VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

I have a Classic 3 and did the SDS upgrade. It was amazing to get the correct speed on the platter. Everything was a clearer, truer and easier to understand.

My suggestion is to get a kit to measure the platter speed and a VPI SDS to regulate the speed.
I got the SpeedStrobe Turntable Speed Tester by KAB. I created a wire stand from a hanger for a stable point to measure drift against the platter. I put the strobe mat over an old record to get the full weight on the platter.

My system is Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua -> Classic 3 -> Sutherland Phono Block -> Spectral DMC 30SV -> Spectral DMA 400 -> MIT Oracle Cables -> EgglestonWorks Rosa -> plenty of room acoustics

It was like a new turntable after the upgrade. It was inexpensive. I you don’t like it, you can sell it!


Thanks,
Alan

Hi,

The SDS does ensure the platter is spinning precisely at 33 1/3 RPM. It does this by allowing you to vary the frequency (hz) of the electricity coming into the motor.  Mine takes about 59 hz. to spin at 33 1/3.  Once set, the SDS regulates the electricity coming into the motor so the speed does not vary. I use the strobe to occasionally check the speed and make slight adjustments.

 I think the important point is the electricity coming into the motor dictates the speed of the motor.  Since each motor is a little different in construction and the electricity coming into our houses is not perfectly regulated, the SDS allows you to set the correct speed using a strobe and then adjust the frequency of the electricity so the motor spins precisely and consistently at 33 1/3.

I haven't done any other upgrades.  My Classic 3 has the original metal arm, the record clamp and outer ring.  Most of my listening is Tidal streaming with a PS Audio Directstrem DAC and CDs using a Marantz CD player.

I saw a used VPI SDS on US Audio Mart for $800. 

Sounds like you have a nice set up with all ARC gear!

Thanks,

Alan