I tried the SDS with my Spacedeck and realized no improvement whatsover.
Oz
Oz
Using the VPI SDS with non-VPI turntables
The SDS makes a profound improvement in the sound of my early-model VPI TNT and is also great for changing the speed from 33 to 45 rpm. Now I'd like to try the SDS with another of my turntables, a modified Lenco L78, but want a little reassurance beforehand.
According to the SDS manual: "Remember, you can use the SDS for better sound on any turntable, but you can adjust the speed ONLY on turntables which have AC synchronous or induction motors and which have no electronic circuitry of their own." I have no idea what kind of motor is in the Lenco, but there's no electronic circuitry. One issue is that with the TNT at least, the SDS automatically reduces its operating voltage to 72 vac when set for 33 1/3 rpm.
Is anyone using the SDS with other (non-VPI) turntables? I'm mighty curious about whether the SDS would improve the Lenco, but I sure don't want to damage either one. Any thoughts? TIA, Dave
According to the SDS manual: "Remember, you can use the SDS for better sound on any turntable, but you can adjust the speed ONLY on turntables which have AC synchronous or induction motors and which have no electronic circuitry of their own." I have no idea what kind of motor is in the Lenco, but there's no electronic circuitry. One issue is that with the TNT at least, the SDS automatically reduces its operating voltage to 72 vac when set for 33 1/3 rpm.
Is anyone using the SDS with other (non-VPI) turntables? I'm mighty curious about whether the SDS would improve the Lenco, but I sure don't want to damage either one. Any thoughts? TIA, Dave
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Dave, the issue should be just a matter of whether the motor in your Lenco is an AC motor. If it is, then the SDS is compatible. In casting about some of the Lenco web sites I found the following comment talking about the motor in the Lenco turntables: "...A common method used by many turntable manufacturers for ensuring reliable starting and direction of rotation in AC Induction motors." http://www.freewebs.com/bornin50-2/themotor.htm So, it sounds like yours should be an AC motor. . |
The SDS regenerates the power sine wave, so the power is cleaner and the sine wave frequency is what you set it to be. The capability of varying the frequency of the sine wave is important to determining the speed of "hysteresis-synchronous motors," like those used in most turntables today. "Induction motors" are relatively insensitive to frequency variation and will tolerate a fairly wide range of frequency variance from their nominal rating at 60 cycles. A better way to vary the speed of an induction motor would be to change the voltage, which the SDS also does. Naturally, the turntable could sound better just from the improvement in how much cleaner the power sine wave could be. |
Okay, I just took the plunge and plugged the Lenco into the SDS. After listening to tracks from about 6 LPs, all I can say is that I wish I had tried this about 6 months ago. I've used the SDS for a couple of years with the VPI TNT, but I'm afraid that the Lenco REALLY leaves the TNT in the dust after running it into the TNT. "Black hole" silence, explosive transients, and removal of the last little bit of edge and glare that I hadn't even known was there. Just amazing. If any of you has done the "Lenco thing" via the huge Agon thread started 1400 posts ago by Johnnantais, I hope you can give it a try. Dave |
hello Dave, I repeatedly measure lenco speed by stop watch since I have no strobe disc to check speed. It turns out 59.70 seconds for 33and 1/3 rpm. I am not sure it's acceptable,but it sounds good for listening.Assume that my measuring method outcome is correct. Do you think Vpi sds speed controller would further improve speed accuracy in my case. Or I think I need to adjust the lever under table plate to move idle wheel a little tiny out.But I hate to do this. Thanks again for any suggestions! KB |
I still don't understand. There are various cheap strobe discs available and (I think) one you can download, and the lever on the Lenco to adjust the speed is there precisely for that purpose. Why do you hate to use it? A VPI SDS will allow you to change the speed too, but without a strobe disc you're back where you started. I tried an SDS unit (the one I use with my VPI TNT) on the Lenco and prefer the Lenco without it. |