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Raven One Owners - Last Table?

Okay...if you're an audiophile then there's probably never a last one of anything!

Intro: (Please skip to "Where I'm at" if not interested)

I just joined Audiogon because I need a new analog front end. I'm a retired Locksmith hence, "Kennythekey." My first choice was Keyman but that was taken.

My first "stereo," was separate components that I built from a kit sold by Lafayette Electronics. It was crap but I got to use a soldering iron...I was a kid and I was hooked.

All this means, is that I have to save for quite some time before I can buy anything. My upgrade path is slow and my other components are about ten years old. Also, the soldering iron never made me an engineer so my ears are everything.

Where I'm at:
If you read my intro you know I have a slow component turnover rate. That's probably why I posted Last Table?

Components:
Besides the new front end, I also want to replace my CJ Premier 11a amp but that may take awhile if I buy the Raven. I also can't afford an arm right now with the Raven and would probably install my old SME 309. I plan on holding onto my BAT VK-5i preamp, McIntosh MR71 tuner, and Thiel 3.6s. I have a relatively small listening room, and the music that makes me happiest is small club live jazz and vocal.

Question:
Given my upgrade turnover rate and existing components, is the Raven One a good choice for me...a keeper...last table? I was originally leaning towards the Origin Live Resolution or Aries 3 before I found your thread and joined Audiogon. Additionally, where I'm at none of this stuff is available and I can't afford to travel for listening.
kennythekey
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Jeffery of High Water Sound the soul North American importer of TW Acustic audio and Thom Mackris the designer and builder of Gilibier tables, No doubt about it, both are stand up guys.

What swayed me was a simple telephone conversation that turned to non audio related stuff, Jeff and I have similar back ground history.
That's it....

Both tables share similar strengths that do not exist with many other tables.

Gilibier is in your back yard, however you should ask if anyone in your neck of the woods has a Raven you could listen to.

I'm a big fan of Jazz in general especially the Divas from the Golden Era, vocals have to have that elution they come from a living breathing human being, this is one of the many strengths of the Raven.
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
I took a look and the designs are very similar.

I also have to figure out a cartridge and phono stage combination but I have set aside some decent funds for that...if I use my SME 309 for now and hang on to the CJ.

After doing some research, checking out the threads, and contacting Peter Ledermann, I'm being hypnotized by the Strain Gauge. The 400 is just fine for me, and the system fits my personality of holding on to components for a long time.

On the other hand for the same money, I could pick up a very nice phono preamp and cartridge combo like the Whest 30.RDT and choice MC.

Any thoughts anyone?...and thanks Stiltskin.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Ken
I cannot comment on the Strain Gauge or the Whest as I have not heard them in a system, they could very well be a great choice.

However what I do believe regarding phono stages is they could make or break a system.
I believe a good preamp and phono stage is the "soul" of a system, especially for a table, arm and cartridge.

Jeffery and Thom wear many different hats running their businesses.
Speaking with them you will notice they are not your typical sales people, far from it.

These guy's would certainly guide you through choices that work extremely well with their tables and of course asking questions here.
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
The human side to it is of real importance, especially if your in it like me for the long haul...and of course experience and knowledge.

Peter Ledermann with Soundsmith (Strain Gauge) also fits into this category, and after emailing him a couple of times he suggested that we talk. When dealing with some others, they respond to your first email and then they're done.

Whest products get good reviews and I may have the opportunity to listen to them locally...the dealer also has Ayre and Bryston. No worries...I stopped being impulsive years ago and will explore others and get feedback from Jeffery and Thom.

I sold some gold coins that I collected over the years and I just opened a bank account for these purchases. I'm waiting for the checks and debit card to arrive. After that, I will contact Thom to set up an appointment for listening. If that works out there's also the benefit of supporting a local business.

This is exciting and a lot of fun. I hope I feel as good after I'm done.
david12
1,454 posts
 
Another strong vote for the Raven one. It is easy to say, but I do'nt think I will ever change. Build quality is phenomenal. When I put the platter on the spindle, it takes up to 5 minutes to descend onto the bearings, build quality and tolerances are that good.
I changed from OriGin Live Resolution + Illustrious and the Raven is in a different league in terms of speed stabilty etc. I use mine with the Ortofon 309S arm, not seen or reviewed much, but the arm Thomas uses on his Raven one. He has a new arm of his own, but it is very, very costly.
I use my Raven with a Zyx Airy 3 and K&K audio phono pre and could'nt be happier. The K&K by the way, is another strong recommendation, excellent at the price.
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