I noticed when I received my new Classic 1 this week that there is now an external power "block" as opposed to the older models that had the standard 3 prong power cable going straight into the back. I was curious why that change was made, but it could have something to do with what you mention here.
I'd be interested to know if the SDS would even give an improvement in sound now after that change.
Where did you come to find this information? |
Is the circuit board an AC regenerator that also reduces the motor voltage after startup like the SDS?
I doubt that!
BS from VPI! |
String.... I wonder if existing Classic tables can be upgraded to take the new circuit configuration? |
I understand that the Traveler, andClassic series is now being configured with a built in SDS-like gizmo so there's no need for an SDS. |
String .. , you're pretty close with the VPI folks. Do you think I can re-configure my Classic TT to incorporate the new mod? I might even exchange the motor for the 300 rpm motor used in the Classic 3. You may recall that I already upgraded the complete tone arm/wand assembly to the Classic 3. |
Talk to VPI ....anything is doable. |
The SDS regenerates the AC to eliminate line noise. Then the resulting output voltage has a crystal calibrated oscillator with the frequency, that you set. to keep the the motor speed exact, compared to the supplied strobe. The SDS also generates a flattened sine wave that is reduced in amplitude, for reduced noise, after the motor starts.
Do you think a simple circuit board can do all that?
Harry is feeding you B.S.
That little circuit board is no SDS! |
The below youtube video shows and talks about the new circuit. They start talking about it around the 3:30 minute mark and show the actual circuit board at around the 5:30 minute mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UMEvwmvVLc |
Bif...I would suspect that the upgraded tone arm didn't bring you THAT MUCH improvement. The addition of the mod on your Classic would be about the same. If you want a serious improvement, think about getting Bearpaws for your table. |
My dealer tells me that both the Classic and Traveler have a built in circuit that is similar to the standalone SDS but without about ability to vary the frequency nor does it step down the power once the table is up to speed. |
String ... and Brf -- I spoke with Jack at VPI yesterday about the new changes made in the Classic TT. Most are gingerbread (e.g., button on top rather than side).
As to the new circuit board, Jack said it's really more of a manufacturing convenience point. Jack said that the Classic motor is AC synchronous, which means it maintains constant speed as long at the wall socket frequency maintains 60 Hz/second. Voltage swings are not as critical.
Jack explained that the manufacturing convenience point is that the motor will maintain proper speed in other countries where cycles per second may be 50 Hz, or not be constant at all.
I asked Jack if it's work the tweak to install the board. He told me to save my money and put it into vinyl or Bearpaw Feet. |
If the motor can maintain speed at either a 50 or 60hz without a change in pulley, the circuit must be doing some form of power regeneration to a 60hz frequency. |
What do folks think about the Traveler arm? I'm trying to decide on Classic 1 or this table. Sometimes a used Classic one for 2K is a no-brainer for me, but I live overseas so shipping an issue.
Saw this comment on Amazon:
"This has to be the worst designed tonearm I've ever seen in my life. The tonearm should never have been released to the public. It is simply not robust enough. The four small spikes holding it together are a joke. You can break the damn thing by carefully taking it out of the foam packing. I told the people at VPI that all you end up doing is accusing the customer of being too rough with the tonearm, when the real problem is the bad design." |
If you watch the video I posted above, around the 4:30 minute mark, Harry talks about the redesign of the arm on the Traveler.
I have setup several of these tables and I find them very well made. If you can swing the extra money for the Classic 1, it is a better table, but for the price, the Traveler is very nice indeed. |
****I asked Jack if it's work the tweak to install the board. He told me to save my money and put it into vinyl or Bearpaw Feet. ****
++++The Traveler, and the Classic 1 now have an additional circuit board in them that does essentially what the SDS does...++++
I don't think so. |
Frogman, the last part of my comment you quoted above (re Bearpaw Feet) was a friendly poke directed at Stringreen, who is probably quite correct with his suggestion. But Jack really did say that the new circuit will not improve the operating spec of an older Classic TT.
OTOH, Jack was quite enthusiastic about VPI's new 3-D printed tone-arm. I believe String... and others have reported back with some very favorable comments.
;>') |
I was simply saying that I can't believe, given what we know abut the SDS, that the new circuit board can be as effective; Jack seems to be confirming that. ( 3D tonearm ?????) |
I'm curious if anyone has tested the wow/flutter on this table. It is claimed to be less than .02 which is surprising to me. |
