Question for VPI SDS Users

[JRSBat]

Hi - I am new to the forum and new to using a VPI SDS. I am hoping experienced SDS users can help me out. The SDS user manual is typical VPI - basically does not provide much info.

My question is how often do you turn the SDS on and off as you play albums?
1) Every time you play a side - use the SDS to turn the turntable on and off
2) Turn it on at the beginning of the session and off at the end
3) Leave it on all the time - never turn it off

The manual says I can use the SDS to turn off and on the turntable. However, I am concerned doing that will over work the SDS. So I have been turning the SDS on at the beginning of the day (usually work at home so I listen to albums all day)and turn it off in the evening. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks, Joe

[Tedrick]

I follow #1. I leave the power switch on my 'table in the "on" position and use the power switch on the SDS to control power to the motor. In this way, the motor gets the power needed at start-up to come up to speed, then the ramp-down feature of the SDS kicks in to provide only the necessary power to keep the motor running at the desired speed. Been using this method for 5 years with no issues. You will not overwork the SDS.

[JRSBat]

I follow #1. I leave the power switch on my 'table in the "on" position and use the power switch on the SDS to control power to the motor. In this way, the motor gets the power needed at start-up to come up to speed, then the ramp-down feature of the SDS kicks in to provide only the necessary power to keep the motor running at the desired speed. Been using this method for 5 years with no issues. You will not overwork the SDS.

Thanks for the feedback. The owner's manual implied that was the way to go but I was not sure how it would affect the SDS.

[Tedrick]

You're welcome. Just out of curiosity, what 'table are you using your SDS with?

[JRSBat]

An early Scout with a standard 9" arm and Benz Wood SM cart.

An online retailer said I might not notice much difference with the SDS since I was already using a PS Audio Duet line conditioner. He said the Duet was already cleaning up a lot of the line voltage variations. However, I hear a very clear difference using the SDS - less noise, better clarity, etc. I plug the SDS into the Duet since the Duet also protects against line surges.

Next step is to try out the Classic aluminum platter upgrade. I am getting it from MusicDirect early next week. MD has a 30 day return period - in case I do not like the change in sound. I know the new platter will give a different sound - just not sure I will like the difference.

[Tedrick]

The Al platter is said to provide noticeable improvements in the bass over the acrylic platters. If you like deeper, tighter, better defined bass, I think you will be happy.

[Hanuman]

An online retailer said I might not notice much difference with the SDS since I was already using a PS Audio Duet line conditioner. He said the Duet was already cleaning up a lot of the line voltage variations.

That's a completely ignorant comparison between the Duet and the SDS on the part of that retailer. The SDS is quite a bit more specialised than the Duet. It's easy to understand why the SDS would make a difference because it reduces the voltage after the the platter has reached its speed, this after a complete AC re-generation (a key feature, not offered by the Duet). You probably don't need the Duet, actually, on the line feeding the SDS.

[JRSBat]

An online retailer said I might not notice much difference with the SDS since I was already using a PS Audio Duet line conditioner. He said the Duet was already cleaning up a lot of the line voltage variations.

That's a completely ignorant comparison between the Duet and the SDS on the part of that retailer. The SDS is quite a bit more specialised than the Duet. It's easy to understand why the SDS would make a difference because it reduces the voltage after the the platter has reached its speed, this after a complete AC re-generation (a key feature, not offered by the Duet). You probably don't need the Duet, actually, on the line feeding the SDS.

I know the Duet won't benefit the SDS's function much - if at all. I have it plugged into the Duet for the surge protection.