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TW Acustic 10.5 and Graham Phantom Supreme II

I am contemplating (figuring out my funds!) on purchasing a TW Acustic Raven AC. First of all, if anyone is around the Tulsa, OK area and owns a TW Acustic Raven AC, please invite me over to listen!

My question to Raven AC owners who have tried both a Graham Phantom and TW 10.5 tonearm - what are the sonic attributes of each tonearm on the Raven AC? Which did you prefer and why? This isn't a 'which is best' question, but rather which one suited you more with the Raven AC compared to the other.

For background, I listen to about 60% rock/pop and 40% traditonal jazz. Very little classical. I use a Rowland Cadence phono pre.

Thanks in advance for any info and comments.
philb7777

Showing 5 responses by philb7777

philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Well, gotta be optimistic! But not Tulsa optimistic that's for sure. Maybe I should rephrase the question: 'Those with a Raven AC that has tried both Graham Phantom in any version compared to a TW 10.5."

Didnt realize the Phantom Supreme II was that new to have only had a handful shipped. I have had one private email response of someone who has owned or demoed both, but certainly open to other's experiences if they are out there.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks for your response Ebm. That's the type of info and experiences I'm wanting to hear. Since all these products are hard to audition, especially in one's own system, Audiogon is a great place to get other's opinion and experiences.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Well, gotta be optimistic! But not Tulsa optimistic that's for sure. Maybe I should rephrase the question: 'Those with a Raven AC that has tried both Graham Phantom in any version compared to a TW 10.5."

Didnt realize the Phantom Supreme II was that new to have only had a handful shipped. I have had one private email response of someone who has owned or demoed both, but certainly open to other's experiences if they are out there.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Dgad, I also have a Dyna XV-1s. I've heard the that XV-1s anatomically is a poor choice for the TW10.5 as it and the headshell don't give the pins much room for proper alignment which in turn makes setting up the cart for proper alignment a problem.

I'm used to unipivots with my JMW 10.5i and the Dyna is a good match for it. I'm sure the Phantom and TW10.5 are in a different league though.
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
TD, your system is excellent. I bet it is extremely musical. I love my XV-1s cart and really want an arm that will work well with it. I've just heard some experiences with the XV-1s and TW 10.5 arm that simply didn't allow room with the pins to allow proper stylus position (unable to slide cart back on head shell) due to lack of room with pins hitting arm tubing.

I'm encouraged though by your experience and upgrade path which would be similar to mine if I take that course. Thanks do much for sharing your info and experience.
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