My recent experience confirms that this question is fundamental, even on the much less exalted level of my tweaked Technics SL-1200 DD, with its internal servo speed control system. I just added the new KAB PS-1200 dedicated outboard power supply, which does not replace the control circuitry inside the TT but merely its power supply (and that of the motor), thereby allowing the critical circuitry to operate less affected by the vagaries of the power line and PS modulation.
My impressions of its effect on this TT's sound can be characterized just as Albert does for his, though I haven't played with PC's or footers yet (and don't expect much at this level, but you never know - when I first ordered the mod, I was pretty doubtful all the way around). Of course, there is the confounding factor that the PS-1200 disables an onboard transformer and associated power supply circuits in the SL-1200, which eliminates a direct source of vibrational and EM contamination, something that doesn't apply to high end belt-drivers.
Still, this experience leads me to give much credence to claims about potential benefits for other devices of this general type, even with the best TT's. I suspect that the lion's share of improvements wrought by this comparitively simple device are mostly attributable to its beefier transformer, 10X increased filter capacitance, and superior regulation presenting much more stiff and stable source of DC to the onboard control circuitry.
There is probably no more important variable in TT performance than imperturbable speed control on the micro level, and given the industrial sophistication of Panasonic's sensing and correctional technology developed for their professional SP 'tables and incorporated here, I have to think the speed stability I'm now enjoying is better than most realistically-priced belt-drivers out there.
My impressions of its effect on this TT's sound can be characterized just as Albert does for his, though I haven't played with PC's or footers yet (and don't expect much at this level, but you never know - when I first ordered the mod, I was pretty doubtful all the way around). Of course, there is the confounding factor that the PS-1200 disables an onboard transformer and associated power supply circuits in the SL-1200, which eliminates a direct source of vibrational and EM contamination, something that doesn't apply to high end belt-drivers.
Still, this experience leads me to give much credence to claims about potential benefits for other devices of this general type, even with the best TT's. I suspect that the lion's share of improvements wrought by this comparitively simple device are mostly attributable to its beefier transformer, 10X increased filter capacitance, and superior regulation presenting much more stiff and stable source of DC to the onboard control circuitry.
There is probably no more important variable in TT performance than imperturbable speed control on the micro level, and given the industrial sophistication of Panasonic's sensing and correctional technology developed for their professional SP 'tables and incorporated here, I have to think the speed stability I'm now enjoying is better than most realistically-priced belt-drivers out there.