VPI Traveller

This is an old thread, but as a VPI traveler owner I'll put my 2 cents in. I have a fuller write up on Audio Circle. I've tried the original Grado Gold, a Sumiko Pearl, an Orotofon 2M Red and Rondo Bronze, and with the exception of the Pearl, seemed to work fine. The Pearl has narrow diameter pins, so unless you squeeze the Travelers leads, you will not get a connection. This is not the fault of the VPI - it's sumiko's. I've had this problem with every table I've tried to mount it to except the Project 1.3. it originally came with.

@jarcher, thanks for your post. Does the pro-ject 1.3 have a carbon fiber arm? How does the pro-ject compare to the traveler (both having the ortofons you mentioned)?

I have a pro-ject Xpression III, speed box, tube box ii, wall rack and ortofon mc-3 turbo and I'm wondering if the traveler would be a noticeable upgrade or sideways move?

TIA

Jarcher....I'm thinking of this table. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I tried to register at audio circle, but can't. (They say my address matches a spammer address...good gawd.)

I found another review by jarcher on Amazon - hope neither parties mind the repost:

"I formerly had a Pro-ject RPM1.3, which while pretty, was a fisher price joke compared to this table. Can not tell you how impressed I am with the quality & fit / finish - and how the table alone was such an upgrade from the Pro-ject. Yes, it is almost three times as expensive as my former table, but the sound quality is at least twice as good. The photos don't do it justice - a seriously well built machine. I have a more detailed review at audio circle forum.

These sometimes ship with the Grado Gold - and in fact this table was designed with that cartridge specifically. Nonetheless I found that I preferred other options. So unless you know & like the particular sonic signature of Grado's, the safer bet might be to buy it without a cartridge, as it seems to be sold here."

Now I really want to demo the Traveler! Looks like my baseline Xpression III betters the 1.3 but the Traveler could be a notable upgrade here.

I posted this over on Audio Circle; thought some here may be interested...

Got a blue Traveler in my rig for the last week. Run it into a Yamaha A-S2000, Daedalus (hot rodded) DA-1s, w/a Dynavector 10x5 cart.
Sounds wonderful! No pops on start/stop via the motor. A bit of belt squeak on startup when set for 45rpm, but never on 33rpm. Great build quality,
beautiful table. Don't have as much experience w/tables as many here, but I love the arm. Works flawlessly & tracks quietly. Seems
very nice compared to a prior Rega P3 rb300, entry Sota Comet, & most recently an Empire 598. Can't wait to 'hear' what others think the arm can
'get the most out of', cartridge wise. Oh, & the MM/MC on the Yamaha, which I had never heard, is a wonderful match. Damn good & & easily
a match for my modded Transporter & 8g Mac mini server. This thing soars! Esperanza Spaldings 'Chamber Music Society' will remind you of
'Ella'. Jackson Browne's 'Time the Conqueror' is relaxed, warm & inviting in a way the digital never is & will remind you of why you liked Jackson
in the first place. Dave Matthews Band 'Away From The World', is striking, sublime & evocative as Dave's voice is captured as rhythmically primal, a ritualistic creative instrument, casting its musical spell in an enchanting & mature forest of instrumentation. Did I mention I like the Traveler very
much? A high quality product, @ a most reasonable price, that reminds oneself that music is indeed a "long, long, journey". A beautifully built
product that invites one to stop, come inside, have a closer look & consider what the artist has achieved all with minimal cost or fuss. Seems to me,
that this one is pretty special....

I've also a question as to the MM/MC on the Yamaha A-S2000. As mentioned, I'm using the Dynavector 10x5 cart. It seems a very sweet match w/the arm/phono..... but as always, down the road a bit, does the specs on the integrated support a move to a low output MC? I've only owned MM & don't
really understand the 'lingo'. Yamaha says, 100(?)v/50?, & the volume control
is plenty loud around 10 o'clock, so would I run into any problems attempting
to run the 20xl or the 13d dynavectors?

Thanx....