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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
gpgr4blu
1,088 posts
 
I was instructed by a VPI rep to always turn the motor on and off and not to use the sds as an on/off switch. That advise was many years ago but I think it still holds.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thank you Gpgr4blu.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Gpgr4blu, that "VPI rep" is wrong. The VPI SDS is a motor controller and is used to turn the motor on and off with a specified power sequence.

The SDS manual states
Both the SDS and the turntable plugged into it may be turned on and off with the SDS's power switch.

Contact VPI if in doubt.
rodman99999
6,158 posts
 
Use the TT's switch and watch voltage display on your powered-up SDS. You'll notice that the drive senses start-up voltage requirement and provides it, then reduces again(your, "specified power sequence"). Just a BTW; I always start the platter and clean my LPs at 45rpm(more torque).
brf
1,715 posts
 
If you use the SDS’s on/off to control the motor, you can use the VPI SDS “run hours” feature to monitor cartridge use.

I've had a SDS in continuous use for 10+ years using the on/off switch w/o any problems.
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