First off, let me state that I do not own a TW Acustic Raven, nor do I profess to know its particular sonic character. But over the years I have come to realise how critical proper set-up is. Also, please don't take this as a suggestion that you you are less than expert in system set-up. However, before you venture to spend $50k on a TT, you just might experiment with adjusting VTA and VTF. For example I have a VPI Aries 2 with dual motor/flywheel, a JMW 10.5 and Transfiguration Temper W. Clearly not in the league of the AC-3, but more than respectable. For years I set the VTF to 1.9 grams. The Trannie specs suggest optimal tracking force is 1.8, but VPI manual advises to add .1 gram if you use damping fluid in the well. Also, in setting VTA, I would set the arm (head shell) parallel to the platter and tip it back maybe a quarter of a turn on the VTA tower.
For whatever reason, I decided to experiment and drop the back of the arm another half turn or so and jump the VTF to 1.95 (I use a digital scale). The change was transcendental. I have since dropped the arm back another quarter turn and increased VTF to 1.985. I don't think this has improved the sound any, but since I live in the Northeast and the humidity has lifted (system is in the basement), I had lost some of the magic I heard earlier. The increased settings have merely compensated. I would never have believed my system capable of the performance I have achieved. I am actually afraid to "upgrade". I just have the feeling the system is punching way above its weight class.
The purpose of this tale is to suggest that before you look to greener pastures, you tweek your table, even if it takes you to the extremes of the manufacturers specs. You might be amazed at the improvement chaging these parameters may bring.
For whatever reason, I decided to experiment and drop the back of the arm another half turn or so and jump the VTF to 1.95 (I use a digital scale). The change was transcendental. I have since dropped the arm back another quarter turn and increased VTF to 1.985. I don't think this has improved the sound any, but since I live in the Northeast and the humidity has lifted (system is in the basement), I had lost some of the magic I heard earlier. The increased settings have merely compensated. I would never have believed my system capable of the performance I have achieved. I am actually afraid to "upgrade". I just have the feeling the system is punching way above its weight class.
The purpose of this tale is to suggest that before you look to greener pastures, you tweek your table, even if it takes you to the extremes of the manufacturers specs. You might be amazed at the improvement chaging these parameters may bring.