The job of any turntable is simply to rotate a record at precise speed with a total absence of extraneous vibration and noise. However, 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-generating mechanism must be addressed and resolved if it is to achieve the goal of bringing you closest to the musical experience.
The Series III MOONBEAM carefully identifies and addresses each variable that undermines pure signal retrieval. The result is an elegant and cost-effective solution of the highest quality. Hand-crafted with care in the USA by one of the world's leading turntable manufacturers, SOTA turntables achieve an unmatched level of neutrality and accuracy and have rightly garnered their position as one of the world's best.
The main platter, as well as the sub-platter, utilized on the Series III MOONBEAM is made of a special high-density polymer. The special high-density polymer, precision-machined platter is virtually inert and is therefore extraordinarily effective in dissipating the resonant energy generated by the record-playing process, without the substantial costs of a properly damped aluminum platter system. The unique platter design is responsible for the superb fidelity yet affordable price. To further neutralize the resonant LP, an energy damping interface mat in added to the thick Plexiglas main platter.
The spindle/bearing assembly of the MOONBEAM 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. In turn, the bearing has a nearly unlimited life and is significantly quieter than even the most expensive and precise metal-to-metal bearing assembly.
The drive system of the MOONBEAM consists of a sub-platter driven by a 24-pole AC synchronous motor designed for ultra-precise computer use. AC motors have the advantage of suffering no speed drift over time, making them ideally suited for precision turntable 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 is equipped for both 33 and 45 RPM speeds.
The chassis of the Series III MOONBEAM continues the design theme of isolation from noise and spurious vibrations. Environmental isolation means isolating the moving platter from all the physical and mechanical threats (footfalls, room resonances, air-borne waves) that will ultimately disrupt the retrieval of the information. The MOONBEAM accomplishes this task by way of its solid layering of an internally damped chassis, which effectively isolates the turntable system. Additionally, the MOONBEAM utilizes special energy-absorbing leveling feet to further damp vibrations. Furniture-quality wood veneer enhances this newly designed Series III MOONBEAM. Standard finish options include natural, dark or black oak, American cherry and American walnut.
SOTA's easy set-up and versatility means a guarantee that your SOTA can be set-up quickly and simply, and will replicate the performance levels achieved in lab and reviewer tests. The S202 precision tonearm is a straight, fixed-head tonearm with near frictionless movement. This design offers maximum rigidity, optimal coupling of cartridge to arm, and minimizes spurious resonances.
Every SOTA Turntable employs the same concept of comprehensive design and hand-crafted excellence. And, all SOTA turntables have a lifetime trade in value. Consequently, your investment in a SOTA turntable will never become outdated or obsolete. The Series III MOONBEAM is sure to provide dependable musical enjoyment from the treasures in your LP collection at a very affordable price.
The MOONBEAM 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. The newly designed MOONBEAM/COMET Isolation Platform accessory is an ideal environmental isolator for those who need further segregation. Using our top-of-the line Cosmos Armboard design, the Isolation Platform utilizes multi-layers of soft and hard metals coupled with Lucite acrylic to isolate shock and vibration. With the use of the platform, other environmental threats may be reduced and eliminated.
TECHNICAL DATA & SPECIFICATIONS
TURNTABLE:
RUMBLE Less than -65db unweighted
WOW & FLUTTER Less than .1% RMS (DIN 45-507)
TRANSMISSION Belt drive
SPEEDS 33-1/3 and 45 RPM
WEIGHT 18 lbs. (12 kg)
DIMENSIONS 6" H, 18-1/4" W, 14-1/4 " D
TONEARM:
EFFECTIVE LENGTH 237mm
OVERHANG 15mm
OFFSET ANGLE 21.63 degrees
CARTRIDGE WEIGHT RANGE 4 to 11 grams