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VPI Traveler and Lyra Delos

Is the Delos overkill on the Traveler? I have a Dynavector 20x2M currently, but I'm keeping an eye out for a replacement sooner rather than later. 
analogphotog
darkstar1
180 posts
 

I don’t claim to be an expert but here is my view.


I was using a Dynavector 10x5 on a VPI Scout and loved it. Got a better Phono stage loved it even more. Then got a great deal on a basically mint prime. I put the 10x5 on it and it didn’t even sound like the same cart. The performance was better in ever possible way.

So my thinking is why would you spend all that money on a cart that will wear out. Sell the traveler and add that to the 2k you were going to spend on the new cart. Then buy a used table/Phono stage.

Then when finances allow buy the 2k cart and its going to sound better than it ever would on the traveler.

A cheap cart can sound really good on the nice table. A really expensive cart on a cheap table will never come close to showing its true capabilities.

I would say money better spent on a table/phono stage. MC cart will wear out quicker the TT and Stages.

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
FWIW ... I sent a PM to Jonathan Carr asking about the compatibility of Lyra cartridges and VPI unipivot arms. If he reports back, I'll pass along his comments.
pmotz
409 posts
 
Bifwynne, no worries on the compatibility of Lyra cartridges on VPI unipivot arms.  VPI has tried and recommended the Delos, Kleos, and Atlas cartridges (along with many other cartridges).  Take a look at the VPI Forum on their website.  The list of recommended cartridges is under "News" and "VPI Cartridge Recommendations".  The first post has a link to the list by turntable model.  Searching the forum will also provide plenty of happy Lyra owners.

hwsworkshop
36 posts
 

If you want a great time put an Atlas on a Traveler and sit back and enjoy the sound, it is wonderful.  Yes, it will be better on the Prime but that does not say it will not be almost as wonderful on the Traveler.  The arm on the Traveler is excellent and plays way above its price point.

All that being said I would put the money towards a Prime and be future proof against any cartridge they come up with.

HW

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
hwsworkshop .... could these be Harry Weisfeld in stealth mode.  :)  If so ... regards.
Harry ... can I assume that you would put the {VPI Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval} on matching up the Lyra Kleos with the Classic 3 tonearm (stainless steel version).
As I said above, maybe I just like sonic swill, but the combo (my rig) sounds A-OK to me.  So I guess I am confused ... why the "big t'zindik" about fixed gimbal arms?  Why not a VPI unipivot????
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