VPI Traveler - American LP Muscle

With the resurgence of vinyl underway, there are more and more turntables being offered in the entry-level arena.  But to be honest, we're not to impressed with many of the sub-$1,500 offerings; many of them seem a bit spindly.  Sure, we've gotten them to make nice music, but we always seem to find ourselves left with an incomplete feeling telling me all is not right in Record-town. The VPI Traveler hits a different chord at this price point. 

This table’s level of fit and finish is of a very high order.  Machined-metal parts are smooth and polished, the paint on the plinth’s top plate is high grade and the platter feels like it’s machined from billet.  In fact, it’s made from aluminum damped by stainless steel, a great way to break up any resonances that may occur.  Spinning the platter reveals a high-quality spindle-to-bearing interface, indicating top-notch machine work.  It seems to continue spinning forever when you shut the power off.  The non-removable platter mat is made of neoprene rubber and provides additional damping.

This philosophy continues with the plinth, which is an aluminum top plate bonded to a thick acrylic base—impressive compared to the usual machined MDF or plastic that is typically used for plinths in this price category.  A set of rubber tipped cones allow for leveling the Traveler.  Combined with the solid plinth is a 10-inch tonearm instead of the ubiquitous 9-incher on most other tables, which gives the Traveler a leg up by minimizing tracking angle distortion.

The next thing one notices is the Traveler’s gimbaled design, a departure from the VPI norm, as the company usually makes unipivot tonearms.  However, VPI claims that the Traveler’s friction levels are nearly as low as the brand’s more expensive unipivot designs.  The Traveler’s arm moves smoothly and freely in both the lateral and vertical directions.  The counterweight and tracking-force adjustment is another finely machined affair and easy to operate during setup.  The tonearm is equipped with a VTA on-the-fly adjustment that works beautifully and without fuss.  Finally, the signal goes from the arm through a proprietary connector feeding a pair of RCA jacks fitted to the rear of the plinth. VPI never sent any cables with the Traveler allowing owners to choose their own cables to compliment their deck.

So this Traveler in as-new out of the plastic condition. It's just spectacular and comes complete with all the as-new accompaniments including original box, packaging and the rest. We mounted a brand new Ortofon Red to complete the plug-n-play situation. VPI decks are American made and show a degree of craftsmanship unmatched by other offshore brands; just the way it is and the value per/dollar equation has no equal in the TT market. In out most humble opinion...

VPI Traveler with NEW Ortofon Red MM Cart: $899 plus sales tax and shipping when applicable