Have you put real binding posts on the towers? |
No...is that difficult to do? Can you come over and do it for me....all thumbs...ha!!!! :)
Does it make a big difference? I bet it does...hummm? |
You need to get someone local to do it. I hear it makes a huge improvement. Also you can, if you have someone local, get the crossover tuned up as well. Better binding posts and capacitors. |
I thought I would update everyone on my decision on a turntable/arm/cartridge.
I finally decided to purchase a TW Raven AC table. I love it!!! The arm will be a Tri-Planer Vlll and the cartridge will be the Dynavector XV-1S. I purchased it from Jeff at High Water Sound. A right on person with extreme knowledge and a fierce love of music. The table will be in my system by the end of Fed beginning of March
This has been a very difficult decision to make and it involved a great deal of investigation, reading, listening and gobs of faith. When it all come down to it, the other choices that I had in mind Galibier Glavia, VPI, Teres, Schroder (I WILL ORDER ONE-Mark) Phantom, ZYX Univ, Titan are all superb and deserve out attention and applause. However, I was most impressed by the Ravens rock solid motor, design-build and simplicity. The Tri-Planer is easy to use and will be the champ until I get a Schroder and listen to it as well. As to the Dynavector, I heard it at a cartridge shoot out (no the Univ was not there) and it simply sounded more natural.
Finally I'd like to say my Aries has served me well. It will serve the new owner just as well, I am sure. VPI products are well made, ingenious and cost sensitive. Harry Weisfeld's products should always get out attention. In addition I wish to say "thank you" to you all for your comments, suggestions, guidance, candor and friendship. I will continue to count on you!
Thank you, Darkmobis, Nsgarch (Neil). ejaynycrrcom (Evan), Gladstone, Richardmr (Richard), Cjfrbw, Raul, Albertporter (Albert), Thomasheisig (Thomas), Dgad, and especially Cello (Larry), Dan ed (Dan), Dougdecon (Doug), Sirspeedy70680@ (Mark) and......Aoliviero (Andrew). Also, Thom Markris of Galibier. Thom, your product is top notch and was the number one contender. Location and some minor other items lead me to my decision for the Raven.
Again, thanks all......and stay tuned for my next questions!
Rick (RWD) |
...and I knew I would forget someone...Thank you Steve (vetterone) and anyone else I may have missed.
Rick |
Congratulations, Rick! I'm sure you'll be very happy with your new analog setup. |
Congratulations! Save the Universe for the Schroder and blow your mind. I wish you could hear what I have going on to know how happy I am. I have a choice of either front row (Jade) or in the middle of it all (Univ). Carlos Santana seems to be hanging around in my house these days, jamming oh so beautifully. If you need setup advise feel free to email me (I don't know the Triplanar though) but do know the table.
What cartridges were at the shoot out. PS, cartridges are a funny lot, until you get them setup just right you would never know you have a sleeper in the bunch. The arm synergy & setup are as important if not more than which cartridge you choose. |
I think bang for buck the TW Acustic Raven is great. I am trully enjoying mine. Fine choice.
Paul |
I can't really remember the other three but the top two were dynavector XX-2 and the XV-1 (prior to the 1S. |
Dear Rick: Congratulations!!!, it seems like a big analog shot, what I say: an analog bomb!!!!!
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul. |
Hi RWD, Rick. I hope I am making the right decision as well. I change my mind to purchase a Scheu DL1 to TW acustic Raven AC after recommendation by dealer ( also fr all the readings about how wonderful the turntable is). Pairing it with Schroeder ( lower range Schroeder. Too long waiting period for a better Schroeder tonearm) and a Jan Allaerts MC1B catridge. Waiting anxiously for it to arrive in another 2 weeks or so. Happy Listening |
Audiolazer..keep me posted. You will get your sooner then mine. The we can compare notes (like record mats and record weights) with other Raven owners and other vinyl lovers!
Rick (RWD) |
RWD, Rick that seems like a good idea. One thing I love about audiogon is the unselfish sharing amount members. Rookie like me benefits a lot from the info shared in audiogon. Happy Listening |
.
Rick,
.
Congratulations on some excellent decisions. Your short list would certainly have yielded great choices regardless of which you had chosen, but I like your final choices and plan to get a Schroeder Reference down the road.
.
Please do let us know when you get the Table, Arm, and Cartridge all up and running in your system.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
Rick,finally!Best of luck,and you made a great choice.One thing to consider(from the Sid school of buying)is that the component is able to be serviced in a reasonable fashion,in terms of as little potential hassle as possible,should that scenario ever occur.You can always call ED,for an audition of his Phantom(coming this Saturday)if you are interested in pursuing this arm.Yet,you know there are a good many great alternatives.
Best!
PS...Did you need to sell the "Breitling" I saw you wearing,in order to finance this?-:) |
Hi all....you are all welcomed to my home once I get this rig up and running (or before?). Andrew has been here already. We can make some Italian pasta before we listen. Mark (Sirspeedy) you are close by so please come by. Larry (Cello) when I get the Schroder Ref I WILL lean on you for advice and counsel.
