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New Raven AC Owner

Hi,

I am new to Audiogon and I thought I would join to connect to other TW Acustics turntable owners.

I bought a 2007 Raven AC with a Graham Phantom B44 and have put a Clearaudio Accurate cartridge on it. This TT is the biggest upgrade I’ve ever had by some margin. What a fantastic player it is. I’ve had many many turntables over the last 20 years (several LP12’s, Pink Triangle Anniversary, SP10, various Thorens, Rega’s, Gyrodecks and too many others to mention) but non-have given this amount of musicality and sheer detail (except maybe the PT Anni). I compared it to my original “Obsidian” SP10.2 fitted with a 12” Jelco and SPU Royal GM and the comparison took all of 5 minutes! I haven’t compared it the Anni yet though. Too busy enjoying it. I am desperate to get the Jelco SA-750L 12” arm with SPU onto the deck in the rear position though (I have placed a wanted ad for an appropriate armboard for this ;-) )

I have a question for you guys though regarding setup, Should the motor be positioned so that it stretches the belt slightly? Or is there a fixed distance I should put the motor? I understand there are several different lengths of belt and I’m not sure what I have. I have the motor positioned to the left side of the plinth.

I’m sure I’ll have many more questions as I settle into using this player.

Thanks all.
lencotweaker
corby
80 posts
 
are you using it without a mat? i have the AC3 and prefer the living voice mystic mat.
my manual says to keep the motors about 1/4" away from the plinth.
i also have the table and motors on a large HRS platform. that's another great tweak for this table.
good choice!
lencotweaker OP
15 posts
 
I've been sent a manual but it only mentions the 'standard belt' with motor placed at 320-330mm. The belt feels a little stretched at that distance though.
lencotweaker OP
15 posts
 
I've not experimented with mats yet although I do have a few from previous projects and tables to try out.
latinsamba1
74 posts
 
Regarding the Jelco arm, I am sure Jeff at HWS can have any tonearm board made to your specs.

I am mounting an Ortofon RMG arm with SPU to my Raven AC soon and opted to make my own custom arm board out of black ebony. Not sure yet what (if any) real impact it will have on the sonics but just thought it was cool and fitting for a vintage arm.
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