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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
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Guys, Thanks for the info about the Vivid arm and Galibier TT. I've made contact with Jeffrey at High Water and will call him some time this week. I'll get the scoop about cost and options.

The Galibier Gavia seems to come in at a higher base cost...and then there are wanted but pricey options to consider. For example, I don't want the standard polished aluminum finish. I want it anodized...I like the look of the Raven...but that's a $750 add-on. The stock Gavia also does not come with the Gavia platter but the platter from the lower cost Serac. To get the Gavia platter with the Gavia is almost a $3,000 upgrade...hmmm?

At least that's how it looks on Galibier's website, but I'll also call Thom to get the details. There are a number of high-end manufacturer's here in Boulder...Boulder Amplifiers, Ayre, Avalon, PS Audio, Galibier to name a few...and I imagine the convenience for service and upgrades...but for whatever reasons, I don't end up with these products. Actually, I do have a couple of ancient products from Boulder Amplifiers that I got before they flipped they're market to sky-hi-fi.
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Okay everyone I took the plunge!

Talked to Jeffrey and he easily and most graciously spent all my money. He's a really good guy to deal with and being out of the scene for awhile I'm glad I did.
no_regrets
543 posts
 
So don't keep us hanging. What did Jeffrey buy you with your money? If Raven One, did you get the stand alone motor? Which arm? What cartridge will you use? How long will you have to wait for the delivery? Give us all the juicy details as we are all very excited for you.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Ken
Congratulations...You move quick.

Once you know what brand of tonearm your going to use ,be it your SME or another choice.

My highest recommendation at that stage is to buy a MintLp arc protractor for set up. MintLp.com

Much has been said by a long list of astonished users including myself.
Though it takes patience the excellent instruction manual will guide you through every step of the way backed by support from Mint including here.

For sure it's the best $100 you could spend.

Mark
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Sorry...yes, I got the Raven...standard version with single arm. There are some new updates like Stillpoint feet but you may know that already...I think that's true but it's a little hazey right now. I will be using for the time being my SME 309 as Jeffrey thought it a better choice than the Vivid Two that can be gotten with it. The arm board for the SME is brass and black laquered/painted...whatever...sorry.

A change of plans for my cartridge...I was leaning towards the Strain Gauge but the Raven took me over budget...In my head were prices from 2006...and so was my budget...oops. Do I want the Raven, do I want the Strain Gauge...Do I want the...

That's okay because I worked with Jeffrey on this and he made recommendations that were outside-of-the-box from what I expected. With his help, I decided on the Otono-Edison Shilabe. What's really important to understand, is that Jeffrey is thinking about my particular needs, my particular budget, my existing components, my upgrade path, and what type of music I enjoy most when he made his recommendation. That's special because it's personalized.

The Strain Gauge system offers a perfectly matched preamp...you even get a little blue light telling you so. Wow...pretty cool. I'll have to get over it but I think I'll be alright.

Instead, I'm getting the Tron 7 that's upgraded to the caps used in the Tron Reference. I don't know if I'm the guinea pig or if this mid-upgrade is already available...don't care but I thought I'd mention to Tron 7 users just in case. I'm also getting the Tron 7 with XLR outputs. This may not be normal either. I have a BAT VK-5i to plug into and Tron (Graham?) and Jeffrey thought this was better than doing the RCA to XLR cable. BAT only accepts XLR connectors. This may only mean semi-balanced and nothing more.

I'm happy that I met my budget with Jeffrey's help, and will get some stuff that makes some magic. Hey, I'm looking back at a Sota Star and Grado Sonata...okay I'm done looking.
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