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SDS or phono stage

I have a VPI Scoutmaster with Soundsmith Zephyr Mk II cartridge, jmw memorial arm, a stainless steel vpi record clamp, playing through a Musial Fidelity KW500 integrated amp with on board phono stage. Sounds quite good, but my question is this: would I be better off at this point adding an SDS or an outboard phono stage? Or both? In what order? Thanks!
arsh

Showing 7 responses by brf

brf
1,715 posts
 
Motor always on, and use the SDS to control the on/off. If you do it the other way, the SDS will not start at full power and then ramp down.
brf
1,715 posts
 
I owned both the Walker and SDS and I could not tell any difference between the 2 units. I sold the Walker only because I had a friend who wanted it. I would have been happy with either.

Lewn, have you tried the Platter Speed? At a cost of $35, it is easy to use and hard to beat.
brf
1,715 posts
 
To measure correct speed, purchase Dr. Feickert Analogue's Adjust+ tesy disc and download the PlatterSpeed app for iPhone, iPad and/or Android smart phones.

+1 for the SDS followed closely with a new phono stage.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Lewm, sorry about the typo. My iPad autocorrects Lewm to Lewn.

I have both the KAB strobe and PlatterSpeed app and Adjust+ disc. I found the platterSpeed to be more accurate and easier to use.

http://platterspeed.com/
brf
1,715 posts
 
The VPI SDS also reduces the voltage once the platter is up to speed. The end user can program the final run voltage.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Gpgr4blu, that "VPI rep" is wrong. The VPI SDS is a motor controller and is used to turn the motor on and off with a specified power sequence.

The SDS manual states
Both the SDS and the turntable plugged into it may be turned on and off with the SDS's power switch.

Contact VPI if in doubt.
brf
1,715 posts
 
If you use the SDS’s on/off to control the motor, you can use the VPI SDS “run hours” feature to monitor cartridge use.

I've had a SDS in continuous use for 10+ years using the on/off switch w/o any problems.
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