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SOTA vacuum or no?

I am considering a new SOTA Sapphire or Nova as a replacement for my VPI Scoutmaster. I am aware of the differences in features between the Sapphire and Nova, but the biggest difference is obviously the presence of the vacuum clamping system present on the Nova. Is it worth it? The price difference between these two SOTA's is about $1400, I think. I am curious as to the reliability of the vacuum system, sonic benefit versus using the SOTA I-clamp or Reflex clamp alone. Also, how easy is the vacuum system to live with? I'd prefer minimal tweaking, if possible. Thanks!
rockinrobin

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
3,717 posts
 
I have a Basis Debut vacuum. The vacuum feature is easier to use than even a plain old clamp. Just put the record on the platter, put the center "clamp" (actually a seal) on the spindle and flip a switch. You don't even have to tighten the center clamp. With some warped records one does have to push down the edge of the record, but otherwise it is a no hassle feature.

Periphery rings are a big pain in the ass. Also, they are a disaster waiting to happen (accidentally bumping the stylus with the ring). That said, I know of a number of people who insist that the rings improve the sound even when one is using vacuum clamping (I never personally tried this).
larryi
3,717 posts
 
I am a big fan of vacuum clamping, but, a few words of caution are in order here.

I run the vacuum pressure as LOW as possible -- just enough to pull the record flat to the platter -- in order to minimize the possibility of damage. I know of claims that the vacuum damages records, either by pulling plasticizers out of the record or by grinding in dirt that is on the record or the hard platter surface. When I first got my table, I ran the pressure higher than I do now. For some records, I notice more clicks and pops on the side that was less frequently played. Some of the extra noise was ameliorated by a good cleaning, but, I cannot be sure I was able to cure all of it. I now run the vacuum pressure on the low side, and I keep the platter surface very clean. When not in use, the platter is covered by a sacrificial record used as a dust cover (a Charlie Rich record someone gave to me). I also use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface once in a while. I have since had no issue with noise.

Most of the comment here as been about the vacuum curing warps. It will certainly do that (provided you jack the pressure up for those particular records), but the real benefit is that the intimate contact between the record and a platter dampens vibrations imparted in the vinyl by the needle tracking the groove. ALL records, not just warped ones can benefit from such dampening.
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