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Upgraded Carbon vs VPI Traveler

Table is on it's way...should have it this weekend. Decided to try the Clearaudio Concept MM cartridge. Will get back with my impressions later on this package.
 
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The project Xperience 2 with the 9cc Carbon tone arm and sumiko blue point 2 sells for $1299. The Traveler sells for $1295 without the cart.

I tried both of them, and the are both very nice sounding tables. The VPI traveler may have the slightest of edge in detail, but not enough to matter. The Xperience is a better value, the Traveler is a better Turntable. You decide what is important to you

I bought the Traveler, cost me $500 more the whole table/cart combo, but I thought I would have been equally happy with the Xperience in terms of the sound.
 
I end up paying $1248.00 including the Clearaudio Concept cartridge. Sold the Carbon for $525.00. I did OK. Hopefully the TT will arrive without a hitch.
 
Oh Dude ! Great choice ! I have the Traveler, LOVE IT !
Changing the speed is 2 seconds. Easier than flipping sides on an album.
You touch the belt, slide your fingers up so the belt moves up/down....Done.
Turn it on and the belt adjusts itself before you can lift and set the arm.
I think you'll love it too. The sound is so solid compared to my Dual 1219, Technics SL-d3 or Sony ps-x5.
I'm only using my M91ed w/ Jica SAS and my V15 mkIII w/Jico SAS stylus but it's a BIG jump in sound all around.
Same cartridges and stylus' but WAY better sound.
I'm still trying to figure which cartridge to get from here ! I'm thinking about $600 but there's so many choices and there's no way to listen to them.
Have fun, enjoy the music and please - let us all know what you think.
PS. I have the newer version of traveler with bumpy paint and updated gimball screws.
Jimbo
 
OK...it arrived early and it is a sealed, never displayed or used, brand spanking new unit:banana: What a deal!

First impressions?...pretty darn nice table this is. The music is silky and detailed with nice and tight base. I assume as the new cart breaks in it will open up even more.

Set up was a snap.

My Wife's first impression...wow, that's a great looking table :thmbsp:

FWIW it does "fit" in my cabinet but the tone arm clashes with the right side panel at about 2/3 across the platter. Time for a "Tool Time" solution :scratch2:
I do have one and it's definitely unique.

Thanks for all of the advise people...much appreciated.
 
ScaleAutoArt said:
OK...it arrived early and it is a sealed, never displayed or used, brand spanking new unit:banana: What a deal!

First impressions?...pretty darn nice table this is. The music is silky and detailed with nice and tight base. I assume as the new cart breaks in it will open up even more.

Set up was a snap.

My Wife's first impression...wow, that's a great looking table :thmbsp:

FWIW it does "fit" in my cabinet but the tone arm clashes with the right side panel at about 2/3 across the platter. Time for a "Tool Time" solution :scratch2:
I do have one and it's definitely unique.

Thanks for all of the advise people...much appreciated.
Click to expand...

A winner all around!...Pics please!
 
As can be seen this is a very tight fit. The back panel still needs to be installed to hide the wires, etc. Note the blue tape on the right side where the modifications will be made to the side of the cabinet to create more clearance for the tone arm.
 

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Wow, that sure is tight - sure you can comfortably operate the arm in there?

Great table - congrats and enjoy!
 
Billfort said:
Wow, that sure is tight - sure you can comfortably operate the arm in there?

Great table - congrats and enjoy!
Click to expand...

Yes...operation is no problem. Works fine now if I only listen the the first half :sigh:

The Clearaudio Concept II cartridge is pretty impressive but it's cantilever is right out there in the front..great for accurate cuing but scary at the same time.
 
OK...my solution worked and she is up and running. I did have a screw back out on the tonearm assembly [similar to another AK complaint] but was able to correct it. Hopefully it won't snowball into more issues. This table is an earlier version and I know if it does VPI will be there for me based on what I have read.
 
I sent an email discussing my concerns directly to VPI yesterday afternoon [Sunday] and at 8 am had a detailed reply. Problem SOLVED.

I think the build quality of this table is superb. My issues were minor and easily fixed. This is no longer an issue.

IMHO...customer service at VPI is first rate.

As a foot note I do believe the tone arm issues are related to shipping [cold/hot/vibrations] AND customers not taking care when setting up the tonearm. It is a very precise piece of work and care must be taken...especially when setting the tracking force. One may be tempted to rotate the weight itself, which is a big no no. It has a set screw...why would one attempt to rotate it, especially with a thumb screw right there in clear sight?

As far as any motor issues VPI simply changed to a universal motor.
 
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