Enter The Raven The GT and 10.5


Jeffrey Catalano Importer, Distributor and Proprietor of High Water Sound arrived with the Raven in hand.
Jeffrey set the bird up so perfectly with what seemed to be minimal effort that I wondered why other dealers make a huge production over this service.Or maybe it isn't that easy and Jeff's expertise makes it seem so.

My Thought's and Observation's
In the forty plus years of being an enthusiast I've become jaded to all the hype and sometimes out right lies from so called industry insiders.So many times a model upgrade from MK1 to MK2 is not an upgrade at all (at least to these ears)
but others rave about the new model
So when I started thinking about a turntable and tonearm that would improve upon what I hear from my Kuzma Reference
and Basis Vector,I did my research and then called High Water Sound.Over the years I purchased several components
including my present speakers,cartridge's,cables and it was Jeffrey whom introduced me to the fantastic Tron Syren which I now own.I also knew that Jeffrey would not take me down the wrong path.He has always been open and honest and has even recommended products that he does not carry but would fit my needs.Now really, which dealer will do that for a customer ???
After doing my due diligence and listening it was decided that the Raven GT and 10.5 was the combo for me.
Now,we have all been to shows or to show rooms and listened to a component and thought "wow that sounds great" only to find when placed in your home system that it's not as great as you thought it was.So I was still a bit apprehensive.
All this passed very quickly as soon as the stylus was lowered to the Lp.After listening for about an hour VTA was adjusted and this Raven combo took further flight to another stratosphere.
The music was continuous,it flowed.The stage widened as well as deepened.The central performers took a step forward,dynamics were faster and base deeper.
Inner detail was not something you had to listen for,it was there easily heard.
My forty year old Lp's have become new again,my excitement is kin to when I first experienced this ever evolving hobby.
Last night,while listening with my wife and daughter (my biggest music critics) they asked why does this table and arm sound so much better then what I had.
I couldn't answer.But for the first time in a long time we three agree,it does sound MUCH better.
Jeffrey,we thank you.
goldeneraguy
I think in that other thread re power cords on turntables, somebody
mentioned the loan program at Cable Co. I don't know what the cost is if
you ultimately don't buy the cables from them, but if you are going to spend
any real money, i'd borrow three different ones and try them. (Assuming
they have been burned-in, which is another whole issue). I'm using same
cable throughout the entire system, except for the PC on the turntable, but
that's only because I economized there, thinking it probably made the least
difference. But, to the extent there are going to be noticeable differences,
I'd try a range of them before you lay down real money. (And, do they have
the same loan program for their used cable?- that would make buying from
them less painful). I'll be curious to know what you come up with if you do
decide to experiment a little.... Also be interesting to know what Jeff's
experience has been, wouldn't it?
I discussed this briefly with Jeff. He did state that better PC's make a difference even for turntables.At the time we thought it best to let everything break in prior to getting a new PC.
I posted hoping to hear what others have experienced.
If I get the urge ,I'll buy something Jeff carries after an audition.
Always great to hear from you.
I uses a Shunyata Black Mamba HC powrcord on my Raven One. In my setup the pc has a audible effect, but nothing as a huge difference or so.

I know people who uses very expencive powercords on the motor controler.
Whart,

I use an Audio Arts top of the line AC cord on my TW Ref motor controller. This has been a match made in heaven. They are located in San Diego and only sell thru A-Gon. I would guess the quality to be worth double the price for one of the more commercial brands. You can buy one, audition it, and if unhappy within 30 days return it for a full refund. If you have been using a stock cord on your motor controller, you may be in for a shock when you hear your table powered with something better.
Thanks for the tip, Elinor. I will be doing more with the system in the near future, and will bookmark that.
Best,
bill hart