muzzagruzz Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Hey Peeps, I'm more than likely to buy a VPI Traveller - hopefully putting a deposit on one this weekend - and I'd like some recommendations for a good MC cartridge for it. My budget is no more than $700. It will be a while before buying as I've got to pay off the TT first. However, I'd really appreciate some suggestions so I can look around. Music I listen to: (easier to list artists than styles) Neil Young - both his grunge rock and acoustic stuff; Seeker Lover Keeper; Beatles; Jethro Tull; Joni Mitchell; The Audreys. A lot of modern Folk music. Lots of acoustic guitar. It must handle that instrument really well. Also must deal with bass effectively. Equipment: Rega P3-24 with Audio Technica AT-ATF7 MC cart (all soon to be sold off to make way for VPI) ME25 - with built-in MC phono stage ME850 Legend Acoustics Kantu 6 - 3 way floor standers Nordost Red Dawn throughout Cheers, Tricky
frankn Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Stereophile recommended the Dynavector 10x5 - Needle Doctor has them for sale @ US$450 http://www.stereophile.com/content/vpi-industries-traveler-turntable-page-2 You could consider Orfoton as well - you'd have to check complience specs/matching to arm etc Are you hooked on only MC? There are some very good MM out there
at68 Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 I would go for the Benz Micro Ace at about $700/$800. Caxton Audio have them in Brisbane, and probably others. They come in 2 output levels I think. My one is LO 0.40mV, so you will need My one sounds relaxed, airy and analogue in a good way. It is pretty even through the frequency ranges, no sibilance, softer rather than strident highs, acceptable lows (inner detail, but for pure bass weight you are best with a MM at that price). I like it. Have Fun ! Adam
muzzagruzz Posted August 23, 2013 Author Posted August 23, 2013 Hi Frankn, Thanks for the suggestion, I shall put that one on the list. I did read that article and most of the others around for that TT. All extremely positive reviews which is great. Yes, at the moment, I only have an MC phono stage. Perhaps later on I shall consider a separate phono stage and may ask the forum for suggestions about that too, when the time comes. When I first got my Rega, I had an Ortofon 2M Bronze on it and what a lovely MM cart it was. Cheers, T
muzzagruzz Posted August 23, 2013 Author Posted August 23, 2013 I would go for the Benz Micro Ace at about $700/$800. Caxton Audio have them in Brisbane, and probably others. They come in 2 output levels I think. My one is LO 0.40mV, so you will need My one sounds relaxed, airy and analogue in a good way. It is pretty even through the frequency ranges, no sibilance, softer rather than strident highs, acceptable lows (inner detail, but for pure bass weight you are best with a MM at that price). I like it. Have Fun ! Adam Hey Adam, Yes, I'm considering that one and I believe Krispy Kables has them. The only thing is that the cost at $799 is a bit over budget. I've got to keep it tight. Cheers
Steam Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Hey Peeps, I'm more than likely to buy a VPI Traveller - hopefully putting a deposit on one this weekend Tricky Hi Tricky In one of the others threads you said the price for the traveller was $2300. Have you managed to argue the $ down at all. 2300 seems a little excessive given the US price - not that I am surprised. PM me if you would rather it off the record. I still can't find VPI in Victoria. Nick
muzzagruzz Posted August 23, 2013 Author Posted August 23, 2013 Hey Dr Nick, Interesting that you raise this question now as the Traveller just went up in price in the last two weeks! It's now $2595.00!!! I spoke to Audio Connection in Sydney the other day on the phone and they told me that fabulous news. So I asked if they had any stock at the old price and it seems they have one black left. I asked if $2300 was the best price and the answer was a resounding yes. Bummer! ðŸ˜We are always going to be more expensive than the US. It pisses me, and everyone else off in this country, but there ain't nothing that can be done about that. I'm just hoping that the black model that Audio Connection has is the revised version of the Traveller. It had some changes since its release last year. Won't spell them out now as I'm buggered and need to sleep. Tomorrow. You'll have to talk to A.C. In Sydney as they are the importer/distributor for VPI. Tricky
cafe67 Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Just put a dv 10x5 on my rp3, so far very happy with it.
