Jeff with High Water Sound knows that I'm on a budget and thought the Gutwire B12 for $100 was an excellent cable for the money. That's what I'm getting. |
Thanks everyone for your advice, support, and guidance. Later, much later, much later...when I finally get my stuff, I'll let you know what I think.
Ken |
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I'm looking for greater bass control and authority, as well as better spacial focus on the musicians.
Depending on what I wind up spending on my front end will dictate how long before I do the amp upgrade. If this was today, I'd probably go for a tubey sounding solid state such as Pass or Bryston. The Bryston warranty is appealing for someone who holds onto equipment for awhile.
Yes, acoustic jazz that's live is my favorite, but give me well recorded/performed female vocal and I don't care what type it is. I started out with Rock but I feel that the components I own and the space where I listen from, have played a role in influencing my choices.
My old analog front end has been down for quite some time and though I have found some good stuff to listen to on CD, I can't wait to get back. |
Thank you. My concern with the OL Resolution is the plastic motor shaft...at least that's what it looks like. That's why the VPI was appealing...longevity? Who knows, it seems like they've beaten those models to death...tweeker's heaven though.
The R1 looks like it has fantasic build quality. However, I do worry that it may disappear into obscurity...parts?
Do you have a feeling about the R1's sustainable factor? |
Thanks for the recommendation Jazdoc. I read the Stereomojo review on the R1 that indicated that the table was direct purchase from Acustic ($5,000)...that's why the great value. Has there been increases now due to distribution? |
You make good points Stiltskin...and now that you've opened it up to the Gavia, what factor(s) swayed you over to the Raven? The reason I'm asking, is that I just found out about Galibier and I happen to live in Boulder, Colorado.
If the two tables are that close... |
I took a look and the designs are very similar.
I also have to figure out a cartridge and phono stage combination but I have set aside some decent funds for that...if I use my SME 309 for now and hang on to the CJ.
After doing some research, checking out the threads, and contacting Peter Ledermann, I'm being hypnotized by the Strain Gauge. The 400 is just fine for me, and the system fits my personality of holding on to components for a long time.
On the other hand for the same money, I could pick up a very nice phono preamp and cartridge combo like the Whest 30.RDT and choice MC.
Any thoughts anyone?...and thanks Stiltskin. |
The human side to it is of real importance, especially if your in it like me for the long haul...and of course experience and knowledge.
Peter Ledermann with Soundsmith (Strain Gauge) also fits into this category, and after emailing him a couple of times he suggested that we talk. When dealing with some others, they respond to your first email and then they're done.
Whest products get good reviews and I may have the opportunity to listen to them locally...the dealer also has Ayre and Bryston. No worries...I stopped being impulsive years ago and will explore others and get feedback from Jeffery and Thom.
I sold some gold coins that I collected over the years and I just opened a bank account for these purchases. I'm waiting for the checks and debit card to arrive. After that, I will contact Thom to set up an appointment for listening. If that works out there's also the benefit of supporting a local business.
This is exciting and a lot of fun. I hope I feel as good after I'm done. |
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think it's time to make some calls. |
Has anyone out there had experience with the Vivid Two tonearm that can be had with the Raven One. For example, would this be a better choice for me than using my SME 309 instead? By the way my SME 309 is an old model. |
Thanks Ducatrider...thanks Bill!
Bill, there's a simple de-ice spray you can use for that, but I would recommend Tweek! Not only will it improve the performance of your door's linkage but you should also notice a dramatic improvement to the soundstage when slamming your door. Remember how American car doors used to sound, well you can... |
Guys, Thanks for the info about the Vivid arm and Galibier TT. I've made contact with Jeffrey at High Water and will call him some time this week. I'll get the scoop about cost and options.
The Galibier Gavia seems to come in at a higher base cost...and then there are wanted but pricey options to consider. For example, I don't want the standard polished aluminum finish. I want it anodized...I like the look of the Raven...but that's a $750 add-on. The stock Gavia also does not come with the Gavia platter but the platter from the lower cost Serac. To get the Gavia platter with the Gavia is almost a $3,000 upgrade...hmmm?
