HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
I think you’re right!
The VPI Turntable Thread
- Thread starter JohnnyCashFan
- Start date
Angsty
Well-Known Member
I got the Traveler v2 today and there are some obvious cosmetic & construction differences. I had a couple of hours to listen to it with an Ortofon 2M Bronze (which I had to return to the owner) and the bottom line is that it sounds just like my Traveler v1.1.
I still prefer the v1.1 for the AC motor and no external power supply. The v1.1 starts up much smoother without the belt "chatter" of the v2; likely due to a different torque curve. It's harder to slow down the platter of the v1.1 than the v2 when applying drag to the rim of the platter, like when cleaning for fingerprints. I can't say that it will affect record playback perceptibly; it's just an observation. I prefer the v1.1 metal button on the side to the rubber button on top of the plinth on the v2, but I can see how the top button could be better in tight quarters. The silver finish on this v2 is not as elegant as the black finish on the v1.1; a difference in surface texturing choices. The gimble bearing pivot system is different on the v1.1 and v2, but I hear no difference yet. However, I'd expect better isolation with the solid rubber feet of the v2 than the rubber-tipped aluminum cones on the v1.1.
These are all minor quibbles; the v2 Traveler sounds great. Looking forward to getting to listen to it more as it supplants the PLX-1000 in my office. Now, where do I put all of these extra components for my third system...
I still prefer the v1.1 for the AC motor and no external power supply. The v1.1 starts up much smoother without the belt "chatter" of the v2; likely due to a different torque curve. It's harder to slow down the platter of the v1.1 than the v2 when applying drag to the rim of the platter, like when cleaning for fingerprints. I can't say that it will affect record playback perceptibly; it's just an observation. I prefer the v1.1 metal button on the side to the rubber button on top of the plinth on the v2, but I can see how the top button could be better in tight quarters. The silver finish on this v2 is not as elegant as the black finish on the v1.1; a difference in surface texturing choices. The gimble bearing pivot system is different on the v1.1 and v2, but I hear no difference yet. However, I'd expect better isolation with the solid rubber feet of the v2 than the rubber-tipped aluminum cones on the v1.1.
These are all minor quibbles; the v2 Traveler sounds great. Looking forward to getting to listen to it more as it supplants the PLX-1000 in my office. Now, where do I put all of these extra components for my third system...
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HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
This is totally in line with what I've heard re: the lower end of the VPI line, that there are a lot of sonic similarities between models. Great to hear of the consistency! And if that's the sound you're chasing, to have captured it on two setups!I got the Traveler v2 today and there are some obvious cosmetic & construction differences. I had a couple of hours to listen to it with an Ortofon 2M Bronze (which I had to return to the owner) and the bottom line is that it sounds just like my Traveler v1.1.
I still prefer the v1.1 for the AC motor and no external power supply. The v1.1 starts up much smoother without the belt "chatter" of the v2; likely due to a different torque curve. It's harder to slow down the platter of the v1.1 than the v2 when applying drag to the rim of the platter, like when cleaning for fingerprints. I can't say that it will affect record playback perceptibly; it's just an observation. I prefer the v1.1 metal button on the side to the rubber button on top of the plinth on the v2, but I can see how the top button could be better in tight quarters. The silver finish on this v2 is not as elegant as the black finish on the v1.1; a difference in surface texturing choices. The gimble bearing pivot system is different on the v1.1 and v2, but I hear no difference yet. However, I'd expect better isolation with the solid rubber feet of the v2 than the rubber-tipped aluminum cones on the v1.1.
These are all minor quibbles; the v2 Traveler sounds great. Looking forward to getting to listen to it more as it supplants the PLX-1000 in my office. Now, where do I put all of these extra components for my third system...
Angsty
Well-Known Member
Ready to spin!
Angsty
Well-Known Member
I may have mischaracterized the Traveler v2 by implication as having a DC motor. More enlightened observers have noted: “The motor is a 24V AC that runs off a 48 volt DC power supply that feeds a board that regenerates a 24V AC at exactly a constant 60hz.” That likely made the turntable easier to sell internationally without having to make multiple models with different motors.
By contrast, the v1 has a 120V AC motor, which I still prefer.
By contrast, the v1 has a 120V AC motor, which I still prefer.
theflattire
Active Member
Hardwired junction box:
from VAS
Replaced regular junction box and Cardas Iridium cable.
Might be squeezing out a little more detail; hard to say.
from VAS
Replaced regular junction box and Cardas Iridium cable.
Might be squeezing out a little more detail; hard to say.
Angsty
Well-Known Member
My admiration of the Traveler v2 / Hana ML combo grows a bit by the day. The cartridge is settling down and becoming smoother without sacrificing detail. The v2 is simply solid and transparent in how it sounds without any audible artifacts. Nothing seems added or subtracted. It’s a very nice paring.
Angsty
Well-Known Member
It took a year, but the “madness” won out - I got the Luxman. I was able to score a used Mk2 on a Japanese auction site for about 40% of the US retail with original packaging. I still have to test it out, but this was the most affordable way to get one. Not without risk, though.
The Japanese versions are 100v instead of 120v so I also purchased a small plug-in transformer for it.
Angsty
Well-Known Member
Admittedly on the inaugural spins, the Luxman does perform better than the Traveler - but not by much. My first Traveler is absolutely staying in my office system; VPI for life!
The Luxman does not embarrass the Traveler, even as it wins on points. More thoughts later on the comparison as I dial in the setup on the Luxman.
