What Makes the SOTA

(click on each model to view)

MOONBEAM™ and COMET™
Turntable Packages so Special?

During the record playing process, every part of a turntable is subject to a variety of internally and externally caused vibrations.  To deal effectively with the distortions caused by these vibrations, each distortion generated mechanism must be addressed and resolved if it is to achieve the goal of bringing you closest to the musical experience.

Almost every other turntable in production today uses an aluminum or aluminum-alloy platter.  Unfortunately, aluminum lacks internal damping.  SOTA has taken an entirely different approach to the MOONBEAM and COMET platter design.  The platters utilized on the MOONBEAM and COMET are both made of special high-density polymers.  The MOONBEAM utilizes a heavy, 3/8" thick Plexiglas platter.  The COMET incorporates dampening material sandwiched between two layers of precision-machined 3/8" Plexiglas to create a thick, massive platter.  An interface mat is added to both platters, for the best possible record-to-mat interface.

And because of the energy-dissipative property of polymers, various types of polymer materials are used throughout the MOONBEAM and COMET, not only for the main platter, but also for the sub-platter and bearing cup assembly.  The Spindle/Bearing Assembly of the MOONBEAM and COMET is a state-of-the-art design, and one of the keys to their outstanding performance.  Once again, SOTA has turned to the performance advantage of polymers.  The bearing cup is manufactured of a high-tech material called Turcite®.  Turcite® is a Teflon-impregnated, self-lubricating polymer designed specifically for ultra-precise bearing applications, and is ideally suited to the turntable spindle/bearing function.

The Drive System of the MOONBEAM and COMET consists of a high-density polymer sub-platter driven by a 24-pole AC synchronous motor originally designed for ultra-precise computer use.  The motor drives a precision-ground, low-tension belt which provides a vibration-free drive system for the rotating assembly of the turntable.  The MOONBEAM and COMET are equipped for both 33 and 45 RPM.

The Chassis and Cabinet Damping System of the MOONBEAM and COMET continue the design theme of isolation from noise and spurious vibrations.  Environmental isolation has been accomplished by way of a monolithic, massive internally dampened cabinet, which effectively isolates the turntable system.  Additionally, special energy-absorbing leveling feet are utilized and incorporate a proprietary visco-elastic polymer pad to damp vibrations.

The MOONBEAM turntable includes SOTA's VLMT tonearm.  A static-balance, straight-tube, fixed head design utilizing internal damping and precision cone and ball race bearings.  The COMET turntable includes the precision S-250 tonearm, a one-piece, tapered arm -tube design which yields exceptional performance by offering maximum rigidity, optimal coupling of cartridge to arm, and cancellation of inner arm resonance.  It utilizes precision ground bearings for minimal friction and exceptional durability.  Also available for the COMET is the critically acclaimed S-300 tonearm which adds precision-balanced bearings and improved resonance controlled tapered arm-tube.  Each tonearm model offers adjustable anti-skating, damped cueing, and can accommodate a wide range of cartridges.

The MOONBEAM Turntable Package comes complete with a dustcover.  The COMET dustcover is available as an additional accessory.  To further enhance sound quality and keep within your budget, we recommend using the SOTA I-Clamp.  The I-Clamp will increase lower and upper extension.  You will notice that the sound stage improves and the image becomes more coherent.  In addition, the transient response will improve and the sense of air around the instruments becomes more obvious.