Sota Millenia vs Kuzma Stabi reference vs VPI HRX



I m considering buying one of the above.Pls give me yr opinion regarding the above with the appropriate synergistic tonearm and catridge
128x128audioblazer

Showing 4 responses by sirspeedy

FWIW,the Cosmos is far more beautiful(IMO)than the Millenia.It has the advantage of a "nested platter",not unlike the pricey Continuum tables(the belt and motor are not subject to as much dust/air borne pollution).Also,the Cosmos(I've owned three different mod/type-series I,III,and the IV which is fabulous,and a steal at the asking price)has a locked motor mount that keeps constant tension on the belt(it is also very silent),for a very(really,really accurate)precise and constant platter speed.
I believe the suspension is a little different(not positive),but the table is wonderful,and the vacuum aspect is absolutely effective,and very silent/reliable.
All tables mentioned are "wonderful",IMO.Yet,the Cosmos does have one weakness(from what I see from many hobbyists' choices)...it is simply too "realistically priced"!!AND has been around(and updated)for too long,in order for SO many audio hobbyists to "realize" just how fantastic,and reasonabley priced it is....A BARGAIN IMO!!...If it were advertised more(Sota is very low key here,and relies on word of mouth)and were priced FAR higher,and called something like "Ultimate Reference" there would be more sales.Silly,and just look at the web-site for a good education on it's features,advantages and benefits to the owner.
Best of luck.
Amfibius,I did not like the old suspension either,among other things....I had owned Stars as well..two of them.The new models are in a different universe totally,in all aspects!...The suspension on the Cosmos III,and IV is almost stiff in downward feel,and totally outperformed my previous air suspension(I had the springs bypassed)as well as the older(ancient)suspensions,which were like pendulums.
The SOTAS of the latest era are in a different league,in performance/fit/finish/customer service.
good luck.
To be fair,a few of my close pals have VPI tables/products(mostly the very latest TNT w/12.6 arm,and latest heavy platter)and they are anything but dry.Quite superb actually.
Sorry to hear that James.Quite the contrary to my experiences,over many years dealing with the SOTA products.
FWIW,the series IV update is to better isolate the motor/mount,and adds significant damping to the sub-assembly.I had the series III and felt the series IV was clearly better.ALL my motors ran flawlessly,over the years.
One thing folks have to understand is that Sota is not a huge company,like many other high end mfgrs,so it cannot be easy to meet time constraints if certain factors occur.Like parts back-orders.Sudden increase in orders from a good review,etc.

I know Kirk(the owner) is a very dedicated guy(to his customers)and he tries to satisfy everyone...to the max!!Any issues should go through him.He has been extremely approachable from my perspective,and makes a fabulous product,in the long run!
Good luck.