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Happy with SOTA Star III

...paired to a Fidelity Research FR64fx arm (nice Dynamic-balance arm from Japan 80s/90s) -- for 5 years running. In that time, I've heavily upgraded every other component in the chain. The table is now the "cheap" link in the chain (cheaper than some of the cables...heh).

Settled on the Koetsu stone body carts for now, but the SOTA setup also yields superb sound with stuff in the low $1K retail range (e.g. Ortofon Cadenza/Kontrapunkt, Benz). I had an Ortofon MC Windfeld and it wasn't my kind of sound at all; cartridge selection/voicing is quite critical.

I try CD again from time to time, but it's just not the same as vinyl. Recently auditioned the new Clearaudio Ovation (beautiful table) with a nice Cadenza on it; great table but I came away feeling that while the Ovation itself was probably a slight upgrade to my SOTA, I clearly prefer my FR arm w/ Koetsu over the Clearaudio arm w/ Ortofon.

Also, I should note that my SOTA hasn't ever had any major work done -- and it could use all new springs/bearing/belt/PS/etc (i.e. a full refurbish). It certainly needs a new platter/lip/vacuum, as that never worked (silicon lip lost its gripping/sealing abilities by the time I got it). Still, even in its present condition it just keeps running, and sounding great! The Koa wood body is quite stunning to behold. Super bargain for the $2K I paid (including the FR arm). I'd suggest that if you don't love vinyl with a setup like this -- then you just plain don't like vinyl! -- Mike


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  Michael Percy Audio  


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  • Happy with SOTA Star III - mulveling 00:22:06 07/08/12 (0)

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