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VPI traveller vs Project rm5.1 vs second hand VPI?

I'm building my Hifi system and have decided to go with a turntable source. Im looking to spend around $1000 - 1500 and the choices are bewildering. So far VPI seems to have the best reputation (atleast on the net). I'm willing to get a second hand system but am leery about have to tinker too much with it. I would really prefer something I could start playing and enjoy with minimum fuss. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated. Please help this newbie out...I've already bought my first LP and I don't even have a TT yet!

Thanks in advance.
Arjun
PS: I am also looking into amps (around $500) and speakers (< $1000) that would match the TT, any ideas? I would probably buy both second hand to keep costs down and still get a decent enough system.
arjundas
arjundas OP
19 posts
 
what do you guys think of this deal?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VPI-HW-19-MK-3-TURNTABLE-/221180759879?pt=US_Record_Players_Home_Turntables&hash=item337f668f47
zenblaster
504 posts
 
I can't locate the turntable you left the address for.
Try using the highlighted markup tags (located below response box, highlighted in blue)to leave a clickable link. I have owned the table you are looking at on e-bay and also have the Traveler. The Traveler is a much better all around table and the arm is light years ahead of the MK3.
arjundas OP
19 posts
 
I appreciate your feedback re: MK3 vs Traveller. Any thoughts on Traveller vs. Project RM 5.1 vs Rega 5 ?
audiolui
280 posts
 
Have you looked into the Clearaudio Concept turntable? It got good reviews and is in your price range. I have been using Clearaudio tables for many years and they last.

I had Project Xpression and Rega P5 for my small room. I like the P5 better. I don't have any experience with the Traveler.

I am positive that all of the tables you mentioned above are nice performers. A few years down the road, you may be upgrading again. I don't think you have to commit yourself to a table at this point for so many years.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
After touching and feeling (and hearing)the Clearaudio Concept at shows I would put the build quality in the same range as the Traveler with Rega not built as well(but sounds as good). The Clearaudio sounded fine and I could live happily with it. I also think the Traveler sounds great but in a more musical way, maybe not as flat across the board. I can hear notes etc. in the Clearaudio that I can't hear in the Traveler. But the Traveler was more fun to listen to my albums, really got me into the music with more pleasing sound overall, but certainly rolled off, as they would say. Think Clearaudio = MBL Radialstrater (sp?)techno perfection type sound and VPI = MacIntosh/Wilson just sounds right type sound
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