sme 30/2 or TW Acustic Raven AC3

I had a SME 20 for two years then the SME 30 for at least three years, I now own a TW AC-1 which I have had since 2006.

TW is as quiet, if not better at making the vinyl sound quiet and clean.
It beats the SME 30 in pitch stability and drive even with the single motor. It sounds as big, with great powerful bass. Clean treble and great mids. The TW is very nice with the Phantom. I only used the SME with the SME V and the Tri-Planar briefly.

TW has a very good distributor in the US in Jeff at High Water Sound. Also Thomas is very generous with his time if you have any technical questions.

Feel free to contact me via email if you want any more opinions on the two tables.

Paul

Peter

The Minus K just cleans things up and makes it even more quiet. It was helpful in my house because my room faces the street which is a high traffic area, also it is an upper floor. I had no problem with foot falls, but anything can help. It is really noticable if I would take the Minus-K out of the set up and run the TW without it.

When I had my SME I used a Silent Running Audio Ohio Class under the SME so it had some more isolation than just a bare SME. You would be very surprised how much better the SME got with the SRA. A lot of people under estimate the value of good isolation even if the unit has a good built in isolation.

I made my comparison with the SME/SRA and a naked TW, and thought it was better for me.

You will really notice a difference with a Minus-K under your SME. It should be fairly cost effective for you too because the smaller units are much more affordable.

Paul

Elinor

I have the new feet for my TW but I have not tried them yet.
The cool thing about SRA is it is totally cutom for your piece of equipment. So perhaps less of a compromise in comparison to say Symposium or other platforms. Minus K is on another level, but it does have its minor quirks too. Not that elegant either.

I will agree with you on your opinion of the SME tables. They are great at presenting all the info but over time they are a little uninvolving, at least with the SME V, they are a little better with the Graham Phantom. A friend has his with the Phantom.

It is unfair, to characterize the SME 30 as uninvolving but I am talking from my experiences. These are opinions, and yours may be different from mine but neither should be taken as gospel. It is just a hobby after all.

Cjfrdw

Perhaps you should reread my old posts. I have zero regrets on selling my old SME 30. The only item I ever regret selling would be an Expressive Technologies SU-1. I have had my share of thing through here.

If I had the money to afford both tables I would have them. But "I" would most likely use the TW a lot more. BTW univolving and lifeless are essentially the same words to describe something. I never said the SME could not keep up. It will but to my ears it does not present it like the TW which I prefer more. That is esentially what you will always get when we all heve a difference of opinion. I can state my opinion because I have had both for at least three years.