Mark....I'm keeping the Breitling...heheheh! |
Rick,
I am good friends w. Thomas the owner of TW Acustic. He came to visit me in Aruba. He has a Breitling from my store. I guess TW owners own Breitlings as well. I am wearing the Breitling for Bentley Mark VI with blue dial these days. |
Well...just an update.......my T.W. Raven/Tri-Planer/Dynavector VS1 is going to be installed today. I will keep you all posted as to the outcome!
Rick (RWD) |
Rick.How happy are ya,today?Best of luck.
Also,my friend Ed(you met him at Sid's)is getting Jeff,after you!He sold Ed the Phantom,and is re-checking it.I hope all works out,for both of you.
BTW,the new issue of Hi Fi News and Record Review has an extensive,multi page layout on selecting an arm,and cartridge to match.With EXTENSIVE input about compliance,bias,etc.This is a MUST,for alot of the posters on this site.Not for the mega advanced crowd,like Raul,Doug,Neil and some others,but a fabulous read.
Best! |
Well, the system (T.W. Raven/Tri-Planer Vll/Dynavector X1S) has been installed and I have been listening (4 hours yesterday and 3 hours so far today). I can just comment on something that Albert Porter said (as a mater of fact in this post)......truth is the high end turntable market has pushed technology to places I never thought it would go.
To get to the bottom line..this analog system has made the biggest difference to my system since I upgraded my Infinity 4.5's to my current RS 1-B's.
I will not go into detail about the increase in bass (it's there), the introduction of space/air/darkness (in spades), sense of easiness. What this system is doing for me is simple.......enabling me to enjoy music more!!
The unfortunate thing is that since I did this upgrade of the entire system (table/arm/cartridge) I cannot identify which one was the most significant? But, you know what.....I don't care. It has satisfied my needs!
I'd be happy to answer any an all questions.
P.S. Again a thank yo to all who helped me in this search.
Rick (RWD) |
I am so happy for you Rick, congratulations. |
Gongrats RICK!!!BTW,I too had the 4.5's,and RS-1b's.The 1B's are still absolutely world class!I sold mine because of an out of state move.
Just my two cents...I really believe it is in the area of phono cartridges that the biggest improvement in music reproduction has taken place.A good quiet table,and good arm is a wonderful thing to have,but the "transducer" holds the magic,and it seems this is where alot of meaningful progress has been made.
Best of luck!!
Mark |
Rick
I am currently considering the purchase of the Raven One; the website does not really describe in detail what the platter and the plinth is made of. Based on your observation and handling of the Raven AC, does there material look/ feel more like acrylic?
To me, the choice is a straight one between the Scheu flagship and the Raven One. I live in Singapore, due to the smaller market, I will not get the chance to try out both models before I make the purchase unless someone else's orders arrive and I listen to their set up in the showroom. Hence I can only rely on this forum for more information.
Many thanks.
David Chang
|
Note the platter, is a compound design of a special polymer and the top part made of copper. This is from the web sit. However this is platter of the Raven AC. I am not sure about the Raven one.
Perhaps High Water (the distributor) can help you out?
I wish you good luck.
P.S. If the One is half as good as the AC you'll be in music haven!!!!
It is very heavy. |
David,
when I had a Scheu turntable years ago, I asked Mr. Scheu to make a lot of variations. One of the variations was a Delrin (or POM) platter. This is the black material the TW-Akustik is made from now. Delrin sounds different from acrylic. While acrylic has a sparkling top end, transparent mids and a well textured but sometimes lean bass, Delrin has a bit muted top end, good midrange, and powerful bass. These are not big differences, just tendencies. Think of good solid state electronics vs. good tube electronics. In the end I preferred the acrylic one, because of the openness of sound, but friends of mine have Delrin platters in satisfying configurations, which I like too. I cannot predict on the use of copper mats on Delrin platters, though.
Mind that I was comparing only platters, on same bearings and with same tonearms and MC cartridges.
When it comes to Scheu vs. TW-Akustik, this is a lot more complicated, as Mr Woschnik uses a state of the art motor design and an elaborated bearing design. So it is a comparison of complete turntables. On the other hand, Scheu turntables are in a different price league.
best regards,
Hartmut |
Hartmut
Thank you for your response. You explanation on the difference in sound between acrylic and delrin has been helpful. I have the same observation as you in relation to the acrylic type of sound but do not have the opportunity on the delrin.
At this point in time, my preference is with the Raven One. In terms of pricing, it is very close to the Scheu DL2 flagship. |
I had some discussion with Mr Woschnik of TW-Akustik today, and he rightly points out, that Delrin is kind of a composite material, which can be tailored a lot choosing the ingredients. It is very unlikely that he uses exactly the same plastic variation like used in the Scheu Delrin platter. So any assumption on the sound of TW-Akustik turntables based on the comparison of Scheu acrylic and Delrin platters is just a guess.
Also I want to point out, that I did not have a proper listening to TW-Akustik turntables to date.
