that cover off determine if the belt has been installed inside out. The grippy side could be on the outside and the non-grippy side is thoroughly warn. I did this once, although my speed issues were not nearly as severe.

With cover off you should be able to observe the driver pulley. If this is slow then you have a problem. I would make these observations and contact a good SOTA dealer or SOTA themselves. I have always found Donna at SOTA an easy person to speak to. If you e-mail SOTA, I have found them very responsive.

Good luck.
goheelz's avatar
goheelz
229 posts
 
30 year old motor. Might be time to replace the motor.  You know, for the next 30 years or so.
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
@regafan Thanks for the reply. I’ll have a look beneath the cover. How would I even tell if the pulley was slow? I spoke to Donna about this awhile ago when the problem was less pronounced. It may be time to talk to her again.

@goheelz I’ve thought it might be time for a new motor.
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