For around $500 you can get a nice VPI HW-19, imo a much better table than a new entry-level VPI. Add a Rega 300 or Jelco arm for a few hundred bucks (or the amazing Audiomods arm for about twice that), and you’ll have a real fine LP player at a bargain price.
Forgive my ignorance. Now to start over. . . .
I suppose I got a little excited about the reviews of the VPI Traveler and didn't realize that they're out of production and now darn near impossible to find. The post regarding this vs a Clearaudio Concept has been deleted. It seems that the Traveler hit the sweet spot for me as far as performance vs price.
Sticking with VPI, it's the Cliffwood (ehh), the Player (I don't need a phono pre and don't want the headphone amp), and then it seems a pretty big step to the Prime Scout (I'd feel shameful spending less than a grand on a cartridge for).
So, if you can find it in your heart to forgive my ignorance of the facts surrounding availability of the Traveler, I would appreciate suggestions for turntables in the $1500 to $2000 range.
Sticking with VPI, it's the Cliffwood (ehh), the Player (I don't need a phono pre and don't want the headphone amp), and then it seems a pretty big step to the Prime Scout (I'd feel shameful spending less than a grand on a cartridge for).
So, if you can find it in your heart to forgive my ignorance of the facts surrounding availability of the Traveler, I would appreciate suggestions for turntables in the $1500 to $2000 range.