Own a TW-Acustic Raven One?

Stickman451,

I have listened to the VPI's in a variety of systems and had the opportunity to directly compare against multiple turntables. My only opportunity to compare the Raven and VPI was at RMAF. Obviously not the ideal way to compare, but the best I could manage.

The VPI is a great table. Both the Raven and VPI provide an upgrade path as funds permit. If you are looking to make this level of financial commitment, don't rely on anyone else's ears, try to find a way to listen to both.

Good luck,

Sirspeedy makes the most sense of anyone here. Comparing these tables is difficult to do objectively when you've already bought into one camp or the other. In the end, I'm sure they're both great and obviously it comes down to a matter of taste. Stickman, I agree with Jazdoc. You owe it to yourself to hear them both for yourself. I'd like to as well. I love my SSM ref but the Raven One looks like a great choice too.

I agree; I am going to the RMAF in October. Maybe Jeffrey will have a VPI on-hand for direct comparision.

I have had both a Scout and an Aries 3; my current feeling is that they are both very good tables, but I think the Aries is a little too 'analytical' for my taste overall. That doesn't make it a bad table!

Bottom line is that Jeffrey at HighWater Sound has told me that he would give me a loaner and if I didn't like it, I could get a complete refund! Now that is real customer service!

Naturally owners will favor their purchases...they not only voted with words, but with their checkbooks.

Just to interest those who like to continue the education route,and simply from a "very good read" standpoint....

I'd suggest you(whomever)take a look at the white paper that is on the "Grand Prix Monaco" web pages.

This is just hobbyspeak to me,and I'm not trying to push the table,but "boy" do these guys make a great case for the way they designed that product.Not only the direct drive capability,but almost all of the important factors in "supposedly" getting accurate LP play.

I loved it......maybe the fact that I read it while on jury duty(and bored stiff,just sitting around)had something to do with it's appeal -:)

It really is a fabulous white paper,if one considers themselves to be open to learning as much as they can,on the analog subjest,and it just might cause some to be a bit more enlightened with regards to what actually matters...and what does not seem too plausible!

Good luck