It's been more than two years since the manufacturer VPI made a splash by launching an affordable, 100% "made in the USA" audiophile-oriented product! Yes, because the manufacturer had never offered a turntable in this price range. It should be noted that today this Traveler is still the least expensive turntable manufactured on American soil!

Despite these very tight specifications, Matthew Weisfeld's team managed to make some judicious modifications to its "BEST SELLER" in order to further improve its performance without increasing its public price. Its design remains based on the technologies acquired on the brand's prestigious models and by relying as closely as possible on the philosophy that has made its reputation for more than thirty-five years. It should be noted that this Traveler V2 is still manufactured in memory of Sheila Weisfeld, co-founder of VPI industrie (who unfortunately passed away in 2011), and that part of the profits from all Travelers sold is donated to pancreatic cancer research.

The 10.5-inch arm is superb! Precision-made and made of aluminum, its tube now receives a metallic gray paint contributing to better damping. Its ruby ​​pivots are machined and assembled so that they have a minimum of friction and that its behavior is very close to the famous single-pivot arms of the brand.

The aluminum and stainless steel platter rests on an inverted brass axle. It receives a new platter cover formed of a rubber "lace". The very rigid vinyl turntable is made of an aluminum sandwich and a layer of acrylic. It rests on four new conical feet made of an elastomer rigid enough to support the turntable, and flexible enough to absorb vibrations. The 230v motor has been abandoned and replaced by a new, more discreet version powered by 48v by an external box. It nevertheless remains integral with the vinyl turntable , but its mechanical and vibration isolation has been particularly worked on, so that it is as inert and silent as possible. The platter is driven by a round section silicone belt.

From the first measures, we find all the elements that made the success of this VPI TRAVELER V2 : the reproduction is detailed and seems even more precise and clear than with the previous version. The bass is very physical and expressive. It goes very low with an incredible breadth and precision. The midrange is transparent and very present. The sound stage is truly three-dimensional, it spreads accurately both in width and depth. With a beautiful MC cell , we are surprised by the quality and accuracy of the tonal balance. This VPI Traveler V2 always offers a refined and lively sound, a very high quality manufacturing and a disconcerting simplicity of use! One of the very best choices in this range without a doubt! A Best Buy!