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
If you have any questions during the process, I'd be glad to chat/email.

Good luck!
Has anyone out there had experience with the Vivid Two tonearm that can be had with the Raven One. For example, would this be a better choice for me than using my SME 309 instead? By the way my SME 309 is an old model.
I had one originally and upgraded to a Phantom. I would say it a competent entry level arm. The arm is made by Jelco. They are the Rega of Asia and oem for many manufacturers such as Koetsu, and Audioquest. If your goal is to have a temporary arm until you can afford something better then it would be perfect. I can't speak for the 309.
Kenny,
I have posted elsewhere about the Raven but will say that the posters above have it right, the Raven is a fine TT and is a great buy at this price point. I too researched many, many tables before buying the Raven and have no regrets. I have an audiophile friend who had a nice table and heard mine and bought one for himself with a Phantom (with new arm) and Dynavector. It sounds wonderful.
Mine is a Raven Two with an outboard motor. It has a Graham Phantom with an Air Tight PC-1 and an Ortofon 309S with an Ortofon Rondo Bronze. Both run through a Tron Seven with Telefunkens and then to a BAT REX. Regarding your questions about arms and compatibility, if you have not already discussed with Jeff Catalano, please consider doing so. Jeff has great knowledge and experience and I am sure he will lead you in the right direction taking into consideration budgets and bang for the buck.
Best of luck with your search and BTW, the lock on my car sticks in cold weather and.....
Bill