Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: VPI Industries SDS Accessory by HenryH

Model:	SDS
Category:	Accessory
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	turntable (or cd player) motor speed controller and a line isolator
Manufacturer URL:	VPI Industries
Model Picture:	View

Review by HenryH on January 31, 2008 at 12:46:16
IP Address: 74.214.45.172 Add Your Review
for the SDS

The SDS is the third upgrade for my Scout turntable. Previously I purchased the SS/Delrin clamp (worthwhile) and the 300 rpm motor upgrade (also worthwhile). I was expecting a solidifying of bass lines/textures and a more stable image/soundstage from better power regulation for the Scout's AC synchronous motor. What I did not expect was an increase in detail resolution, both micro and macro. This included "detail within detail" I had never heard on recordings I am very familiar with. Being a fan of solo piano as well as concerti with the instrument, I was pleased to hear a purity of tone absent before installing the SDS.
Note: I thought I had a defective unit when the platter stopped 10 minmutes after installing the SDS. I removed the top and made sure the numerous push-on connectors were pushed fully on and reinstalled. The SDS has functioned normally since. Others have reported this issue.

Henry
Cogito Ergo Spud

Product Weakness:	Kinda pricey at $999. Wish there was a provision for dimming the display.
Product Strengths:	Solidifies bass performance, increases detail and stabilizes imaging within the soundstage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Forte Model 6 200/350 wpc
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Rogue Metis
Sources (CDP/Turntable): VPI Scout/Dyna 20XL/CineMag SUT/Hagerman Cornet II
Speakers: Magnepan 1.6QR/Magnepan MMG
Cables/Interconnects: AQ Type 4/Straightwire Chorus II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock/Classical LPs
Room Size (LxWxH): 16 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Room semi-live
Time Period/Length of Audition: Just over a day.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Counterpoint PAC-15
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Forte Model 6 200/350 wpc
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rogue Metis
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI Scout/Dyna 20XL/CineMag SUT/Hagerman Cornet II
Speakers:	Magnepan 1.6QR/Magnepan MMG
Cables/Interconnects:	AQ Type 4/Straightwire Chorus II
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock/Classical LPs
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Room semi-live
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Just over a day.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Counterpoint PAC-15
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner