VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

i have a tnt/sama/flywheel/sds. i'm recently having speed fluctuations- as noticed first aurally and then as measured by my kab strobe disc/light. i'm assuming it's the sds so i'm looking at vpi ads. has anyone compared the two? i seem to remember when the ads came out it was not particularly well recieved.

@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.

@turntablemat

Hi Mat,

As I mentioned above, I own a tricked out first generation VPI Classic 1/2 table, which I upgraded many years ago with the help of Jack and/or Mike.  The upgrades included installing the Classic 3 300 RPM motor and cap (prevents turn-on/off thumps).  In addition, I switched out the Classic 1/2 arm and base for the Classic 3 stainless steel arm and base.  So, I have a first generation Classic 2.7 (sic).

My cartridge is a Lyra Kleos.  My electronics gear is all ARC. 

So, ... I am not interested in dropping mega bucks into the table.  But I was thinking about the 3D arm and maybe the SDS speed controller.  

What are your thoughts about the upgrades just noted? 

I also note that VPI is using a gimballed arm.  Does it sound significantly better than the old JMW uni-pivot?

One last question.  Do the following parts require replacement at some point:  (1) the inverted bearing that supports the heavy aluminum platter; (2) the uni-pivot needle upon which the JMW arm rests; and (3) the metal bearing inside the JMW arm which sits on the uni-pivot needle. 

As an fyi, I clean and lubricate the inverted platter bearing at least once a year and put a drop of electric motor oil on the shaft of the motor.  

Your "care and feeding" advice will no doubt help other VPI TT owners.

Thanks

Bruce
       

I've owned a SDS, now an ADS. Wasn't able to compare for SQ. The SDS is easier to use as the ADS fine touch knobs are hard to get speed to hold steady. Both would come off settings made from a week prior by a little.

I have a Roadrunner/Eagle now that I'll soon set up. Hoping this package with the constant speed correction won't be aggrevating.

So ultimately I went big and switched to a Dr. Feickert Blackbird turntable with Kuzma 4-Point arm.  Currently demoing a My Sonic Lab Hyper Eminent cartridge, but have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum and a Soundsmith Hyperion on the way for demoing and will ultimately settle on one - can’t afford to keep two at that price level. 
At first I had a pucker factor spending that kind of dough but I find myself listening to music for hours almost every night instead of just occasionally,  The Blackbird’s speed is dead-on-balls accurate and for a belt-drive has great torque (due to two motors.)  Hard to describe the improvement in sound quality because I made so many changes to my entire system (phono pre, amp, cables) as well as the using a different tonearm and cartridge.  Needless to say the changes overall were not subtle.