[johzel]

I’m looking to upgrade my Pro-ject Xpression III turntable and am looking at tables in the $1,000 to $1500 price range.  So far I’m considering the new VPI Traveler, the Clearaudio Concept, and the Pro-ject 2 Xperience (I like the Olive wood plinth).  Am looking for opinions on these three . . . and others?  Have also considered simply putting a better cartridge on the Xpression.  Maybe a Sumiko Blue Point #2.  By the way, it will be paired with a factory modded Jolida JD9 phono stage if that matters.  Thanks!!

[neobop]

If you still have the Oyster cart that came with the table, replacing that is the way to go IMO.  It's a budget cart and it sounds like it.  Your table is reputed to be the best for the money and should have a lot more potential.  $1500 on a new table might be little more than a sideways move.  Depending on the sound you're looking for, I'd also consider other carts. 
neo

[johzel]

If you still have the Oyster cart that came with the table, replacing that is the way to go IMO.  It's a budget cart and it sounds like it. 

Thanks.  I do still have the Oyster cart - and was also thinking a better cart could be my best option.  At least my most cost effective option.

[Delta Wave]

I bought one of these from this same guy,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ortofon-X5-MC-Cartridge-Made-in-Denmark-/280858995451?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item4164802afb

Fantastic cartridge for the money.

[tomytoons]

I'm using an Ortofon X5 MC right now at $250 that is a great price, Needle Doctor wants $549!
That's why I never buy anything there.
Shop it, "Juki" is very good and been around awhile.
I don't think I would change the table, your Expression III  has gotten some good Pro reviews. The Jolida Phono is quite versatile and tweekable too.
Change the cartridge. Also look at the Dyna 10X5 too. Very nice!

[jarcher]

As much as I love my VPI traveler you're considering, I'd have to echo the rest & say that your current table seems like a pretty decent one w/ a decent arm + a decent platter, and little extra money on a cartridge will make a big improvement over the Oyster.  And don't be afraid to buy used.  I picked up an Ortofon 2M Blue w/ very low hours for $100 (vs $225 retail).   At $1K - $1,500 you can enter into the truly great cartridge category.  E.g. I have an Ortofon Rondo Bronze that retails in that price range which provide me w/ almost all I'll ever need sound-wise.

Other interesting upgrades:

- better 12AX7 tubes for the Jolida

- better interconnects for the table : this can have a more substantial change / improvement than with higher output level source components (e.g. cd player).  It's a tiny signal which is coming through from the cartridge, especially w/ MC cartridges. The stock interconnect cable I had on a Pro-Ject RPM 1.3 genie was appalling.  Even a $30 cable made a big difference.

[johzel]

Appreciate the help and advice.  Sounds like a better cartridge and some upgrades are maybe the best way to go??

[neobop]

Appreciate the help and advice.  Sounds like a better cartridge and some upgrades are maybe the best way to go??

Actually, you probably could find a used table for $1500 that would be better.  The thing is, you need a cart anyway and wouldn't be able to appreciate the difference between tables, until you hear what your present table can do.  IMO you should find a really nice cart, one that is said to work well with your table (arm) and phonostage.  Get used to that, then take it from there. 
neo

[jarcher]

Yup - think the Oyster is really the weakest link, and a good cartridge can always make the transition to a newer / better future table if you go that route some day.  And don't neglect the interconnects + power cable : to me these make even a bigger difference w/ turntables than other source components.

[Howard Swayne]

Look on ebay and audiogon and try to find a good used Linn Sondek. Sould be able to find a good used one without all the upgrades for your budget. It will burn anything new in the price range, and you can always upgrade it.

[Letitroll98]

I love VPI tables and I'm a VPI owner.  I would recommend almost any VPI table you could afford without hesitation.  I've met Harry several times and he's a great guy that you just instantly like.  So it pains me a great deal to say I wasn't very impressed with the Traveler table.  It was shown with very nice equipment that I liked with the Classic III playing, and with a cartridge I know and like very much, a Grado Gold.  But the sound was mehhh.  Nothing wrong, but nothing right either.  Because of VPI's rep I would definitely give it a second chance if I was in the market, but for that day it was a no.  I would recommend a nice used Scout or HW19 mark III and above for the same money.

[vortrex]

There's a WT Simplex for $1500 on audiogon today, hard to beat that I imagine.  I totally disagree about needing an expensive cart.  I use a 103R on my WT and it's better than my $1000 Zephyr.  With the right bits a cheapo cart can produce amazing results.

[brooklyn]

I'm a VPI Scout owner with an Ortofon 2M Black, I'm with Circle Member (letitride98) I would go with a used Scout before
buying a new Traveler, that's only if you must have a new table.

I would also say to try other options that other Circle Members mentioned. It could be a new cartridge or cables are all you need.

I used the Scout for years with a $100.00 Shure cartridge, when I updated to the Ortofon 2M Black it was a revelation, the
Graham Slee Era V probably didn't hurt either.   

[jarcher]

Folks : I know we want to give a shout out for table we own / like, but think we are doing the OP a disservice by suggesting spending a lot of money on a new table when the glaring deficiency that first must be addressed is the Oyster cartridge. 

I actually own the Sumiko Pearl, a $125 retail cartridge that's a step up or two from the Oyster - and I wouldn't have that as a cartridge for any "serious" table, as much as it's otherwise OK.  Even an Ortofon 2M red at $100, or better yet a blue at $225 retail, would be a big step up for little money. I've owned and / or used all these cartridges. 

If it were my money, already having a decent table & preamp, I'd see if these cartridges or something similar made me happy before laying out the big bucks on a higher end table.  Just saying........

[johzel]

Ordered a new Sumiko Blue Point #2 cartridge. Good starting point I think. We'll see how that goes. I do like all of your recommendations. Will definitely store them away for future consideration!

[Ericus Rex]

This looks like a pretty good deal:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110710.msg1143732;topicseen#new

(no affiliation with seller)

[joegator81]

I picked up a store display model Clearaudio Concept w/ Concept MC cart, record weight, and dustcover all for $1400. It really is a great deck. I upgraded from a Technics 1700 mkII on which i had used a Ortofon 2m Black, AT 150mlx, and a Shure m97 cartridge. From what i can remember, compared to the Technics the Concept makes harsh sibilants much easier to listen too. Bright records still sound bright but less harsh. It really is an enjoyable table to listen to, good tight bass, smooth treble, good dynamics and detailed midrange (when it is on the record to begin with). Of course it can be beat at a price and there may be plenty of tables that are just as good (just different) for the same price. So, i guess it depends on what your cup of tea is. I think, if you really do want to upgrade the table, a pre-owned or display concept might be the way to go. Though the cartridge upgrade recommendations seem to be a good way to go too.  Good luck.

[Wasatch]

Ordered a new Sumiko Blue Point #2 cartridge. Good starting point I think. We'll see how that goes. I do like all of your recommendations. Will definitely store them away for future consideration!

Which phonostage do you have?