Like Kublakhan, after reading the review and actually hearing the Raven One + Graham Phantom combination at a friend's house I had to have one! So I now have the Raven One + Graham Phantom + Dynavector XX2 on order! Given the demand, I don't expect delivery until September but I know it is going to be worth the wait. Total package was a little over $10,000 but I am looking at this as my last table/arm. It is at least worth your time to give Jeff Catalano a call at High Water Sound. He is a great guy, very knowledgeable and could put together a Raven One package for you (arm + cart) within your budget. Dave |
i'm somewhere in with jazdoc. you can go a LOT of ways though. The vintage route is getting over priced but then so is the high end route. You could get a thorens 124 and a 3009 arm and a custom plinth too. I would reccomend a galibier as thom nt only builds great stuff but is good at finding things in your price range to help out. the vinyl one is a cool stage but not for everyone! |
This is pure speculation, but I think it's a fun concept to contemplate: How about: KAB-modified SL1200 Mk2 ($475) plus outboard PSU ($250), threaded record clamp ($149), strobe disabler ($50), and Isonoe Feet ($175) = $1099. This provides a very quiet, speed-stable platform. Tonearm: Origin Live Technics armboard ($89) Origin Live Conqueror Tonearm ($4285) Dynavector XV1-S ($4500) and a perfect 10 Hz resonance match =$9973. Actually, I'm sure that there is a big range of carts from, say, the $1195 Cartridge Man MusicMaker to the $5K range of MC carts that could sing with this combo. And don't forget to oil the motor bearing and slap on a better mat, anything from a Herbies to a Boston or Audio Technica AT6278. |
