VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

@phillippugh To confirm whether it’s the SDS, you can plug the turntable directly into the wall. That’s obviously not a solution, but it will help you determine the root cause of your issue.

If it’s the ’table, which is likely, check to make sure the bearing and tri-pulley are clean and lubricated and that your belts are not slipping.

If it’s the SDS, I’d have it serviced. Steve at VAS is the expert on these. He also offers an inexpensive modification that will improve reliability.

bigby

... 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 ...

The AC line frequency - which is what controls the speed of an AC synchronous motor - is actually very tightly regulated, because the stability of the electrical grid requires it. The root of the speed differential that the SDS corrects is mostly the result of variations in pulley size and in the case of the VPI SAMA motors, the distance between the motor and the platter.

I am a big fan of the SDS and upgraded to it from the old VPI PLC. As an FYI, Steve at VAS offers an inexpensive modification to the SDS which is said to ensure longer life. I had him modify mine out of an abundance of caution because I don’t plan on parting with my VPI TNT anytime soon, if ever.