New arm for TW Acustic Raven one
Some advice ladies and gentlemen. I have used the Raven one, the earliest model by the company, since 2008 I believe. I have been using the Ortofon 309D tonearm for most of that time, a good partnership I think. It was recommended this by Thomas the tables designer, if I couldn't afford the Phantom, which I couldn't.
The Ortofon wasn't new when I bought it, now it is failing and the company no longer support maintenance on their arms. So what arm to get now.? I have retired, so am on a tight budget, putting most arms including TW Acustic's own, out of my reach. One answer would be to find a second hand Ortofon, but any other suggestions please, preferably one I can find second hand? Thanks
I have the 9" Mission version of this 12" Jelco (Jelco made it for Mission). They use Linn/Jelco mount. Removable headshell
vinylengine https://www.vinylengine.com/library/jelco/sa-750l.shtml Some have surface mounted screws. The one above looks to have threaded holes for machine screws from below. My Mission came like that, I drilled my holes all the way thru and used wood screws from the top into my wood deck.
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The problem is the arm fits into a gimball or bearing in it's base which holds it firmly. Well it doesn't hold firm anymore, the arm moves nearly a centimetre on it's base. It still sounds OK, but obviously is not a stable platform for a cartridge. I should have said, I live in the UK. TW make mounting plates for any arm, on request. Finding another Ortofon would obviate the cost of having to buy the new plate. It's a good arm, I think Jelco made it for Ortofon. The Distributor for Ortofon is only 10 miles from me, but they say they can not try to repair it. |
I’m having fun looking This looks like an easy fit https://www.vinylengine.com/library/stax/ua-70.shtml there’s this audio technica, it’s really only 10" effective
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Consider an Audiomods Series 6. I currently use a 10.5" version on a Feickert Volare with great results. It costs about $1700 direct from manufacturer in GB and IMO a great value at that price. Jeff Spall is very responsive via email and will give you accurate information regarding orders and prospective delivery times.
Good luck! |
