If your Classic has the built in controller ("mini SDS" powered by an external wall wart), it will not be compatible with the SDS, ADS or any other outboard controller. No matter what the ADS does to the 115V AC signal that it outputs, the table’s wall wart will convert it to DC and the table’s controller will regenerate a 24VAC signal for the Hurst motor. It will not control the speed, improve stability or reduce noise. To even suggest otherwise is patently false.
Upgrade Opinions, Thorens vs VPI
I'm looking to possibly upgrade to a better turntable.
My current setup is a Thorens TD166 MKII with the original tp11 tonearm. The table has a few mods including a solid cherry plinth and birch bottom with sorbothane feet. It also came with the 10mm spindle bearing, same one used on the TD160.
Amp: Rogue audio Sphinx
Preamp: MM preamp built into the Sphinx
Cartidge: Shure M97xe with SAS stylus
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 8
The components listed above are my recent upgrades. I now think my table is due for an upgrade.
I am considering installing a Jelco SA750D tonearm on my Thorens, since the tonearm is likely the weakest performing part of the table, or going with a completely new table.
I am considering the following tables:
Rega Planar 3 (possibly not a big leap?)
Rega RP8
VPI Classic 1
Acoustic Signature Wow XL with Rega arm.
I am leaning toward the VPI, partly because I really like its look, but I do want the best sounding table under $3000 (subjective I know). Overall, I'm pleased with the current sound from my Thorens, so maybe the best bang for my buck would be a new tonearm. Some members have claimed that a Debut Carbon will blow the doors of a TD166, but in my personal experience, it's the opposite. So I'm thinking I'd probably need to spend over 1K for a real sonic upgrade over my Thorens.
Anyone have experience with VPI tables versus Thorens TD16X series? Any advice is welcome.
My current setup is a Thorens TD166 MKII with the original tp11 tonearm. The table has a few mods including a solid cherry plinth and birch bottom with sorbothane feet. It also came with the 10mm spindle bearing, same one used on the TD160.
Amp: Rogue audio Sphinx
Preamp: MM preamp built into the Sphinx
Cartidge: Shure M97xe with SAS stylus
Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 8
The components listed above are my recent upgrades. I now think my table is due for an upgrade.
I am considering installing a Jelco SA750D tonearm on my Thorens, since the tonearm is likely the weakest performing part of the table, or going with a completely new table.
I am considering the following tables:
Rega Planar 3 (possibly not a big leap?)
Rega RP8
VPI Classic 1
Acoustic Signature Wow XL with Rega arm.
I am leaning toward the VPI, partly because I really like its look, but I do want the best sounding table under $3000 (subjective I know). Overall, I'm pleased with the current sound from my Thorens, so maybe the best bang for my buck would be a new tonearm. Some members have claimed that a Debut Carbon will blow the doors of a TD166, but in my personal experience, it's the opposite. So I'm thinking I'd probably need to spend over 1K for a real sonic upgrade over my Thorens.
Anyone have experience with VPI tables versus Thorens TD16X series? Any advice is welcome.