RE: Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s...

>>Yes, well that comment is a lot of hooey.

I don't think it's a lot of hooey. I had a used Sapphire here for 3 years. Also had 3 pairs of speakers in that time. The Sota rarely moved me though at times it could sound beguiling but not really in musical ways to me. I was completely disillusioned with my system by the end of my time with it that I sold it and bought a P3. Of course the dealer who sold me the deck was critical of the music I was playing on it but offered me upgrades to the table to make it "better". I listened to other Sota systems at his shop and in the home of someone who owned one but realized I didn't have much interest at all in the music they were playing so it really didn't matter how good it sounded with the kinds of records they would play for me. And for sure was not enamored with the results when taking my own LPs in for demo. I don't remember what I paid for it but selling it for $200 was better than tossing it in the alley.

So I started hanging out at the Linn dealer who had opened up across town. They had rack of records, many of my favorites, for me to use to demo. All the music and all the systems in the demo rooms sounded great to me - always. And it wasn't just Linn equipment they were using - I'm not a big Linn fan though I like the modern versions of the LP12 but probably would never buy one for lots of reasons.

I briefly owned an early LP12/Ittock when I went to upgrade from that 2nd P3. I kind of liked it but it had a shit ton of bass, not low bass just bass. At that point the SP100s I owned had essentially no low bass. Now the PSB Stratus Golds I had with the Sota would lock the room and rattle the shelves with bass so low it was inaudible (but felt).

In a nutshell I was often impressed with the performance of the systems at the Sota dealership but rarely was I involved musically with the systems they were selling. That said at the Linn dealership it was like music heaven when I went into that shop. My experiences at home perfectly match my experiences in the shops. So I agree with the comment I kind of quoted above. But understand why others would disagree with it.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Anybody remember Linn matchbook "stylus cleaners"? - Steve Parry 16:14:31 02/14/25 (15)

Rumor is they have a new replacement for it - theophile 22:13:48 02/16/25 (0)

RE: Anybody remember Linn matchbook "stylus cleaners"? - M3Man 17:19:11 02/16/25 (0)

Linn matchbook "stylus cleaners" - M3 lover 08:54:33 02/15/25 (3)

RE: the best way to clean a record was simply by playing it! ... - andyr 16:00:55 02/23/25 (0)

Trust you understood - M3 lover 07:46:27 02/18/25 (0)

Well they can say that, but I have heard with my own ears the benefit... - Steve Parry 09:40:13 02/15/25 (0)

I remember - Story 02:58:49 02/15/25 (4)

Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s... - Steve Parry 09:46:14 02/15/25 (3)

RE: Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s... - Goober58 17:45:36 02/15/25 (2)

RE: Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s... - dgaapc7 11:43:19 02/16/25 (1)

RE: Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s... - Goober58 16:29:01 02/16/25 (0)

I never had the temerity - hifitommy 21:56:57 02/14/25 (0)

Found a photo of one on Google, and note it says to only use...- - Steve Parry 16:26:17 02/14/25 (2)

I still have my Noddy & Big Ears pins (nt) - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 20:54:41 02/14/25 (0)

RE: Found a photo of one on Google, and note it says to only use...- - Sondek 17:56:12 02/14/25 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s... - Goober58 16:29:01 02/16/25 (0)

RE: Yes, I frequented my local Linn dealer often in the early to mid 80s...

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