Basis TT /Walker Motor Controller?SDS- 220 volts?

Sorry, no. I have several years experience with various Basis, VPI, Well Tempered, Versa and other tables, but not the SME.

I have a great deal of respect for the SME and one of the guys in my group has a model 20. I hope to have it in my system for a trial listen some day.

If Musical Surroundings comes for new product photography this Summer, I am going to try to score a Clear Audio Master Ref and linear arm. I understand it is probably not in the league with Rockport or a Walker, but I would love to listen for a couple of weeks, just so I could learn about it.

Before you buy the VPI controller you should check out the Clear Audio. I think it's got the 120-240 ability and it's not only pretty, but competitively priced.

Alexc, my experience was brief with the SME 20, and the system not fully familiar, but my feeling on it was that it was pretty much on the same level as my Basis (an Ovation which has been upgraded for all intents and purposes to a Debut Mk. V vacuum), but not an improvement. I preferred the sound of a Basis 2800 in that system marginally (felt it had a "blacker" background), but part of the difference might have been in the Graham vs. SME arms as well. The SME 30, on the other hand, which I heard on a number of occasions in a more familiar set-up, did have an ease and naturalness around it that seemed a level up from my Basis.

I can't add much more to Albert's excellent post; I too use a Walker motor drive with my Basis, principally because before the upgrade I had to change the pulley spindle each time I wanted to change speeds, a genuine pain in the rear (since the upgrade Basis now has a two-level pulley spindle, so I technically don't need the Walker for speed control, but it works so well at cleaning up the sound I've kept it). If you can contact Lloyd it might be worth it, as he may be able to make a custom model for you.

Much to my surprise, Lloyd managed to reply to me before going on vacation. Turnsout that his Motor Drive can be switched to 220 V by resoldering two wires. He also said a switch could be easily installed to make going back and forth easier, but that it could affect the sound. Net, not a big deal.