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Raven owners - how's your mid-range?

I've replaced my 30 year-old Rega Planar 3 with the Raven AC and the luscious midrange I used to have is GONE!!!!
With the same Hadcock GH 228 and ZYX Universe that I had on the Rega, the Raven has increased treble information and energy, but has removed the palpable 3-dimensional depth I used to have with the Rega 3.
I've also mounted a Dynavector DV1s on a new Continuum Copperhead tonearm with even MORE devastating results.....hugely emphasised treble energy, but 2-dimensional recessed mids!
I have tried all combinations of VTA and VTF with little improvement in the mids.
Have any of you also experienced this in a high mass table?...or are there any ideas/suggestions for bringing back my beautiful midrange?
halcro
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Thanks for all the helpful replies.
Last night I listened till 1am and it was sounding very good.
I'm hoping the problem is with the new Copperhead arm and its brand new exotic wiring which has is still burning-in after about 60 hours.
I think the Hadcock is out of its league here and the massive shift in detail (especially in the high frequencies) that the Raven has delivered, has shocked my 30 years of 'easy-listening' reference and I need time to adjust.
Last night I caught a taste of the addiction for detail that the Raven delivers....and it was easy to take.
The Raven is like switching on ALL the floodlights on the stage of a theatre where before you were happily watching by candlelight.
I have a Schroeder Ref arm coming shortly and if the Copperhead arm cable (or arm itself) is a problem, the Schroeder should settle the argument.
For now, I can't wait to get home and put some vinyl on the Raven!
cmk
397 posts
 
As I recall, the Universe is very sensitive to VTA. This is where you should look first.
alnolan
31 posts
 
Elinor,can you please explain how using Stillpoints for feet can bring about the recessed mids Halcro was hearing.
david12
1,454 posts
 
I auditioned a Raven one this week and was very impressed, detailed, dynamic, deep wide soundstage. It is made magnificently, the best German engineering standards. The UK importer I listened with, had quite strong views on arms. He did'nt think Rega based arms were a good match. In the UK, it can be sold with a very good Jelco Vivid arm, for just £300. Good matches were a new Ortofon arm, and the Graham Phantom. There is a useful thread on Pink Fish, the UK forum
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32706&highlight=raven
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Midrange is back!!!
I suspect the Copperhead arm cabling needed more than 70 hours burn-in (who woulda thought?)...unless someone knows that the Dynavector DV1s needs that much?
The Raven/Copperhead/DV1s combo now outperforms any front end I have heard (and I have listened extensively to Rockport Sirius and Continuum Caliburn/Cobra).
Full review will follow in about 2 months........I'm off to put another record on!
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