Own a TW-Acustic Raven One?

I changed from another table with a strong reputation, the Origin Live Resolution with Illustrious arm and the TW one is way ahead in the ways described. The point seems to be attention to detail and solid engineering. It is just well made, seems right. Looking at the belt, Thomas says he spent years looking at different materials.
The core of it's strength to me, is the motor and power supply, it runs rock steady, which seems the basis of its neutral, detailed performance. As an example of build quality, the bearing needs a tiny spray of oil only and the platter took 5 minutes to sink on the spindle, tolerances are so tight. I have been using the basic Jelco arm, but am having the Ortofon 212D fitted next week. That is the arm Thomas uses and recommends for the one.
I spoke to him at the UK Heathrow show and he is coming to Rocky Mountain, hopefully with his new arm. Unfortunately, it is going to retail for 5 to 6000 Euros, too much for me.

I'm patiently waiting for my Raven One to turn up. Last few weeks has not been easy and i have a few more to go.
Reading this thread has been reassuring as i'm buying it unheard due to lack of dealership in town.

I contemplated getting a Scoutmaster (US$4200) at one stage but the high price charged by the importer was a turn off in the end.

jasper
Melbourne, Oz

TW products have been intiguing to me based on other's accounts although I've never heard one. I'm sure they're great. It's hard to make a judgement though based on a comparison with VPI made by someone who expresses evidence of a pre-existing bias against VPI products. In my opinion, that undermines the credibility of the comparison from the get go. Yes, I'm a VPI owner and fan. What we're dealing with in the end is personal preferrences and taste. When attempting to objectively describe a subjective experience, lack of bias is essential for the comparison to have any meaning. Sorry, just my opinion.

Has anyone compared the TW tables to other mass loaded tables like Teres or Galibier? I have a Teres 255 and may pursue an upgrade if I thought it would be worth it.

I've had two VPI tables and neither had any problems with build quality or finish. They are solid, well made, and the Aries 3 is a true work of art, beautifully built and a solid 85lbs! No loose arms or anything like that!!!

This whole thread for me is about real differences owners have heard and hear in their systems that contain a new Raven One vs. VPI tables like the Aries and the Super ScoutMaster that they may have owned or actually compared side by side. I am just curious about the differences they have noticed overall. If you feel the Raven One is a step above the VPI tables, then that's fine. This thread is not about bashing VPI...

I have read all over the net that the Raven One and the Raven AC truly sound as good or better than tables costing five or ten times as much. That gets my attention! I don't believe everything that I read, so if you have a Raven One and you know it is truly that good, then let us know!