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SDS or phono stage

I have a VPI Scoutmaster with Soundsmith Zephyr Mk II cartridge, jmw memorial arm, a stainless steel vpi record clamp, playing through a Musial Fidelity KW500 integrated amp with on board phono stage. Sounds quite good, but my question is this: would I be better off at this point adding an SDS or an outboard phono stage? Or both? In what order? Thanks!
arsh
dhcod
710 posts
 
I have the VTPH-1MC and I can't imagine a better phono stage and I've spent thousands in the past.... and everyone says VTPH2 is better. You'll love it and Keith is a fantastic person and very helpful. If it's used, have him go through it if you decide to buy. It's incredibly reasonable and you end up with basically a refurbished unit.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks a lot. I am getting a new VTPH-2 directly from Keith. I am excited to hear it!
amudhen's avatar
amudhen
17 posts
 
Get a decent strobe disc from KAB and see how your current setup looks via 33 & 45 rpm, using the srobe disc on top of a record and with your record clamp. Then purchase a used SDS for around $800 or so. They both made a noticeablle difference on my vpi aires. For a phono amp , look at the new Phenomena II battery powered.
mcgal
199 posts
 
I had a Classic 1 with a Zepher mk1. When I purchased the SDS, I thought it improved the sound quality enough to keep it. I notice the improvement more with the power conditioning that it does than the speed control. I do have the SDS plugged into a power conditioner also. I do like changing from 33 to 45 with a push of a button.
club900fe
5 posts
 
what about using the cheaper alternatives to the SDS that correctly maintain speed?
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