Got a New Turntable: SOTA Comet!

[ZenArcher]

I posted here a while back about opinions on a good automatic turntable. A funny thing happened on the way back to this Forum...

I decided to get my current automatic turntable repaired, but a new SOTA Comet caught my eye. I ended up getting a SOTA Comet with Sumiko Pearl cartridge, Rega RB300 arms, and an I-Clamp thrown in, all for $1000. Figured this could be my last turntable.

After deciding the Pearl wasn't my cup of tea (too much surface noise, kind of a bland sound) I fitted an AT440mla cartridge. Now, I'm digging it!

The SOTA is dead quiet; no motor noise. The combo does seem to minimize surface noise - probably the cartrodge, which seems to dig down in the grooves better than the Pearl. The sound is solid and assured.

Ready for those WEA records! Next up is good sound card...

[sgb]

That's cool. I knew that SOTA was still around, but nobody talks about them.

I am the proud owner of an original SOTA Star Sapphire that I purchased directly from the company in 1983. After 24 years the thing is still running strong. Good luck with yours.

[ZenArcher]

I looked at a used Sapphire with the vacuum, but decided I couldn't practically run the vaccum hose to another room to the pump. I hated letting that one go; it's a beautiful turntable.

[JMT]

Congratulations ZenArcher!! I have had a SOTA Comet/RB300/Grado Sonata in my rig for about 5 years and absolutely love it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/JMT0404/stealth.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/JMT0404/tableopem.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/JMT0404/grado.jpg

You don't read too much about the Comet around here. At least I haven't, but I think it's one of the most under appreciated tables.

[Jay F]

Has anyone else ever seen or heard speakers by SOTA? I heard a triangular-shaped pair (base, back, and 45-degree-angled front, meeting base and back), in 1987-89, with Quicksilver Amps. With a Mod Squad CD player, the whole thing sounded, well, State of the Art.

[sgb]

Well, I neglected to mention, Jay, that I was the franchised dealer in Louisiana for SOTA products back in the early eighties, but had closed the business down by '87, so this is the first I've heard of these speakers. Although I had numerous phone conversations with the principals of the company then, I don't recall them ever hinting that a speaker was on the way. That wouldn't surprise me, though.

I sold the Quicksilver products back then too, and would venture that even then Mike Sanders had a leg up on his competition. I'll eventually replace his MS-190 with something more current from him, but the whole industry has just gone nuts price wise, so it might be another 24 years before I do.

[TONEPUB]

The Comet is a great table for the money! Matter of fact if anyone would like an almost brand new one with the I-clamp in the smooth finish with the VTA adjuster, please PM me! I can make you a great deal. It's spring cleaning time and I have too many turntables!!

[jt1stcav]

Congrats on the Comet...really sweet! I'd love just to own the Moonbeam...'till my debts are taken care of, I'll just have to dream.

If you can, post some pics.

[-=Rudy=-]

The Comet is a great table for the money! Matter of fact if anyone would like an almost brand new one with the I-clamp in the smooth finish with the VTA adjuster, please PM me! I can make you a great deal. It's spring cleaning time and I have too many turntables!!

If I had $$$, I'd take you up on it! Groceries are more important these days, though... ;)

[desertrat58]

I used a Sota Satellite for about 13 years, with an Audioquest arm and a Benz Gold cart, then a Benz Ace HO. Two years ago I upgraded to a Sota Nova, with vacuum and Reflex clamp. The arm is a Graham 2.2 and the cart is the Benz Ace HO still. On new versions, the vacuum is so quiet you don't have to put it in another room. Works like a champ. Sounds sublime...:righton:

Although, sigh, I haven't played it in over a month. I just bought one of those darn SlimDevices Transporters...:shh:

[nelamvr6]

Congrats on the new TT!

Now, have any ideas on which sound card to get?

[thegage]

I had a Comet for many years. At some point, when you get the upgrade bug, look at what you can do to the tonearm. A lot of options out there to turn it into a real giant killer.

John K.

[TONEPUB]

If I had $$$, I'd take you up on it! Groceries are more important these days, though... ;)

Nah, go on a diet, get a new turtable!

:)

[renatov]

Excellent isolation.

I've had a SOTA Star Sapphire for almost seventeen years now. I bought it used so it is probably more than 20 years old.

It is seating right next to the speakers, less than a foot away actually, and it doesn't seem to bother it a bit even at loud volumes. It even ignores footfalls from my suspended timber floors.

I'm sure you will enjoy your Comets for years to come.

[jt1stcav]

Has anyone else ever seen or heard speakers by SOTA? I heard a triangular-shaped pair (base, back, and 45-degree-angled front, meeting base and back), in 1987-89, with Quicksilver Amps. With a Mod Squad CD player, the whole thing sounded, well, State of the Art.
I believe these are the loudspeakers Jay mentioned, or a similar model. I, too had no idea SOTA made loudspeakers...

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1184522116

[coopmv]

Didn't Sota go out of business for a while?

[jt1stcav]

I'm not sure, but if memory serves, the original company was bought by a married couple who now run the business...I think. This might have happened sometime in the '90s (?)...

[desertrat58]

Above I posted that I'd been neglecting my Sota...

Fired it up again over the weekend. Wow! :edthumbs:

First play of Linda Rondstadt's "Heart Like A Wheel", on brand new, 180g, Cisco vinyl. Absolutely stunning. :love:

Also played Zappa's "Joe's Garage", Supertramp's "Crisis What Crisis?", Poco's "Crazy Eyes", Molly Hatchett's first, Toshiko Akiyoshi - Lew Tabackin Big Band's "March Of The Tadpoles", New Grass Revival's "Barren Country", Freddie Hubbard's "Sweet Return", Bonnie Raitt's "Sweet Forgiveness" and Bill Holman's "Big Band In A Jazz Orbit". :righton:

After a month of listening to only good digital, I can honestly say that my analog rig blows away even the SlimDevices Transporter.

There's no A to D conversion, like no A to D conversion. ;)

[lou]

I also continue to use my Sota Sapphire which I bought in 1987 - 20 years later it still sounds great.

[coopmv]

I also continue to use my Sota Sapphire which I bought in 1987 - 20 years later it still sounds great.

The Yankees can still build quality turntables, even as our cars are crappy.

[timo]

I've got a SOTA Comet III/Rega RB300/Dynavector 10x5 that I've had for almost a year and really quite like it. Though I must admit after buying the Rega P1 I now wish I had bought the Rega P3. I find the P1 (which I outfitted with the Iron Audio platter and OM20 cart) to be much quieter and has better pacing and is just more musically exciting than the SOTA. Still, the SOTA's nice and I think I'll still keep it around. With its glossy piano black finish I like the Darth Vader-ish look about it. Happy listenin'!