I would like to have a Raven One myself for testing for www.TNT-audio.com, and already asked Mr Woschnik for a review sample. If the Raven One at 3000 bucks is 90 percent the sound quality of the big TW-Akustik turntables, it might be a best buy.
Scheu and TW-Akustik are both examples of turntable issues implemented right. I had a lot experiences with Scheu turntables, but still have a lot to learn with TW-Akustik.
best regards, Hartmut |
\Anyone compared the top tw deck with the brinkmann? |
Rick (RWD)
Do you have any update on how the Raven AC sounds after a month of having it? Many thanks. |
Finally I will be getting the Raven AC within the next 2 weeks after a long long wait ( abt 6mths) despite being promise earlier. Wondering anybody has any experience using it with Millenium carbon Mat or Living voice Mat or do prefer to it without any mat. What abt record weight? It seems the manufacturer prefer it without record claiming that it may dampen the sound ( according to my dealer). Your opinion is much appreciated tq |
I had 3, Boston, Millenium & now use Living Voice. I much prefer it to the other 2. But the platter itself is very good. |
Also I have a feeling it is system dependent & cartridge/arm dependent. I would love to hear your impressions. |
Dgad, tq for your response. I will probably go for Mystic Mat shld I decide to buy a Mat. However, was wondering the need for a Mat when 1 of the very reasons for buying Raven AC is the uniqueness of the copper platter. Anymore feedback will be much appreciated. Happy listening |
Dear David, sorry for the long delay on the response.....two weeks ago I lost my cantilever and stylus (the cleaning lady???) and so I have been without the TT and the ability to comment to you or anyone else. Once I get my cartridge back I will give an update.
P.S. I also just received the Millennium weight but had not the chance to try it out yet.
Rick (RWD) |
Rick
I am sorry to hear that. Hope you will get the retipped cartridge soon.
I ordered the Raven One a couple of weeks ago with the Allaerts MC1B cartridge, waiting time is about three months. Currently, I am just patiently waiting.....
I had space and weight issues if I order the Raven AC so the One is a logical alternative for me.
The Raven One comes with two armboard, I have a Dynavector 501 tonearm and Benz Micro LP with me so it should be fun. |
Audioblazer,
The copper platter & Living voice mat are very very close. The other mats change the sound much more. The sound loses a touch of the dynamics w. the mat but also the treble rolls off but becomes more natural (so so so very slight). The Boston made everything fuzzy. The Millenium rolled the treble off too much to my liking. I really spent a lot of time doing these comparisons. These are easy to do. I kept VTA same for all of these. You don't need a mat, it is just nice. |
Dgad, thank you for yr info. I will go for the Living Voice Mystic Mat. Happy listening |
Rick,SO SORRY to hear about the problem.Hope you get going soon.You SO deserve it!!!
BTW,it seems that you guy's in the Audio Club "like" to lose your stylus/cantilevers.-:)Sid lost two,in the last two years!What gives?
Best! |
Hi Mark!!! I must believe it was the cleaning lady and since I do not have a dust cover and don't put the protective cover back on the Dynavector (I think doing this is risky) there it was ready to get hit!!! I have to wait 3-4 weeks...what a drag!
Hey, are you making the Stereophile show May 11-13?? |
Hi Raven owners out there,
Just got my Raven AC after 5-6mths of waiting. I noticed that it does not come with stock power cord and clamp. What power cord are you using and do you prefer it with or without clamp? TQ in advance and Happy listening |
Hi Audioblazer...
what power cord are you talking about? The one for the motor?? My AC Raven came with it? As to a record clap I have a millennium....however I have not used it yet as I am stll waiting (ugh) for my Dynavector XV-1S to be returned for Dyna after my stylus got detached by (I believe the cleaning lady). So I really can't comment on that. Enjoy your Raven...it really is sweet.
What arm/cartridge are you using?
By the way (and I don't wnat to steal for another thread) anyone going to the Hi-Fi NYC Show??
Rick (RWD) |
RWD, yes I meant the motor powercord. Looks like I got to ask my dealer what happen to my PC. Wonder whether changing powercord will make any difference. I m currently using Transparent Powerlink PC. I m matching the turntable with a Schroeder 2fw ( original meant for a dps turntable) and Jan Allaert MC1B. TQ |
Audioblazer,
With the digital control on the motor I doubt an aftermarket power cord will make a difference. I do use the grounding bolt on the side of the plinth below the platter to stop any static from affecting the motor & it does help. It is digital & records get a lot of static in my environment.
I guess that maybe a PS Audio Powerplant or the likes might make things a little more constant but the motor is easy to adjust.
Rememember there is a stock cable that connects the motor to the power supply so that any aftermarket cord is nulified by the next connection point. Correct me if I am wrong. |
Dgad,
Maybe you are right able power cable making no difference to the sound. Probably changing the power cable to my phonostage will give me more desirable result. The ensemble phonostage come with a reasonable good power cord.
I dont understand yr suggestion abt the "Ground Bolt"? I noticed 3 bolts beside the hole where bearing pin is located and 2 underneath the position for tonearms. Pls enlighten me tq |
