TW-Acustic Raven


Would like to hear opinions on the TW-Acustic Raven One/Two table. I am considering this table with a Graham Phantom II arm.
Thanks.
flyski
Scroll down a bit here in the analogue discussion section, see TW Acustic Raven One owners, also more in the archives...
I have heard the Raven One a couple of times with Dynavector arms, and at the latest RMAF with a Ortofon 309D with a Koetsu Jade, and was blown away by how good that combo was. I am sure the Phantom would be even better, but it goes to show you how good that little table is, with a less expensive arm like the Ortofon AS series arms.

TW makes great stuff and I have been a happy owner of a Raven AC for over two years now.

IMO it is the best bang for buck out there for new tables.

There is a new contender to the Raven ranks.

The word on the street is the Fickert table which shares the same platter construction is actually an even better turntable than the Raven!

In Europe the Fickert is gaining quite a reputation for its sound quality and TW Acoustic is quite concerned about how well Fickert is doing with his new Twin.

There is a lot of "story" about the Raven and its magnificent platter material, it turns out that this platter material was found by the Raven's designer he did not make it up, it was an alloy from a commercial manufacturer.

Dr. Fickert has studied all aspects of the turntable, arm and cartridge interactions and his acclaimed cartridge set up tools bare the fact that he is one of the most astute and knowledgeable designers of analog out there.

The precision motor drive on the Fickert is equally remarkable and the twin compares with the three motor Raven yet is far less expensive.

I looked at both table lines and my next table is going to be the Fickert, do the research and you will find that out.

I am not saying the Raven isn't a great table, however, the Fickert is also a remarkable table and the price differential is quite large. I can get a Fickert with a superb arm and cartidge for the price of a fully blown Raven!