VPI SDS vs PLC

Michael Fremer did a review comparing the VPI SDS with the Walker motor drive controller. I don't recall what year or issue. Try looking it up on-line at Stereophile's Website. I recall that there was some useful info to be gleened from there.

I bought an SDS for my 19 Mk. III and find it to offer alot including variable voltage which allows me to lower the input voltage to the motor after startup. Plus, I have to admit, it looks much cooler than the Walker unit.

Have any of you used the Walker audio controller? It was recommended by my local dealer who said it's significantly better than the VPI SDS. Of course, it also costs $500 more!

Thanks to all who responded to my message.

Get the SDS. There's no comparison. I had the PLC and later used the PS Audio P300 to feed my TNT turntable. I pcked up a used SDS for $650 on Audiogon and now wish I had done this earlier. It's a terrific piece of gear.

I have both. As Bob mentioned, the PLC is electrically noisy and must be located carefully away from your signal path. The SDS doesn't have this problem. The PLC is a more primitive design with analog control knobs, while the SDS has push buttons and a digital read out. Having said all this, I haven't heard a big difference in sound quality, although the SDS has been praised by the magazine reviewers (better ears than mine, I guess). Good luck.

I use the SDS. Had considered the PLC (but never tried one) until I read that the SDS is significantly more effective, & also that the PLC radiates large amounts of interfering EMI into any nearby active componentry.