[usp1]

I have an opportunity to buy a SOTA sapphire turntable with a MMT arm and shure cartridge at a reasonable price. I think it is a version 1 table. Is this worth it? From what I understand it will cost about $1300 to bring it up to current specs - not an amount I am ready to spend. THe seller, who seems to be very sincere and honest, says the table works fine as is. Speed is not a problem and the everything works reliably. As a newbie to turntables this seems like a tempting deal at the price but am I getting myself into a world of expensive fixes?

[simoon]

Depends on how much you are getting it for?

But even an original Sapphire is a very good table.

The best way to tell if it is worth it, is to figure out what are the brand new available for the same price.

Then factor in the possibility of doing the upgrades in the future, and how much better it would be in the long run.

[usp1]

Is 600 a good price?

[jimtranr]

I have a 1984-vintage Sapphire. SOTA indicates that if I were to trade it in on a new or refurb'd model, they'd give me between $300 to $550 on it (the 'table alone, without arm or cartridge) to apply to the transaction, with $400 being typical. That may give you an index on which to base your assessment of the cost of the 'table-arm-cartridge combination you're looking at.

[usp1]

I have a 1984-vintage Sapphire. SOTA indicates that if I were to trade it in on a new or refurb'd model, they'd give me between $300 to $550 on it (the 'table alone, without arm or cartridge) to apply to the transaction, with $400 being typical. That may give you an index on which to base your assessment of the cost of the 'table-arm-cartridge combination you're looking at.

Jim, when I called SOTA they said between 100-400 in trade in value.

[jimtranr]

Jim, when I called SOTA they said between 100-400 in trade in value.

My bad. I just checked my records and discovered that I received that estimate in 2010. Didn't realize that much time had flown since, but that explains the discrepancy.

Given that, $600 looks too high. Somewhere around $450 (if that) for a Series 1 plus an arm of that vintage (who knows what the bearings, etc., are like) strikes me as tops.

[Letitroll98]

If you check eBay sold prices (not active listings) they are all above $600 if including an arm.  All of these things are based on condition of course.  Assuming good condition and you come back with a counter offer, I don't see how you could go wrong here.  SOTA's price is wholesale, they need to make a profit after reconditioning and sales expenses.  SOTA offers a refurbished Sapphire for $1700 on their website, no arm included.

[usp1]

If you check eBay sold prices (not active listings) they are all above $600 if including an arm.  All of these things are based on condition of course.  Assuming good condition and you come back with a counter offer, I don't see how you could go wrong here.  SOTA's price is wholesale, they need to make a profit after reconditioning and sales expenses.  SOTA offers a refurbished Sapphire for $1700 on their website, no arm included.

I am not doubting that the price is good...just concerned what the cost of upgrading/maintaining might be. 

[simoon]

So, let's say you get the table for $600 with arm, or even a bit more. As long as the bearing is in good shape, I think it is a good deal.

It seems like it would outperform anything else at the price.

Then you have that big plus of being able to have it upgraded to current specs for $1300 in the future. Seems like it might be worth it. What other tables can you get for about $600 now, that have the potential of being upgraded to a current spec Sota?

Let me know if I'm off base here.

[usp1]

simoon - I agree with what you are saying. My only hesitation comes from the fact that any immediate problem/repair would necessitate a large expenditure. It appears that several of you seem to think that this is an opportunity not to be missed.

[thunderbrick]

Having recently (2 years ago) put my '86 Sota Sapphire back into service, I am acutely aware of service issues.  Replacing the bearing was no big deal, but right after that the motor went out.  Got pretty expensive at that point.

How much use is on the TT?  Had it been stored?  Original box?  That's REAL important if you need to send it in for service/trade-in.

Edit:  If it is a low hours unit, I'd get it for $500.  Why deny yourself the opportunity to be a DIY/tweaker?