I'd have a hard time choosing between the Rega RP6 and the Traveller. I love VPI as a company, but have never fallen in love with their turntables.
Review: The Traveler (Newest Version) After a Month
- Thread starter Jim Creek
- Start date
I'd have a hard time choosing between the Rega RP6 and the Traveller. I love VPI as a company, but have never fallen in love with their turntables.
I received my "upgraded" Traveler a couple of weeks ago. My experience so far has been outstanding. This is a seriously built TT that sounds awesome. I'm using an Ortofon blue on it and love the combo. My other TT is a vintage Marantz and although I like it, it seems like a toy compared to the Traveler.
I also have to say that Seth at Soundstage Direct is one heck of a good guy to deal with.
I also have to say that Seth at Soundstage Direct is one heck of a good guy to deal with.
Thanks for a helpful review, Jim.
I don't care much about how a turntable looks. Better a pretty turntable than an ugly one, but 99.99% of my aesthetic concern is with the sound, and it seems you have a winner. Someday, I might get one for myself, unless I somehow luck into getting an Amadeus. I'm also unconcerned with the few complaints with the Traveler's birthing pains as it's obvious to me that VPI cares about their customers.
I don't care much about how a turntable looks. Better a pretty turntable than an ugly one, but 99.99% of my aesthetic concern is with the sound, and it seems you have a winner. Someday, I might get one for myself, unless I somehow luck into getting an Amadeus. I'm also unconcerned with the few complaints with the Traveler's birthing pains as it's obvious to me that VPI cares about their customers.
Stacker45
Active Member
What is the model of your vintage Marantz?
Marantz 6200
Jim Creek
Jazz, Wine, Electronics
I'm not an expert but I believe 10.2 grams would be considered medium mass.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
Lowish medium.....up to about 16 gram, then you're in the area of light heavy mass, or heavy medium.
Jim Creek
Jazz, Wine, Electronics
Brush down works the best for me. I have records in my collection that have unbelievable warps. Traveler + M97Xe with brush down at 1.75 grams tracks them all.
The sound or voicing, of the M97Xe has really grown on me, sweet mid-range, great bass, lots of detail with great depth in the soundstage. I just love that cartridge.
This is exactly the way I was thinking when I got my Scout (for about the same price as a Traveller since it was B-Stock). If you compare Rega's prices in the UK, the RP-6 is on par with the Traveller, but then by the time it gets here it is $200 more expensive! So, even if you don't care about buying American goods, it is just a better deal.
stopkidding
Well-Known Member
reposting as I saw this new traveler review thread:
I got my Traveler last week with the Sumiko BPS EVO III cartridge. I have had no issues with the table or the tone arm. It seems to be built like a Sherman tank and it looks very simple, yet very classic.
My previous turntable was a Dual 1019 with Grado Black1. It was in good shape. It sounded pretty good, good enough the highlight qualities of Vinyl, but not good enough me to abandon my remastered CDs, SACDs for some critical listening of my favorite albums. I had described the audition process in a prior thread, where I ended choosing the Traveler over the Regas, Pro-Jects, Music-Halls and the Marantz options in the same price range. I auditioned all of them in specialty music stores, in properly set up demo rooms. I picked the traveler for its sound, but mostly for its build quality and looks. Cause in the demo rooms, pretty much all the turntables sounded good with MEGA BUCK components with garden hose cables.
When I set it up at home, I set up the system in my office room with had my "B" components, a Sansui G-8700DB and a pair of Polk RTI6 book shelves. MY "A" integrated amp was having phono board issues, so I haven't tried the traveler in my "best" setup.
Having said all that, words truly don't describe how ridiculously good this table and cartridge sound together. The details, the impact, the depth and clarity of this setup are truly astounding. Albums which I had been listening to for the past 20 years, have suddenly become so unfamiliar, cause they all sound so much more dramatic, with details I had never noticed before. The instruments are alive! I sat through clean but used copies of all Dire Straits albums and listened to them shaking my head, often in disbelief!.
Yes the experience is that much better to anything I had before. Even comparing my brand new 180g dual LP pressing of Brothers in Arms sounds so much more dynamic and richer compared to the SACD versions of the same. A recently picked up 50c classical record, freshly washed and cleaned sounds so rich and dramatic. I can't really imagine how much better than this it can get. I think all i need is a spin washer to clean my old records and I am set for many years of great enjoyment,
Yes, it is the real deal! Go Get it!
I got my Traveler last week with the Sumiko BPS EVO III cartridge. I have had no issues with the table or the tone arm. It seems to be built like a Sherman tank and it looks very simple, yet very classic.
My previous turntable was a Dual 1019 with Grado Black1. It was in good shape. It sounded pretty good, good enough the highlight qualities of Vinyl, but not good enough me to abandon my remastered CDs, SACDs for some critical listening of my favorite albums. I had described the audition process in a prior thread, where I ended choosing the Traveler over the Regas, Pro-Jects, Music-Halls and the Marantz options in the same price range. I auditioned all of them in specialty music stores, in properly set up demo rooms. I picked the traveler for its sound, but mostly for its build quality and looks. Cause in the demo rooms, pretty much all the turntables sounded good with MEGA BUCK components with garden hose cables.
When I set it up at home, I set up the system in my office room with had my "B" components, a Sansui G-8700DB and a pair of Polk RTI6 book shelves. MY "A" integrated amp was having phono board issues, so I haven't tried the traveler in my "best" setup.
Having said all that, words truly don't describe how ridiculously good this table and cartridge sound together. The details, the impact, the depth and clarity of this setup are truly astounding. Albums which I had been listening to for the past 20 years, have suddenly become so unfamiliar, cause they all sound so much more dramatic, with details I had never noticed before. The instruments are alive! I sat through clean but used copies of all Dire Straits albums and listened to them shaking my head, often in disbelief!.
Yes the experience is that much better to anything I had before. Even comparing my brand new 180g dual LP pressing of Brothers in Arms sounds so much more dynamic and richer compared to the SACD versions of the same. A recently picked up 50c classical record, freshly washed and cleaned sounds so rich and dramatic. I can't really imagine how much better than this it can get. I think all i need is a spin washer to clean my old records and I am set for many years of great enjoyment,
Yes, it is the real deal! Go Get it!
I have a Traveler on order, expecting it tomorrow, or Tuesday...
Mine is coming with the Dynavector 10x5 HOMC...
Your write ups have set the expectation bar quite high!!
Select vinyls are ready and waiting....
