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