SDS or phono stage

IMO, Add SDS or other motor controller.

Arsh (and Lwin), The SDS is an AC re-generator. Think of it as an amplifier that puts out 120V and 60Hz (or whatever variation from those baseline parameters is needed to make your tt run at precise 33 and 45). Thus it does more than any typical power conditioner, most of which are just noise filters with or without an isolation transformer, unless your power conditioner is also an AC regenerator. Lwin, your balanced AC power does not substitute for the SDS or other similar power regenerating motor controller. Moreover, a good motor controller also makes the tt motor run quieter, if properly adjusted. Even further, the AC regenerator prevents motor noise from getting back on to the AC that serves your other noise sensitive components. So even if speed is bang on without the motor controller, there are still benefits to be had.

At least now I know that I can blame autocorrect for converting my moniker to "Lewn". No one should think I am at all angry about it. It's been happening ever since I started posting under "LewM" on Audiogon. I find it amusing, in fact.

Arsh, from all I have ever read about it (and that's all I know about it) the Herron phono stage you have purchased will likely make you very happy for years to come. I think you've made a good choice.

Thanks, Al.

Just for the record, and speaking only for myself, I discussed the SDS only because that is the unit that Arsh asked about. What I said about the SDS is only hearsay. I personally do use a Walker Audio Precision Motor Controller, which does pretty much the same thing as the SDS but without some of the less useful SDS features. All my experience of the beneficial effects of a Motor Controller has to do with the Walker. Some, who have tried both the Walker and the SDS, have found the Walker to "sound" a bit better, but with a VPI tt, I assume the SDS would be a great match. There is no savings associated with purchasing the Walker vs the SDS. Used or new, I think the typical prices are about the same.

As to use of a laser tach and other similar gadgets, that's fine, but they do not address the issues at hand, and they suck up funds otherwise available for the nitty gritty solutions. The KAB strobe is the most accurate and cost-effective device for checking tt speed and speed stability, IMO.

Mcbuddah, The SDS and the Variac are not equivalent devices, as you seem to know; the SDS is an active device whereas the Variac is passive. One small error: the Variac is an autoformer, not a true transformer. Since the primary and secondary of an autoformer have one connection in common, an autoformer does not isolate the primary side from the secondary. So an autoformer will not either block noise on the AC line or prevent tt motor noise from going back into the AC line. (I think this is true; perhaps Al will jump in and correct me, if I am wrong.) On the other hand, the SDS synthesizes "new" AC and both voltage and frequency can be varied. So the SDS can control a motor by varying either of the two parameters and will ameliorate noise, etc. I have a feeling you know all this. Bottom line: I have tried using a Variac, not to control a tt but to reduce bias voltage on an ESL panel, to "rest" the diaphragms when the speakers were not in use. For some reason, I found that it introduced a very objectionable coloration to the sound from the speakers. I don't know whether the same effect would be audible if Variac is used on a tt motor, but my Variac is now occupying a dark and dingy place in my basement.

Brf, What is "Platter Speed"? Since I've spent about ~$100 on the KAB Strobe, why would I want to spend $35 more on a device that does the same thing, or does it? By the way, that's "Lew M". You are not the only one who finds it hard to read "Lewm" and thus calls me "Lewn". On the other hand, I am a bit Lewnie, for sure.