The Luxman does not embarrass the Traveler, even as it wins on points. More thoughts later on the comparison as I dial in the setup on the Luxman.
HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
In line with everything I hear - the "budget" VPI decks deliver! That said, enjoy the hell outta that Luxman! Psyched for longer term takeaways.
Angsty
Well-Known Member
After a few days, I think I’m getting a handle on what differentiates the Luxman’s sound from the Traveler. In short, it has a higher signal to noise ratio.
The Luxman is dead quiet. I cannot hear its motor running at all, even up close. The quietude extends through the tonearm. I never get the sense the tonearm is adding or subtracting anything. Compared to the Traveler, there is less background noise and sound images are more well defined and solidly placed.
The solid placement may also be due to the speed controls, which are more precise on the Luxman. The Travelers tend to run a bit fast whereas the Luxman is closer to 33.33 rpm.
Although the Traveler has a much longer tonearm (313.4 mm vs. 222.5 mm effective length), I don’t hear any additional inner groove distortion with the Luxman. This was an initial concern before buying the Luxman; now I wonder why it’s not more of an issue.
What did come as a surprise is how much better my “old” cartridge sounds on the Luxman. I had been going upmarket on carts looking for improvement, but this change revealed how much inherent quality existed in the cartridges I already have. I’m likely done with cartridge upgrades for the next few years given my current stock.
I was very fortunate to find a used Mk2 in “almost new” condition at a great price, even after international shipping. It’s proving to be a joy to use and a beauty to behold.
The Luxman is dead quiet. I cannot hear its motor running at all, even up close. The quietude extends through the tonearm. I never get the sense the tonearm is adding or subtracting anything. Compared to the Traveler, there is less background noise and sound images are more well defined and solidly placed.
The solid placement may also be due to the speed controls, which are more precise on the Luxman. The Travelers tend to run a bit fast whereas the Luxman is closer to 33.33 rpm.
Although the Traveler has a much longer tonearm (313.4 mm vs. 222.5 mm effective length), I don’t hear any additional inner groove distortion with the Luxman. This was an initial concern before buying the Luxman; now I wonder why it’s not more of an issue.
What did come as a surprise is how much better my “old” cartridge sounds on the Luxman. I had been going upmarket on carts looking for improvement, but this change revealed how much inherent quality existed in the cartridges I already have. I’m likely done with cartridge upgrades for the next few years given my current stock.
I was very fortunate to find a used Mk2 in “almost new” condition at a great price, even after international shipping. It’s proving to be a joy to use and a beauty to behold.
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TrainFan73
Frothy
I was watching a review from upscale for a vpi and he was excited about the on the fly VTA because you need to adjust for a 180g record. Are you guys really doing that?
theflattire
Active Member
I don't think a couple of MMs are going to make a significant difference. I just set the cart to whatever record is on there and let it fly!
Don't touch it again until I change carts.
I'm not a tweaker.
SnowmaNick
Well-Known Member
No, I adjusted to the cart and mat that I use and if/when change them. Same as @theflattire
HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
Absolutely not. Mine doesn't even have VTA ADJUSTMENT! Hahaha
VTA on the fly is certainly not necessary for me!
Slimwhit33
Well-Known Member
Not sure if this is a deal or not but thought I'd share...
tmraudio.com
VPI Prime Belt Drive Turntable; SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC Cartridgek JMW-10 Tonearm
The Music Room is the go-to source for the very best in new, used and vintage home audio products. The Music Room is now the largest online retailer of pre-owned HiFi equipment in the world. Headquartered in beautiful Erie Colorado, The Music Room is a team of 46 strong (and growing) music...
tmraudio.com
TrainFan73
Frothy
It's not not a deal.Not sure if this is a deal or not but thought I'd share...
VPI Prime Belt Drive Turntable; SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC Cartridgek JMW-10 Tonearm
The Music Room is the go-to source for the very best in new, used and vintage home audio products. The Music Room is now the largest online retailer of pre-owned HiFi equipment in the world. Headquartered in beautiful Erie Colorado, The Music Room is a team of 46 strong (and growing) music...
HayesWeighsIn
Well-Known Member
This genuinely has me intrigued. They had this Scout at the Axpona audio show this past weekend with upgraded feet, platter (Prime I think?) and the 10" gimbal arm. I get isolation, but I'm not a huge fan of their massive plinth decks - swap out the plinth color, and this is essentially the deck I'd want!
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Angsty
Well-Known Member
Funny that they went with an old school Scout for the show, with upgraded bits. Looks like the stand would not have handled the larger, newer models. Just goes to show how many ways a VPI can be upgraded for show-worthy performance.
Will those feet fit a Traveler?
theflattire
Active Member
From what I've read, VPI is like a custom hot rod shop: lot's of parts around waiting to be used.
Basically they can assemble a tt to whatever level they want and in-between; that's how Upscale can get proprietary models or special deals.
One of the reasons I went VPI is that it's so modular and upgradeable.
If you are serious, I'm betting a call to VPI and all your dreams can come true. If they don't have it on a shelf they can probably make it or modify it.
Basically they can assemble a tt to whatever level they want and in-between; that's how Upscale can get proprietary models or special deals.
One of the reasons I went VPI is that it's so modular and upgradeable.
If you are serious, I'm betting a call to VPI and all your dreams can come true. If they don't have it on a shelf they can probably make it or modify it.