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

Showing 4 responses by mcgal

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.
I find the strobe disk a little hard to read with my old eyes. Using a digital tack from Amazon for only $16.00 makes it easy for the fine adjustments that the SDS is capable of.
Arsh, i purchased a Digital Photo Tachometer Model: DT-2234C+. There were a bunch of sellers.
I use the on/off button on the TT as I find it more convenient to use. I spoke with VPI and they told me that there was no problem doing it that way. VPI says not to have the SDS too close to the TT. When I had it about six inches away it created some hum. I have them about three feet apart now and no hum at all. I have a newer Classic 3 with the motor in the rear which is a pain to change the belt. The SDS makes changing from 33 1/3 to 45 easy with the push of a button.