CraigC Posted August 24, 2013 Posted August 24, 2013 At a quick glance the Rega and Traveler don't seem that different. I haven't done any reading on either. What are you expecting to gain?
muzzagruzz Posted August 24, 2013 Author Posted August 24, 2013 I guess I'm after greater dynamics and just a step up in performance. I think/believe my amplifiers and speakers deserve a better analogue source. The Rega is good but it's not a match for the rest of my system. And the deed is done. Deposit made today at Audio Connection. When time comes to pick up I'll be adding the Clear Audio platter mat and a bit later the VPI platter puck. I'll also have to order an acrylic cover. Oh, and the cartridge. My poor bank balance. This is the second last HiFi purchase I'll be making - thank god! 1
pulinap Posted August 24, 2013 Posted August 24, 2013 If your phonostage can handle could I humbly suggest Denon DL-S1..........
muzzagruzz Posted August 24, 2013 Author Posted August 24, 2013 Hey pulinap. I wouldn't have a clue what my MC phono stage can handle. It's built into my ME25 preamp. I'll have to ask Zaphod or Peter Stein that question? Thanks for the suggestion though and it will go on the list for review later. T
Hergest Posted August 24, 2013 Posted August 24, 2013 If your phonostage can handle could I humbly suggest Denon DL-S1.......... I'd love to find a DL-S1 for less than $700. Got a link to somewhere?
metal beat Posted August 24, 2013 Posted August 24, 2013 (edited) I'd love to find a DL-S1 for less than $700. Got a link to somewhere? Be prepared to wait thou http://www.cometsupply.com/mp/DENON/pmr/DNNDLS1/ 2juki has them available now for $799 as well a couple more around that price on ebay Edited August 24, 2013 by turntable
Hergest Posted August 24, 2013 Posted August 24, 2013 Be prepared to wait thou http://www.cometsupply.com/mp/DENON/pmr/DNNDLS1/ 2juki has them available now for $799 as well a couple more around that price on ebay Hmm. I remember when they were as rare as hen's teeth and were always around the $1200 mark. I don't need a new cart of any description but....... Thanks for the link but i've read many painful posts on VA about Comet Supply. I am fairly patient for most things but bugger me i hate waiting for anything on the internet.
pulinap Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 (edited) I'd love to find a DL-S1 for less than $700. Got a link to somewhere? I've seen DL-S1 ranging from $700-800 on eBay.... I bought it for less from SNA group buy...... Edited August 26, 2013 by pulinap
pulinap Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 Hey pulinap. I wouldn't have a clue what my MC phono stage can handle. It's built into my ME25 preamp. I'll have to ask Zaphod or Peter Stein that question? Thanks for the suggestion though and it will go on the list for review later. T Bit about phonostage considerations for DL-S1....... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98674.0
frankn Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 Hey pulinap. I wouldn't have a clue what my MC phono stage can handle. It's built into my ME25 preamp. I'll have to ask Zaphod or Peter Stein that question? Thanks for the suggestion though and it will go on the list for review later. T Hi Tricky, a bit about the ME products from Gary Jacobs (Quad afficiondo) - whether you believe him or not is up to you. But - the ME25 is pretty good. The only thing I don't like is the lack of adjustability. The original site says that custom cartridge set-ups can be accomadated but you had to supply 3 cartridges and pay a lot of money. Zaph can tell you more about the setting on the standard card. Good luck with the cartridge choice Regards Frank ME Power Amps Modular Electronics Australia (Dyers Crossing, N.S.W.) make a whole range of power and pre-amplifiers that are very capable at driving all speaker loads I have encountered. The power amps drive the original ESL with no trouble at all. This is the nearest "sound" (if you indulge in this sort of language) that I have found in a transistor amplifier to a valve amplifier - if that makes the slightest sense. Suffice to say that the ME range has prodigious current delivery capacity into highly reactive loads and sounds very smooth (liquid) and accurate. The only caveat with the pre-amplifiers (perhaps) is that you must leave them ON permanently for the best sonic performance - not too difficult with SS gear, since it runs cool and consumes negligible power. The retail price is generally quite attractive too, especially with the Aus $ at an all time low at the moment. ME Pre Amps There is a range of pre-amps, from the full featured ME 25 to the Line stage ME 24. If you have vinyl and need (therefore) a phono stage, then you need the ME 25. At about $AUD2000-00 it's a gratuity in the high end audio world. The ME 25 is likely the very best pre-amplifier in the world! That's very big talk, but I've heard 'em all (just about) and this pre-amp is so capable that it is not even worth raving on in the usual audiophile terms about it. Leave it ON always, and you wouldn't know you weren't listening to an Audio Research valve pre-amp in the mid-range, but in the bass, there is no competition - the ME beats 'em all, hands down. Beat the gadarene rush, and order yours now. Perfect for driving those long interconnects and keeping your power amp(s) where they belong - next to the speakers! http://www.quadesl.org/index.php/hard-core/amplifiers/gary-jacobson
muzzagruzz Posted August 26, 2013 Author Posted August 26, 2013 Hi frankn, Yes, I'll have a chat to Zaphod about adjustability and cartridge types that are suitable with the ME25. Probably should've have asked that question some time ago when I got the pre-amp. Oh well, now that I'm starting from scratch again with vinyl, I should investigate the MC phono stage inside the pre-amp. Any info will help me decide on a cartridge. Cheers, Tricky
muzzagruzz Posted August 26, 2013 Author Posted August 26, 2013 Bit about phonostage considerations for DL-S1....... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98674.0 Thanks Pulinap, Will look into this link when I get home. T
Hergest Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 I've seen DL-S1 ranging from $700-800 on eBay.... I bought it for less from SNA group buy...... Bugger! How did i miss that one?
