Tonearm: Phantom vs. 4 Point vs. 10.5

TW Acustic 10.5 tonearm

I recently purchased a TW 10.5 tonearm and Raven AC. The TW 10.5 is fantastic! Very quiet, delicate yet authoritative. Can't imagine it getting much better and was voiced on a TW turntable. I would recommened the TW.

Opus, I had no real trouble at all. I first set spindle to pivot distance using the supplied tool, then mounted the cart. I used the supplied alignment tool (Baerwald) and then fine tuned it with a Mint LP protractor specifically made for the TW 10.5 arm. The XV-1S fit snug in the head shell, but still is easy to set up. I agree with the previous poster that the XV-1S is a good match with the 10.5. I'm very pleased.

Opus, I did not encounter any real problems and set the cart and tonearm up in a ball park configuration in less than 2 hours. I used the TW - supplied spindle to pivot device as well as the cart alignment device (used Baerwald). Onve in the ball park a few days later I spent a couple of hours using a custom Mint LP for the TW 10.5.

The XV-1S was a snug fit but I did have adequate room and tonearm wire length. I really like how the XV-1S mates with the TW 10.5. A great match - musical yet dynamic, great sound staging and super low noise floor.

The Mint LP is well worth the cost of around $100. Yip is a gentleman and does great work. All you have to do is email Yip at mintlp@hotmail.com and tell him your tonearm is a TW 10.5 and he will make it to spec for you. The wait time from order to receiving it is usually around 3 weeks.

There are several threads supporting the MintLP. I completely agree with them!

Let me know when you get your Raven One and TW 10.5 in. I can be of help with set up if you have any questions. You have an awesome table and arm coming!

There is a difference between the Mint Lp and TW alignment plate. TW has both Loefgren and Baerwald points. After talking with Yip, he could make the Mint with either, but suggested to use Loefgren. So I complied.

The Mint Lp and TW Baerwald points are approximately 0.5 mm different with the Mint about 0.5mm more forward at both null points. The Mint of course for those who have used it, allow a much more precise placement at the null point. It takes great patience and a few breaks for cold beverages to get it right.

I agree on the TW P2B tool. I am about 0.2-0.3mm off right now but am living with it. At some point I will dial it in perfectly but I'm just enjoying the music right now.

Kdl, what was your problem with anti-skate and the TW arm? Just curious..