2. analog
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Turntable upgrade - worth the effort?

I currently have an NAD 533 with a Shure M97xE cartridge and am looking to upgrade. A friend has offered to let me borrow long term (and possibly keep) an older SOTA Saphire. It has a Souther linear tracking arm (I believe an SLA-3, which he claims had some tracking problems)and a Sumiko Blue Point Special. When I went to borrow it, I noticed that the turntable has been unused for many years and the needle was gone from the cartridge. I assume that I need to replace the entire cartridge (not just the needle) - and the turntable may need to be serviced since it has been unused for many years. He also has an RB 300 arm that is unattached (presumably used before the Souther).

Since I am not particularly adept mechanically, if I borrow this turntable, will I be asking for all kinds of headaches - both with regard to set up and financial (new cartridge). I really just want to upgrade my analog with as little headache as possible.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Related Equipment
Preamp - BAT 3ki
Amp - Hafler DH 220
Speakers - Spendor FL9
crg

Showing 1 response by cpdunn99

cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
SOTA is indeed back in business. They are here in the Chicago area (formerly in Lemont, IL but now in Worth, IL). You could call them to see about having the table "tuned up," but it is going to cost you a pretty penny dealing directly with them, esp. as they will strongly recommend upgrades. I would go to www.sotaturntables.com and go to the "Dealers and Distributors" link to find someone closer to home.

If your cartridge is a MM, then you probably can find a replacement stylus and install it yourself. If it is a MC (which is most likely), then I would either get it re-tipped if economical (for many it's not!) or get a used one with limited hours from a seller on this site. I bought a low-hour Goldring Excel VX for a great price here!
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