Sota Sapphire Vintage Turntable With New Sumiko

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We've had a few of these come by our shop over this past year, and we can't seem to keep them in stock very long. 

Perhaps this is because of the gorgeous dovetailed solid oak plinth sides, or the easy to find & use top located controls, or even the supple suspension system that requires no fuss. 

We're not sure which of the above wins, but the combination certainly works well. 

This particular sample came to us from the original owner in NJ who had it since new in the exact same location - probably 20-25 years. It features a well regarded and easy to adjust Sumiko Premier FT-3 tonearm.

We have fitted the arm with a new Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 MC cartridge so you can play tunes right out of the box, but there are many other optional cartridges available from us to hot-rod this great machine. You can even supply your own cartridge and we will calibrate it for you via our 12-step involved process.

Condition is really good, there are no noticeable deep scratches or dents. Even the cover is in fine shape with no cracks or deep scratches.

Functionally, this machine is absolutely perfect. Speed tests at exactly 33.33 RPM with no measurable variation. The suspension is tight and level. The arm tracks perfectly and without drama.  

Features a separate power supply, record clamp, and a rubber mat. 

To buy a current table of this caliber would cost you upwards of $5k nowadays.  

* Please note the cover needs to rest on something behind it to hold in place or you can take it off by lifting.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - Tonearm Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for Turntables:

Fist we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.  

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.  

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.  

Some of these steps include:

Pivot to spindle adjustment

Tracing force

Anti-skate

Tonearm height

Lifter height

VTA

Azimuth

Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.