VPI Traveler vs Clearaudio Concept: Which is Right for You?

Looking for a new turntable, but don’t know where to start? Today I’ll discuss the differences between two high-quality turntable brands, the VPI Traveler vs Clearaudio Concept Turntables. While these two are different from each other in some ways, they both provide great features that make them worthwhile.

The truth is; VPI Traveler and Clearaudio Concept share a lot of similarities in terms of sound quality and performance. In the end, it is up to you to decide which produces the sound you are looking for. Many people have given their opinions, and it is clear the best is reliant on personal choice. Nevertheless, we will discuss the two popular Turntable brands.

VPI Traveler vs Clearaudio Concept; Comparing Their Best Grossing

Even though the two brands have full turntable shelves, we will compare their most patronized turntable models.

VPI Prime 21

The original Prime 21 turntable raised the bar for performance, fit and finish, and audio quality. The new VPI Prime 21+ raises the bar even higher by integrating several design changes based on feedback from our customers. These include upgrades to the feet, 3D Gimbal Tonearm, isolation systems, and cosmetic enhancements.

The original Prime redefined the meaning of affordable and brought high-end sound to a wider audience. The Prime 21+ brings that solid foundation with many carefully considered changes aimed at improving performance, ease of use, aesthetics, and looks.

Clearaudio Ovation

Clearaudio’s Ovation turntable is precision-machined, using the highest quality components to deliver outstanding performance. The result is a turntable that rivals the great audio designers’ best models. Superb speed stability, extremely quiet operation, and high torque DC motors are just some of the reasons why the Ovation is coveted.

Comparison Table of VPI Prime 21 and Clearaudio Ovation

Parameters	VPI Prime 21	Clearaudio Ovation
Total Weight	45 lbs	Approx. 13.5 kg
Overall Size	21 ⅜" x 15 ¾"	Width 16.54 inches Depth 13.78 inches Height 5.31 inches (without tonearm)
Construction details	HW-40 feet, 3D Gimbal tonearm, and new machined top plate with additional bracing and isolation.	Resonance-optimised body, bullet proof wood chassis in sandwich construction embedded between two aluminium plates
Speed accuracy	.08 %	± 0.03%
Platter	12" Aluminum, 20 lbs	Synthetic material, CNC-precision milled surface, 40mm thickness / 1.57 inch. Aluminium sub-platter
Speed range	The speed changes from 33¹/₃ to 45 rpm when handled manually.	33 ⅓, 45, and 78 rpm

The VPI Traveler Turntable Shelf

The VPI Traveler has the following turntables on its shelf:

• Cliffwood Turntable
• Player Turntable
• Scout 21
• Prime 21
• Classic signature
• Prime 21 Plus Package
• Signature 21
• Avenger
• Avenger Plus
• HW-40 Black Edition
• Avenger Reference
• Avenger Direct
• Titan
• Vanquish

The Clearaudio Turntable Shelf

The Clearaudio has the following turntables on its shelf:

• Concept
• Concept Active
• Emotion SE
• performance DC
• Ovation
• Reference Jubilee
• Innovation Basic
• Innovation Compact
• Innovation
• Master Innovation
• Statement

Functions of a Turntable

A turntable is an audio device that spins a vinyl record to play sound from it. It’s very easy to use, but there are some important things you need to know before you get started.

1. To spin the vinyl record

Turntables are used to play vinyl records and other types of discs. They have a motor that spins the disc and a needle that reads the sound waves on the record. The needle then creates electrical impulses in the speaker system, which eventually produce sound waves that you can hear.

The needle can also be moved back and forth across the grooves by using pitch controls (speed adjusters) so that songs can be skipped forward or backward.

2. To host a cartridge

Another important function of a turntable is to host cartridges. These are used to convert analog signals into digital ones so that they can be played through speakers or headphones. The turntable also supports a cartridge that houses a phono cartridge with a built-in stylus. This cartridge converts vibrations from the grooves into electrical signals, which are then amplified through speakers or headphones.

3. For pitching

A pitch control knob allows you to adjust the speed at which your record plays on your turntable so that it can be pitched up or down for mixing purposes.

4. For crossfading

You can crossfade between tracks using your crossfader which allows you to fade in one track while another fades out or vice versa using a mixer with two channels with each channel having its fader control knob on each side of the mixer’s crossfader control knob.

5. For switching

A turntable is capable of switching between two tracks. This may happen automatically or manually depending on your settings and preferences. Most DJs prefer to use automatic switching since it allows them to concentrate on their work and not worry about whether or not they have switched tracks correctly.

6. For chaining

Turntables can chain songs together to form one piece of music. This is done by pressing a button or using a remote control which allows you to switch between two different records without having to get up from your seat and walk over to your equipment every time you want to change tracks. Chaining allows you to create seamless transitions between songs so that there is no interruption in the music being played at all times.

Tips for Selecting a Turntable

A turntable is a piece of equipment that allows you to play vinyl records. It’s an investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs. There are several things to consider when shopping for a turntable:

1. Sound quality

The sound quality of the turntable is one of the most important factors to consider. The best turntables will produce high-quality sound that will allow you to hear every detail in your music. They should also have a wide frequency range so that your music sounds as natural as possible.

If you want to get the best possible sound from your records, consider purchasing a turntable with a built-in preamp and amplifier. These features allow you to hook up the turntable directly to your speakers without having to use an external amp or receiver. This makes it easier for you to connect your equipment and saves money by eliminating the need for extra equipment or wires.

2. Compatibility

If you want to play vinyls, make sure your deck will work with them. Some decks only work with 78 RPM records, which are mostly used for old jazz and classical music. Others can play 33 1/3 RPM records and 45 RPM singles, but not both at once. If you want to listen to both types of music, look for a two-speed deck instead.

3. Stability

A good turntable will be heavy enough that it doesn’t move around when you play a record on it. The platter should be made of metal or glass and not plastic, so it doesn’t warp over time. Make sure your turntable has adjustable feet so that it can sit level on uneven surfaces like carpeting or hardwood floors.

4. The type of tonearm

You’ll also want to consider the type of tonearm, specifically whether it’s vertical or horizontal, as well as its length and weight balance adjustments so that it can accommodate different types of cartridges based on their weight distribution requirements.

5. Scratch Resistance

Another important feature is scratch resistance. Scratches on vinyl records can ruin the sound quality by causing static and distortion in your music. Turntables with good scratch resistance will have features such as metal platters or carbon fiber tonearms that help protect against scratches while playing records on them.

Final Thoughts on VPI Traveler vs Clearaudio Concept