VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

@jjss49 

I read your early post.  So,... it seems you enjoyed some SQ improvement from the 3D arm.  That might be something for me to consider.  I presently do not intend to drop major bucks on a whole new TT rig.

I just upgraded my phone pre to the ARC Ref Phono 3SE.  I expect delivery next week.  I also swapped out the RCA/SE I/Cs that connected the old phono pre to my linestage for XLR/BAL I/Cs.  Together, both changes might make for an interesting SQ improvement.

I'll report back.

Other than Alan (bigby), any other reactions to the SDS controller??

Thanks           

Hi,

The SDS does ensure the platter is spinning precisely at 33 1/3 RPM. It does this by allowing you to vary the frequency (hz) of the electricity coming into the motor.  Mine takes about 59 hz. to spin at 33 1/3.  Once set, the SDS regulates the electricity coming into the motor so the speed does not vary. I use the strobe to occasionally check the speed and make slight adjustments.

 I think the important point is the electricity coming into the motor dictates the speed of the motor.  Since each motor is a little different in construction and the electricity coming into our houses is not perfectly regulated, the SDS allows you to set the correct speed using a strobe and then adjust the frequency of the electricity so the motor spins precisely and consistently at 33 1/3.

I haven't done any other upgrades.  My Classic 3 has the original metal arm, the record clamp and outer ring.  Most of my listening is Tidal streaming with a PS Audio Directstrem DAC and CDs using a Marantz CD player.

I saw a used VPI SDS on US Audio Mart for $800. 

Sounds like you have a nice set up with all ARC gear!

Thanks,

Alan

Look at TW Acustic turntables for somthing much better.

@bigby 

Thanks for the info Alan, ... especially your comment that most of your listening is by streaming with Tidal. 

An fyi, ... I just replaced my old ARC Ref CD-8 (straight up redbook CD player) for an ARC Ref CD-9SE CD/DAC player.  I owned the CD-8 for over 9 years and it was pre-owned when I bought it.  The CD-8 transport started to glitch out so I replaced it with the CD-9.  The CD-8 owed me nothing after all those years of great trouble-free service. 

The CD-9 can handle various source inputs (e.g. USB, AES, Toslink, etc), but can't handle DSD or MQA.  Apologies in advance, ... I am too old to understand what I just wrote.  ;)  

I mentioned all of this because I am looking to dip my toe into the "streaming waters" (kinda' a pun) like you.  I was thinking about starting out slowly by hooking my Windows PC directly into the CD-9 DAC via a USB cable.  Several streaming services have been suggested, including Tidal, Qobuz, etc.    

All that said, I still love my vinyl.  My kids buy me lots of well pressed jazz reissues, which are fantastic, including artists such as Mingus, Brubeck, Monk, etc.  And I still have most of my old LPs from over 40 years ago.  One of favorite artists from the day is still Linda Ronstadt.

Well, as far as vinyl goes, based on comments from you and others, I think a proportionate investment might be a new VPI 3D arm and an SDS controller.

Thanks.

Bruce
    

bigby

... Since each motor is a little different in construction and the electricity coming into our houses is not perfectly regulated, the SDS allows you to set the correct speed using a strobe ...

The AC line frequency - which is what controls the speed of an AC synchronous motor - is actually very tightly regulated, because the stability of the electrical grid requires it. The root of the speed differential that the SDS corrects is mostly the result of variations in pulley size and in the case of the VPI SAMA motors, the distance between the motor and the platter.

I am a big fan of the SDS and upgraded to it from the old VPI PLC. As an FYI, Steve at VAS offers an inexpensive modification to the SDS which is said to ensure longer life. I had him modify mine out of an abundance of caution because I don’t plan on parting with my VPI TNT anytime soon, if ever.