Turntable Power Source Benefits

I understand and can only tell you what I hear. When I replaced the PLC power line conditioner with the upgraded SDS model on my VPI TNT turntable (older model) the improvement was substantial and unmistakable. More clarity and openness. Blacker silence. All the techie buzzwords. Then when I tried substituting an Omega Mikro POWER CORD for the one that came with the SDS, I was stunned at the additional improvements in the same areas. Why should this be? Beats me. But unless and until the imrpvements are confirmed by actual measurements of some sort, I'll continue in my happy ignorance.

The motor is not separated from the platter. It is connected to the platter by the belt. Vibrations, and motor variations can be transmitted via the belt to the platter. Anything that will allow the motor to operate smoother, and with less vibration, will make the TT sound better. This includes any effective power conditioning, DC systems, etc.

The Walker motor controller is not just nice to have, it's a necessity. Having run it on three turntables now I am convinced that analog without it is not doing what it is supposed to.

I bought my first Walker controller for a Basis Debut Gold Mk IV, so I could change from 33 to 45 without having to move the belt from one pulley to the other. Imagine my surprise when I got a HUGE upgrade in performance.

Last week I had to do without my Walker controller and was forced to plug directly into a dedicated (star ground) hospital grade outlet. My performance dropped so drastically that everyone in my audio group mentioned the fact during our Tuesday night session.

To make this even more unbelievable, the Walker controller is effected by the feet under it, the brand and design of the power cord going in and out of it, the type, size and amount of weight on top of it and whether it is plugged directly into the wall or through a power clean up device.

Oddly enough, the Walker (so far) has been performance limited by every surge protector and power conditioner I've tried. I have the new Exact Power conditioner on it's way here to determine if that product effects the system in a positive or negative way.

As dopogue stated, it is frustrating that this is so evident in listening tests, yet there appears to be no logical reason. Especially true for my Walker turntable that (should) be so far removed, due to design.

The controller powers the motor, which spins a brass pulley, that turns a silk belt which rotates a 70 pound lead platter. Does not seem possible for the power cord to be heard through all this "linkage." Oddly enough, the sound of the power cord on this controller is almost exactly the same as when the cord is attached to my Soundlab speaker or my mono block amps. In other words, the bright power cords sound brighter in each case and darker sounding cords sound darker in each case.