2. analog
  3. 135398-81

VPI ADS Versus SDS

Gents:

Has anyone "upgraded" from the SDS to the ADS? I've had a two VPI tables over the past decade and have always thought about but never tried one of their speed controllers. I'd be interested in hearing from folks who have used both models and can share comparisons. I've noticed that despite the introduction of the ADS there has not been a significant price drop of the SDS on the used market, which leads me to wonder whether the ADS offers a significant increase in performance. Also, I had heard that VPI was going to launch several ADS models but it seems there is only one currently available. Anyone know about plans for other cheaper or more expensive versions?

In general, what can you expect when you add a speed controller (either model) to your analogue playback system?

Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
Dodgealum - 

I have not heard the ADS, but "reports" from those I trust indicate the best thing you can do is to keep your SDS.  Give VPI some serious time to work out the bugs.  I'm seriously softening the comments I've heard.
melm
1,082 posts
 
A movement from an SDS to an ADS is not an "upgrade." They both are designed to do about the same thing and with the same level of quality. Unfortunately the ADS has been found by many users to be noisy, that is, to produce a vibration that can be heard if it is near the listening position. Best guess offered over on the VPI site is that VPI has used a very cheap transformer inside that simply vibrates. Seems that it needed, but did not get, a redesign upon its launch. That’s why many people are looking for SDSs and the used price is holding up.

Too bad no one has picked up on the Falcon/Eagle/Roadrunner designs.
chayro
2,998 posts
 
That is too bad.  I have a Falcon and a Walker and I ended up using the Falcon.  
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gbanderhoos
20 posts
 
There is an on-line review here that covers some of the differences:

http://www.turntablepsu.com/vpi.html
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