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SOTA Sapphire speed issue

Hi, Gang,

I have a SOTA Sapphire turntable that I bought new in the late 1980's. it was sent back to SOTA for a refresh several years ago. They inspected it, replaced the suspension springs and put in a new bearing. 
The table is now having speed problems. It can take literally 4 or 5 minutes to spin fully up to speed. 
Have any of you seen this on your own SOTA table? Any ideas? I'd love to avoid the time and expense of shipping this beast back to SOTA if I can. 
Thanks in advance. 
rebbi
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Donna suggested starting with a new belt, so one is on the way. I'll report back!
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Hi, Y'all,

Well, got the new belt from Donna and it seems to have solved the speed stability issue. The SOTA manual suggests replacing the belt after three years of normal use, and mine was around 8 or 9 years old! Now I'd like to get my hands on a stroboscopic disk and see what the current speed actually is.
Thanks for all your advice, folks.
misternice's avatar
misternice
339 posts
 
Hi,i had the motor run dry,so maybe that can be looked at too.Something i didnt know.The turntable doctor fixed that.
regafan's avatar
regafan
56 posts
 
I purchased the KAB strobe light\disc apparatus. It works. 
lewm
12,455 posts
 
Rebbi, For another step up in performance, I would consider an outboard motor controller.  Not only would a good one stabilize the speed of the SOTA but also the MC isolates turntable motor noise from your local AC supply.  Without this filtering effect, the motor contaminates the AC feeding your other equipment.  You may not hear any problem now, but when you insert the MC, you'll notice the effect by comparison.
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