Sapphire (with Vacuum System) vs Star
The Star's wow & flutter is 0.030% against the Sapphire (with Vacuum System)'s 0.040% and its width 514 mm against 514.35 mm. Both share platter weight (6.35 kg (14 lbs)) and drive type (Belt).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Sota Sapphire with Vacuum System is a reference-class turntable designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional vinyl playback. It features SOTA’s acclaimed four-point spring suspension, which isolates the platter and tonearm from external vibrations and environmental noise. The vacuum system, a hallmark of SOTA’s engineering, uses an outboard pump to gently but firmly couple the record to the platter, minimizing warps and resonance for improved tracking and detail retrieval. The platter is a 14 lb, internally damped, multi-layer design, riding on an inverted bearing with a sapphire thrust plate. The motor system is a high-efficiency AC unit with double-regulated, synthesized sine-wave drive, ensuring precise speed stability. The vacuum system operates in two stages: a high vacuum at startup to secure the LP, then a maintenance mode for silent operation during playback. The result is a turntable with deep, quiet backgrounds, lifelike transients, and a convincing three-dimensional soundstage. The Sota Sapphire is available in various wood finishes and can be further upgraded with advanced electronics and bearing options.
Turntable mechanics and performance
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Star's wow & flutter is 0.030% against the Sapphire (with Vacuum System)'s 0.040% and its width 514 mm against 514.35 mm. Both share platter weight (6.35 kg (14 lbs)) and drive type (Belt).
The Sapphire 5's platter weight is 9.07 kg (20 lbs) against the Sapphire (with Vacuum System)'s 6.35 kg (14 lbs) and its weight 20 kg (44 lbs) against 18.14 kg (40 lbs). Both share wow & flutter (0.040%) and drive type (Belt).
The Star Sapphire's wow & flutter is 0.030% against the Sapphire (with Vacuum System)'s 0.040%, its depth 413 mm against 412.75 mm, and its width 514 mm against 514.35 mm. Both share drive type (Belt).
The Traveler's wow & flutter is 0.020% against the Sapphire (with Vacuum System)'s 0.040%, its platter weight 4.54 kg (10 lbs) against 6.35 kg (14 lbs), and its weight 10.9 kg (24 lbs) against 18.14 kg (40 lbs). Both share drive type (Belt).
Empire 698
Rega Planar 3
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