Marantz tt15s2 or VPI traveler???

EDUBAG

hey guys,

so i am looking to upgrade my turntable, which is a pioneer pl100. and have been very attracted by the marantz, althought i have not heard one. i can get a brand new one for 1k. however i came around the vpi traveler and it looks like a very nice turntable. it costs 1300 plus cartridge which should set me back 500 more.

but more importantly which one would be a better turntable? how good are they by themself and compared to each other. i can always flip the cart that comes with the marantz and get a better one, but i want to make sure that i really do an upgrade. right now the only upgrade on my rig is that i put a denon dl110 cart on it.

based on this info which one you woud get?

thanks,

eduardo

Obsession18

I have been eyeing the Traveler, there are a lot positive reviews for the VPI, I don't see nearly as much buzz for the Marantz.

thsmith

The Marantz is a ClearAudio TT. I am sure you coud not go wrong with either one.

Mike Reeter

VPI, designed and built in the U.S. and a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause. But, I've not had the opportunity to have a listen to either model you mention.

The Traveler and the Clearaudio Concept are on my shortlist. Somebody needs to pick up a Traveler and give a good review :biggrin:

brgman

Vpi imho

thsmith

The cart that comes with the Marantz (aka Clearaudio Emotion with upgrades) is no slouch and cost about $600 new.

The only thing I like about the VPI over the Marantz is the ability to use your own RCA cables.

Easy enough to do on the Marantz if so inclined.

brgman

EDUBUG if you wanna have some fun tomorrow do this-
Call Marantz customer service and try to get a tech to help you with a TT through the menu.
Then call VPI....

Mike Reeter

Couple of tables at a little discount, http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-vpi-traveler-used-6-weeks-mint-gene-rubin-audio-since-1979-2012-11-15-analog-93003


http://www.soundstagedirect.com/vpi-industries-the-traveler-turntables-demo.shtml

thsmith

brgman wrote: »

EDUBUG if you wanna have some fun tomorrow do this-
Call Marantz customer service and try to get a tech to help you with a TT through the menu.
Then call VPI....

Or call Clearaudio instead of Marantz. I doubt Marantz has a clue.

lakesailor

I used to have a Marantz TT, it is a nice table and I quite enjoyed it, however I sold it and went with a VPI which in my view has much better build quality and is an upgrade in performance as well.

There are a few things about the TT15 I didn’t care for – one is the plastic drive wheel that uses plastic set screws to attach to the drive shaft – another is the set screws for the height adjustment of your tonearm assembly – if you are attempting to adjust the height both the height and the angle are secured by the same set screw – it becomes more awkward if you need to adjust it. I still think it is a nice turntable and a good buy however the VPI is just in a different league in my view

thsmith

Which VPI did you go with sailor?

lakesailor

thsmith wrote: »

Which VPI did you go with sailor?

VPI Classic2. I think it will be the last table I ever own - although I am going to do a cartridge change soon......

thsmith

Yeah, I would say that TT is in another class and price point. Nice TT for sure.

I still think the OP could not go wrong with either TT in that price range.

TroyD

Big fan of VPI here....don't think there is a better deal in analog..

BDT

steveinaz

Another contender in that price range would be the ClearAudio Concept.

mhardy6647

I have the Marantz; I'd recommend looking hard at the VPI (although the Marantz for a kilobuck would be a pretty good deal price/performance ratio-wise, in this day and age); it is a somewhat upgraded (thicker platter, nicer feet) version of the old CA Emotion turntable with a version of the CA Satisfy arm with an ebony wand.

I was mammothly unimpressed with the CA Virtuoso Ebony cartridge that is bundled with the TT15-S1, FWIW.
Were it me, I'd scrap it pronto and replace it with a higher-grade MC cartridge; I am thinking about the Denon DL-301ii (which ought to be high-complance enough for the rather low-mass CA arm).

The whole she-bang is currently mothballed in favor of a Technics SL-2Q trackin' a Denon DL-103 LOMC. The dump-find Technics is just a placeholder :-P I needed something with a heavy enough arm for the very low compliance Denon, and the SL-2Q's arm is (barely) up to the task.



The CA Concept, mentioned above, is (I believe) the current entry-level CA and replaced the Emotion.

PS - my (young adult) kids like the Marantz's cosmetics; my daughter said it looks like an Apple product! :-P

TSWisla

As already mentioned-VPI=made in USA and OUTSTANDING customer service. As far as quality goes, the brand speaks for itself...

mjcmt

Obsession18 wrote: »

I have been eyeing the Traveler, there are a lot positive reviews for the VPI, I don't see nearly as much buzz for the Marantz.

This tread is an eye-opener:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=484977&highlight=vpi+traveler

Obsession18

I received my VPI traveler today and unfortunately the tonearm was totally detached from the gimble assembly right out of the box (the above thread with the Audio Karma link has more on this). I was very careful to lift the tonearm from its box using the height adjustment wheel; once I placed it on the table I immediately knew something was wrong. Mind you I had read the Audio Karma thread and downloaded a copy of the traveler manual before receiving the table so I was quite cautious. I thought about trying to reassemble the tonearm as had the original AK poster but there was quite a bit of scratches around the area of the pins/bearings so I decided to send it back to Audio Advisor. The box it was shipped in was in great shape so I was surprised at the damage. I’m not giving up on the table I am having Audio Advisor send me a replacement, it really is a nicely constructed piece – maybe mine was a fluke.

thsmith

This sums it up from the AK link "Seems two conclusions could be drawn so far. VPI responded quickly and their QC should be improved."

