Upgrading Turntable

If VPI gives you "supper" after you buy one of their tables, count me in. That's a great perk.

I just walked the exact path you mentioned above. My opinions and listening experiences / evals are listed here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1347380943&openfrom&1&4#1

Also don't like how the new motor location caused belt squeak on the Traveler.

Scott

You might do a little long-term planning that answer questions like: Do you like to keep spending money on periodic upgrades to tonearms, and TTs, and speed controllers, or do you want to make one upgrade to an analog front end that you could live with until you pass?

The periodic upgrades are expensive and time consuming. Find out what you can learn from listeners that have already taken the path.

Understand the importance of speed stability (maintaining constant speed at the proper speed); what is low level sound reproduction and how it is attained; what are exceptional values in tonearms; purchasing new versus used. From my observation, many analog listeners overlook the importance of constant speed.

You might want to read Dougdeacon's threads here on Audiogon with regard to speed and neutral sound reproduction, and Arthur Salvatore's website for an understanding of the fundamentals of quality equipment and how to spend your money prudently.

Learn about Lenco turntables (Lenco Heaven site), and visit the Transfi Audio site.

When finished, you should have an understanding of that which you seek.

Lindis...what an idiot

I get the impression from your post that you are looking to buy new. I rarely give advice but since you are "new to analogue, and actually to Hi-Fi in general," I would tell you that turntables get upgraded frequently. Consider buying used. There are incredible deals on Audiogon for tables that were many times your budget selling used for pennies on the dollar.
Also, when you decide to upgrade again, which is likely, you will recover a larger portion of your original investment. FWIW