Turntable Advice?


My SOTA Star Sapphire motor has gone bonkers, so I'm planning its replacement.  Hoping to get some thoughts on my options - I think some of you enjoy a challenge like this.  Major components are Aerial 10T's, Classe 6 Mk II pre-amp, Classe DR-150 amp.  Primary listening is well-recorded jazz, blues and solo guitar.

I could either re-use or sell my SME V arm.  I'm hoping I won't have to shell out more than another $1,500 either way.  Here's what I'm thinking:

1)  Get a new table and cart for the SME, have it all set up by a local pro
2)  Buy an old SOTA and cannibalize the motor
3)  Sell the SME V and go with:
  • New Music Hall mmf-9.3 with Goldring Eroica LX (no head amp needed - Classe has a MC input)
  • New Music Hall mmf-9.3 with upgraded cartridge (suggestions?)
  • Rega RP6 with Exact 2 cartridge
  • Clearaudio Concept or Emotion w/ dedicated arm and cartridge
  • Used table/arm (as long as it's durable)
This is admittedly a very wide-ranging list of options, but I'm all ears.  What would you do?  Thanks in advance!
keegiam
I believe we’re talking about 3 phase AC, not DC. The Phoenix design is for driving 3 phase AC. I think the old SOTA motor might be DC type.
No response from SOTA yet.  Mijostyn, is the new platter intended for the Star Sapphire (vaccuum hold-down)?

Any cartridge recommendations?  My pre-amp (Classe 6) has a MC switch that adds 22db (57db total).  I hope to have $1k left in my targeted outlay after the SOTA upgrades.

Thanks again everyone.

@lewm, nope, the new Eclipse package is described on the SOTA website as "a low-vibration 3-phase brushless DC motor paired with a state of the art motor controller developed by Phoenix Engineering, known as the Condor." The Eclipse package retails for $725, I believe.

The original Phoenix Engineering motor controller WAS for an AC motor, and found favor with owners of VPI tables. By the way, SOTA is letting VPI owners know the Eclipse DC motor will fit in the motor pod of the TNT, Aries, etc. tables.

Post removed