I do not see yours being a fluke with the AK poster had almost the same expereince.

I sounds as if they ship with the tonearm mounted. I suspect that is what most customers prefer.

ClearAudio requires you to assemble everything.

mjcmt

Obsession18 wrote: »

I received my VPI traveler today and unfortunately the tonearm was totally detached from the gimble assembly right out of the box (the above thread with the Audio Karma link has more on this). I was very careful to lift the tonearm from its box using the height adjustment wheel; once I placed it on the table I immediately knew something was wrong. Mind you I had read the Audio Karma thread and downloaded a copy of the traveler manual before receiving the table so I was quite cautious. I thought about trying to reassemble the tonearm as had the original AK poster but there was quite a bit of scratches around the area of the pins/bearings so I decided to send it back to Audio Advisor. The box it was shipped in was in great shape so I was surprised at the damage. I’m not giving up on the table I am having Audio Advisor send me a replacement, it really is a nicely constructed piece – maybe mine was a fluke.

You may want to make sure you get the version with the longer needle piviots so this won't be a problem after your warrantee is up. At this price it is a shame that R&D is continuing after the product is released. Good luck.

pitdogg2

VPI Traveler.

classic carl

I also would buy the VPI. They make the table themselves and their customer service is outstanding. Marantz does not make their own tables. As has been mentioned, it's made by ClearAudio. The AK thread linked earlier also mentiones that although the table arrived damaged, VPI has taken steps to resolve the issue requested by the buyer. VPI is a family business that has been around for decades. Marantz has changed hands numerous times. They are presently owned by D and M Holdings, who also own Denon.

mjcmt

I've read of two VPI Travelers sent with design issues, so I'm leery. I'm glad there customer service is good, but this expensive turntable should have had the r&d done first. The new replacement tt now is in a textured finished plinth instead of gloss, a silk screened logo instead of a badge, and a different tt matt that looks like shelf liner material.

thsmith

I guess the OP has abandoned the idea of buying a TT. They have not posted since initial post.

Whatever they buy I hope they enjoy it. Vinyl can be a pleasurable experience. You really need to be a tinker to full enjoy it IMO.

Obsession18

thsmith wrote: »

This sums it up from the AK link "Seems two conclusions could be drawn so far. VPI responded quickly and their QC should be improved."

I do not see yours being a fluke with the AK poster had almost the same expereince.

I sounds as if they ship with the tonearm mounted. I suspect that is what most customers prefer.

ClearAudio requires you to assemble everything.

The tonearm for the Traveler was well packed in a separate box - I was aware of the bearings in the gimble assembly so I handled the tonearm with great care. The original Audio Karma poster quoted above has received a new table and everything is well:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=487732

Now I await my faith with the Traveler.

thsmith

Good luck and hope it works out for you. I hate having issues with a new purchase but sometimes it all works out. Remember, you get what you are willing to accept.

ErasmusBDragon

VPI is the one.

Dawgfish

I was looking to get a new TT myself about a month ago and these two tables were on my shortlist. I almost pulled the trigger a couple of times on a used Traveler on the Gon. After reading all this, I'm king of glad I didn't. I have no doubt that VPI will get this all sorted out, but I don't want to be a part of the R&D/QC process. I would rather them get everything sorted out first. I ended up buying a vintage Sony PS-X75 Biotracer table anyways that I am estactic with so I guess it's all a mute point now until the new/different gear bug strikes agian.

EDUBAG

thsmith wrote: »

I guess the OP has abandoned the idea of buying a TT. They have not posted since initial post.

Whatever they buy I hope they enjoy it. Vinyl can be a pleasurable experience. You really need to be a tinker to full enjoy it IMO.

nope,

still here. just put in on hold for a while to do proper research. i mean I can get the marantz for less than 1K so i think i will go in that direction, the VPI will be probably double that when i get a good cartridge for it. i do not thin it is a twice as good turntable.

thsmith

EDUBAG wrote: »

nope,

still here. just put in on hold for a while to do proper research. i mean I can get the marantz for less than 1K so i think i will go in that direction, the VPI will be probably double that when i get a good cartridge for it. i do not thin it is a twice as good turntable.

I am biased but I think that is the smart move. I am using a BMS Glider SL in Marantz/Clearaudio and love it.
http://www.needledoctor.com/Benz-Glider-SL-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=364

I am sure VPI will get their problem figured out but I just believe the Marantz/CA is a better bargain. Nothing needed except setup and you can upgrade carts when you want, not up front.

Here is a link when I setup my BMS. I highly suggest the best tractor and usb microscope.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?116465-LoMC-Cart&p=1550824&viewfull=1#post1550824