deniall Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 Hey Dr Nick, Interesting that you raise this question now as the Traveller just went up in price in the last two weeks! It's now $2595.00!!! I spoke to Audio Connection in Sydney the other day on the phone and they told me that fabulous news. So I asked if they had any stock at the old price and it seems they have one black left. I asked if $2300 was the best price and the answer was a resounding yes. Bummer! We are always going to be more expensive than the US. It pisses me, and everyone else off in this country, but there ain't nothing that can be done about that. I'm just hoping that the black model that Audio Connection has is the revised version of the Traveller. It had some changes since its release last year. Won't spell them out now as I'm buggered and need to sleep. Tomorrow. You'll have to talk to A.C. In Sydney as they are the importer/distributor for VPI. Tricky That is an appalling price. I'm truly shocked. The Traveler was on my list of turntables to audition when i'm ready to buy but no way am I paying nearly $2600 for an entry level table that costs $1300 in the US. I'm sure it's a great sounding table and from what I have read it can take a hell of a lot of cartridge (Lyra etc) so I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come. The price just seems painful.
Guest JohnA Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 (edited) can always grab it from the UK http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VPI-Traveler-Turntable-v1-with-10-Gimbaled-Tonearm-Black-/111048795956?pt=US_Record_Players_Home_Turntables&hash=item19db062734 not recommending them, but to give an idea of price from over there. And voltage would be the same also or straight from the US, as looking at the specs, it operates from 100-240 volts That is an appalling price. I'm truly shocked. The Traveler was on my list of turntables to audition when i'm ready to buy but no way am I paying nearly $2600 for an entry level table that costs $1300 in the US. I'm sure it's a great sounding table and from what I have read it can take a hell of a lot of cartridge (Lyra etc) so I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come. The price just seems painful. Edited August 26, 2013 by JohnA
muzzagruzz Posted August 26, 2013 Author Posted August 26, 2013 (edited) That is an appalling price. I'm truly shocked. The Traveler was on my list of turntables to audition when i'm ready to buy but no way am I paying nearly $2600 for an entry level table that costs $1300 in the US. I'm sure it's a great sounding table and from what I have read it can take a hell of a lot of cartridge (Lyra etc) so I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come. The price just seems painful. I agree that it's an appalling price. Just about everything we buy in electronics is overpriced. One of my other hobbies is photography and if only we could have prices similar to the US. I'm a Nikon fanboy and wish I could afford a D800 - just not going to happen. I use Epson printers and my particular printer was double the cost it is in the US! Cartridges are less than half price over there. Our importers are greedy. Pure and simples! Australians have always been taken for a ride - we're suckers. $2300 is expensive I grant you but I can't see any other deck that is as well built for that price. T Edited August 26, 2013 by Trickster
muzzagruzz Posted August 26, 2013 Author Posted August 26, 2013 can always grab it from the UK http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VPI-Traveler-Turntable-v1-with-10-Gimbaled-Tonearm-Black-/111048795956?pt=US_Record_Players_Home_Turntables&hash=item19db062734 not recommending them, but to give an idea of price from over there. And voltage would be the same also or straight from the US, as looking at the specs, it operates from 100-240 volts I could John, but what about warranty? The traveller that's shown in that link you posted is the early version of the Traveller. It has since been revised. Thanks for the link though, I do appreciate it.
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