I got the ball as an option with my Verdier, it is an expensive option now. I use the ball with the platter adjusted so it just touches the ball, I use a 4 pound Redpoint weight on the record. This is a noticable improvement. I have converted to battery operation with instructions from JC Verdier, he suggests splicing into the circuit just after the AC to DC converter, I use a 12V DC to DC converter to regulate the voltage from an automotive 12V power supply. These changes are inexpensive compared to the GT options. See pics in my system.
