VPI Traveler

My dealer tells me that both the Classic and Traveler have a built in circuit that is similar to the standalone SDS but without about ability to vary the frequency nor does it step down the power once the table is up to speed.

String ... and Brf -- I spoke with Jack at VPI yesterday about the new changes made in the Classic TT. Most are gingerbread (e.g., button on top rather than side).

As to the new circuit board, Jack said it's really more of a manufacturing convenience point. Jack said that the Classic motor is AC synchronous, which means it maintains constant speed as long at the wall socket frequency maintains 60 Hz/second. Voltage swings are not as critical.

Jack explained that the manufacturing convenience point is that the motor will maintain proper speed in other countries where cycles per second may be 50 Hz, or not be constant at all.

I asked Jack if it's work the tweak to install the board. He told me to save my money and put it into vinyl or Bearpaw Feet.

If the motor can maintain speed at either a 50 or 60hz without a change in pulley, the circuit must be doing some form of power regeneration to a 60hz frequency.

What do folks think about the Traveler arm? I'm trying to decide on Classic 1 or this table. Sometimes a used Classic one for 2K is a no-brainer for me, but I live overseas so shipping an issue.

Saw this comment on Amazon:

"This has to be the worst designed tonearm I've ever seen in my life. The tonearm should never have been released to the public. It is simply not robust enough. The four small spikes holding it together are a joke. You can break the damn thing by carefully taking it out of the foam packing. I told the people at VPI that all you end up doing is accusing the customer of being too rough with the tonearm, when the real problem is the bad design."

If you watch the video I posted above, around the 4:30 minute mark, Harry talks about the redesign of the arm on the Traveler.

I have setup several of these tables and I find them very well made. If you can swing the extra money for the Classic 1, it is a better table, but for the price, the Traveler is very nice indeed.