Worth having my SOTA Sapphire refurbished?


I own a vintage 1986, SOTA Sapphire turntable, fitted with a Linn Basik tone arm, with some sort of old, Audioquest cartridge (it has a red housing). After a lengthy remodel, I am finally getting ready to unpack my stereo system once again and get it set up. I have miles and miles of beloved vinyl. :-) My listening room is on the small side. I value transparency and imaging over sheer volume.

Associated equipment includes a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amplifier (I think it has 70 W per channel). I recently sold my old Vandersteen 2C speakers here on Audiogon (for space reasons in the new house) and am looking to replace them with Regas or Paradigms, probably monitors (but that a whole other question)!

Anyway, the SOTA probably needs some inspecting and tuning. I think that the motor and bearing are okay, but I'm guessing that the suspension springs need adjusting or replacing; I think they're a little stretched out.

SOTA has an inspection and tune-up/repair service. Have any of you ever used it? I'd have to ship the table off to them, and, apparently, pay for return shipping as well (I do have the original box) and the table weighs around 50 pounds in the box.

By the time I do all of this and buy a new cartridge, to boot, I'm looking at quite a chunk of change. Do you think I'm better off selling the SOTA and putting the money toward, say, a new Rega P2? Please, no flames; I've been out of the active high-end scene for many years, so I have no idea how those tables compare.

Anyway, all advice appreciated.
rebbi
Definitely the right move (imho)to keep the Sota.
As far as arms go if you can find a Zeta in good condition at a fair price that's what I'd reccommend.
I had one on a Sota many years ago and it was a killer combination.
I often wish I'd kept that arm.
Hi,

Believe it or not, I still haven't gotten it back, but I know it's ready to ship. SOTA offered to order and install a new cartridge for me (which I really need) and I said okay. So as soon as they receive the cart and install it and balance the arm for me, I should have it "real soon now..."
My table finally arrived today. I'll let you all know how it looks and sounds when I've had a chance to unpack it and set it up.