I really like my VPI Traveler. I recently purchased an iFi Phono preamp, and I could not be happier. The iFi Phono preamp gives me the flexibility to try new cartridges, and I haven't heard anything as good for anywhere near the price.

hektor777 wrote:

Hi, I am looking for good turntable and phono preamp for the bucks. I got Peachtree Nova and pair of B&W 685.I am considering Rega RP3 and VPI Traveler (price is high though),and as a preamp Muscial Fidelity V90-LPS and Cambridge Audio 651P. What would you suggest? Thank you

I have the Music Hall MMF-7 turntable, and I think it is better
than the VPI Traveller.

It has a motor that is completely separate from the turntable chassis, so that no vibration can reach the platter or arm. This is definitely a superior design.

You can get it for $1295 without cartridge.

The Musical Fidelity phono preamp is the best for under $400 IMO.

I heard more than a handful of Travelers at last years CAF.
I currently have the MMF-7 & would take the VPI in a heartbeat.
If I were to upgrade to any new table under $2K, the Traveler is the one I would get.
JMHO YMMV

Bill - on the Hill
Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
- just an “ON” switch, Please –

It was the model preceding the RP3. I have been out demoing tables and have listened the the VPI Traveler, the Clearaudio Concept and the Music Hall 7.1 along with the RP3 to see if any of them was a significant upgrade vs. the P3-24. They are all a bit different sounding and what one you get really depends on what kind of music you listen too and what type of sound you like.

There are lots of technical differences between these tables and lots of reasons why one is better than the other. I have been researching, reading and talking to experts in stores and out here. They are all great tables but all sound a bit different. The cartridge has an impact on this as well.

In the end, the RP3 with an Elys2 lacks a touch of bass detail but the mids and highs are gorgeous. If you listen to classical or jazz and you don't mind a touch of muddiness in your bass, the RP3 is amazing. The Traveler has the edge in bass detail no question. If you listen to hip-hop or bass heavy music generally, you are going to prefer the Traveler. I think it is missing a bit in the mids and highs vs. the Rega. I think it is inferior to the Rega playing horns or strings. I liked the Clearaudio Concept very much as it was more balanced. Kind of the Goldilocks table. Lovely highs with nice detailed bass but it is also more expensive. I still liked the highs and mids on the Rega better. The Music Hall is closest to the Clearaudio to me. Nice and balanced and does a great job with all music.

For me, I listen to classical, jazz, rock and metal. Bass detail isn't my biggest concern and I love the Rega. I am going to upgrade to an Exact 2 as that is supposed to resolve any issues with bass detail when I need a new cartridge. I will also get the external PSU which creates the feedback loop a DC motor needs to perform flawlessly. I still like the mids and highs on the Rega best. Having now listened to a bunch of these, I think the RP6 is the best table under $2k for me and what I like (basically an RP3 with the external power supply and an Exact 2). If I get a second table, no question that is what I will get.

It is also clearly nice to live outside of NYC where there are a zillion dealers that actually carry all this stuff.

One other note, if you get a Rega table with a Rega cartridge, get a Rega phono stage. They are designed to compliment each other and sound amazing together. I can't speak about the others.

....a wonderful thing about our hobby is it is such a personal pursuit.

These are all good tables being mentioned.
They all react to the various settings, carts and ancillary equipment they are used with.

Finding the formula that works for you is part of the fun.

Bill - on the Hill
Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
- just an “ON” switch, Please –