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

Showing 4 responses by zenblaster

I wouldn't start building my first system around a turntable. I would get out and listen to some systems at a brick and mortar first. Find what combination of amp and speaker will sound good to you in your listening room. Monitor or full range, tubes or not. I would do a lot of listening first then you will be much happier with your purchases.
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.
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
You had a much more detailed review of the Traveler, but I think we can both agree that it is a pretty solid turntable that really sounds good.