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VPI Traveler - nickel on the headshell worked wonders!

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to get my VPI Traveler dialed in for a few weeks now.  It sounds ok, but I was getting quite a bit of sibilance and distortion on highly modulated passages.  I tried both a Grado Reference Sonata 1 and a Dynavector 10x5 (the Dynavector had been recommended in a couple of different reviews/articles).  I tried different phono amps, different speakers, different cables, even different racks, and there was still something that seemed off.  I figured I probably had something misaligned, being a relatively new to vinyl.  

After searching the forums I saw the recommendation of putting a nickel on the headshell.  Even though I assumed my cartridge/arm match was fairly good, I gave it a shot.  HOLY S--T!  The sound became full and rich.  The highs were controlled and extended.  Sibilance sounded natural and in control.  Clearly, I needed more mass on the tonearm.   

I wouldn't have expected this much improvement if had upgraded several components.  I was thinking that the sound I was getting was just what a $1500 turntable sounded like, and I was searching the adds for an upgrade.  Now, I think I can rest easy with the cheapest tweak I've ever tried.  Nice when things take a big step in the right direction.  I thought my experience might help others in a similar situation.

Happy listening!
Scott
smrex13
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
As I have experimented with set-up some more, I have found some issues with getting the tonearm set up correctly.  This is the second Traveler I have had (had to return the first one), and it has a similar tendency for the tonearm to pull back towards the outer rim of the record.  For example, even with the arm lift in place, I can't position the arm over the last track on a album to drop the needle there - it slides along the arm lift towards the rim.  

In addition, the tracking force increases significantly as the arm moves towards the center of the table.  If I place the stylus gauge where the opening track would be, I measure 1.5, but if I place it where the last track would be I get about 1.75-1.8.  Obviously, there is some type of misalignment going on here, but adjusting the VTA seems to have no impact.  There is no antiskate (and that would add to the tendency to pull towards the outer rim anyway).  I don't know why the tracking force would vary so wildly.  

For now I'm listening to my old table.  Not as good sonically as the Traveler, but at least it's aligned.  

If you have any ideas about the Traveler, I'd be happy to hear them.  As this is the second Traveler deck I've had the same issue with, it might be time for me to look elsewhere. 

Thanks, Scott
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Here's my 5 cents worth.....Get in touch with VPI and have them be in on the proper resolution of your problem.  Do it right, and it won't be wrong.
hwsworkshop
36 posts
 
The only reason you would need that nickel is if the temperature in the room is below 68 degrees.  The compliance of the cartridge goes down and the nickel will compensate for the higher resonance frequency caused by the lower temp.

Physics guys!

HW
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
The only way I can think of for the VTF to vary from one position (inner/outer part of platter) versus another is friction binding in the tone arm bearings.  Maybe 3rd replacement is the charm or look for a different brand. 
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