SDS or phono stage

The SDS is more of a speed controller than a line conditioner. Mine is plugged into a conditioner. If you own a VPI table and you want to get the performance from it, you must have the sds. Its like an automatic transmission for a car. Just get it. Then, shop for the phono stage.

Thanks all. I did not mention that I use a Transparent Audio Powerbank 8 power conditioner. Will the SDS still have much of an impact in the presence of the Transparent, or is the power conditioner doing essentially what the SDS would do sonically? Thanks again.

I'm vey familiar with the SDS. I think it would make a huge difference in playback particularly if you get a very good power cord and Stillpoints to use under it. I think you would be astounded at the increased level of performance of your TT.

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.

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.

Add SDS. As others will agree, the SDS is a major upgrade for HW-19 or Scout tables. There is a reason VPI sells the SDS with the high end tables from the get go.

I had a Scoutmaster(very nice table for the money) & I did not realize the speed was spot on until I purchased the SDS. I should have purchased a strobe first and saved my money. I am now using a rim drive HRX and the turntable would be useless without the SDS. If I remember correctly the SDS also does some power conditioning but I plug everything into a couple big Equi=Techs so the bottom line is on my Scoutmaster the SDS was not needed.

I brought an SDS based on advice from Music Direct and I have an outboard phono stage. The separates help with isolation and have a certain cool factor in my opinion. Both components offer more control over how one sets up his/her system and offers more choices.

I'm not familiar with the phono stage in your integrated amp, but the SDS made a big positive difference in my VPI rig.

IMO, Add SDS or other motor controller.