At least that's how it looks on Galibier's website, but I'll also call Thom to get the details. There are a number of high-end manufacturer's here in Boulder...Boulder Amplifiers, Ayre, Avalon, PS Audio, Galibier to name a few...and I imagine the convenience for service and upgrades...but for whatever reasons, I don't end up with these products. Actually, I do have a couple of ancient products from Boulder Amplifiers that I got before they flipped they're market to sky-hi-fi. |
Okay everyone I took the plunge!
Talked to Jeffrey and he easily and most graciously spent all my money. He's a really good guy to deal with and being out of the scene for awhile I'm glad I did. |
Sorry...yes, I got the Raven...standard version with single arm. There are some new updates like Stillpoint feet but you may know that already...I think that's true but it's a little hazey right now. I will be using for the time being my SME 309 as Jeffrey thought it a better choice than the Vivid Two that can be gotten with it. The arm board for the SME is brass and black laquered/painted...whatever...sorry.
A change of plans for my cartridge...I was leaning towards the Strain Gauge but the Raven took me over budget...In my head were prices from 2006...and so was my budget...oops. Do I want the Raven, do I want the Strain Gauge...Do I want the...
That's okay because I worked with Jeffrey on this and he made recommendations that were outside-of-the-box from what I expected. With his help, I decided on the Otono-Edison Shilabe. What's really important to understand, is that Jeffrey is thinking about my particular needs, my particular budget, my existing components, my upgrade path, and what type of music I enjoy most when he made his recommendation. That's special because it's personalized.
The Strain Gauge system offers a perfectly matched preamp...you even get a little blue light telling you so. Wow...pretty cool. I'll have to get over it but I think I'll be alright.
Instead, I'm getting the Tron 7 that's upgraded to the caps used in the Tron Reference. I don't know if I'm the guinea pig or if this mid-upgrade is already available...don't care but I thought I'd mention to Tron 7 users just in case. I'm also getting the Tron 7 with XLR outputs. This may not be normal either. I have a BAT VK-5i to plug into and Tron (Graham?) and Jeffrey thought this was better than doing the RCA to XLR cable. BAT only accepts XLR connectors. This may only mean semi-balanced and nothing more.
I'm happy that I met my budget with Jeffrey's help, and will get some stuff that makes some magic. Hey, I'm looking back at a Sota Star and Grado Sonata...okay I'm done looking. |
Luckily, I don't have many CDs, or maybe too many. There are some CDs that I enjoy, however, that are not available on vinyl...I will miss those as my Theta transport keeps shutting down and the company tells me to buy a new model since it's not practical to fix what I've got...enough said!
I do have have a decent LP collection and Jeff told me he really likes original vinyl..yes...don't we all? It would be good to pick his brain. Thanks. |
Thanks to you guys...orders...TW-Accoustic has added staff. They have people dedicated to a specific part...like platters. The estimate for my table is six weeks.
I'm getting the Raven without a power cable? Is that normal and any recommendations?
Yea, the cartridge is a total leap of faith. It was recommended to me as a best value and would provide the magic like the Raven and Tron. There may be chatter coming up on this cartridge...hope it's good and will let you know. |
Jaspert and anyone else interested, I found this review of the Shilabe cartridge...makes me feel confident.
http://www.10audio.com/miyajima_shilabe.htm |
The updated Raven is now $6,500. I don't know what all of the upgrades are however...and I'm not sure if the pics out there are new or previous version. |
I think it's a combination of great reviews, adding staff, mark up, and competitive pricing. For example, the Galibier Gavia is $6,750 anodized. |
That makes sense...do you know if it is now the same as the AC or just upgraded? |
I'm still six weeks out or so because I'm doing preperation for the Raven and the other components. May even paint the room...Nothing like motivation. I actually told Jeff to let someone else have my table because I could wait. You don't have to say it...
Jazdoc - The tonal qualities of the mono recordings must be special. Someday I may succumb to that, but first I want stereo to sound special...one thing at a time. |
...and there's a new one in the works...the Raven Black Night...to be the new "reference." |
