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Raven One Owners - Last Table?

Okay...if you're an audiophile then there's probably never a last one of anything!

Intro: (Please skip to "Where I'm at" if not interested)

I just joined Audiogon because I need a new analog front end. I'm a retired Locksmith hence, "Kennythekey." My first choice was Keyman but that was taken.

My first "stereo," was separate components that I built from a kit sold by Lafayette Electronics. It was crap but I got to use a soldering iron...I was a kid and I was hooked.

All this means, is that I have to save for quite some time before I can buy anything. My upgrade path is slow and my other components are about ten years old. Also, the soldering iron never made me an engineer so my ears are everything.

Where I'm at:
If you read my intro you know I have a slow component turnover rate. That's probably why I posted Last Table?

Components:
Besides the new front end, I also want to replace my CJ Premier 11a amp but that may take awhile if I buy the Raven. I also can't afford an arm right now with the Raven and would probably install my old SME 309. I plan on holding onto my BAT VK-5i preamp, McIntosh MR71 tuner, and Thiel 3.6s. I have a relatively small listening room, and the music that makes me happiest is small club live jazz and vocal.

Question:
Given my upgrade turnover rate and existing components, is the Raven One a good choice for me...a keeper...last table? I was originally leaning towards the Origin Live Resolution or Aries 3 before I found your thread and joined Audiogon. Additionally, where I'm at none of this stuff is available and I can't afford to travel for listening.
kennythekey
ducatirider
111 posts
 
Kenny,

I took a leap of faith and bought a R1 unheard and at the time unreviewed. There is a local VPI dealer in my hometown. I had an LP12 for 16 years because it had a reliable and extensive dealer network as does VPI. So i hold onto my equipment for a longtime too. In short I couldn't be mnore pleased with the purchse. You should call Jeff Catalano at High Water Sound in NY. After hearing many tables over the years, there are subtle differences but for the way I like to listen to music, it's the ideal platform for me.
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Thank you. My concern with the OL Resolution is the plastic motor shaft...at least that's what it looks like. That's why the VPI was appealing...longevity? Who knows, it seems like they've beaten those models to death...tweeker's heaven though.

The R1 looks like it has fantasic build quality. However, I do worry that it may disappear into obscurity...parts?

Do you have a feeling about the R1's sustainable factor?
jazdoc
365 posts
 
I think the Raven One would be an excellent choice given your listening preferences and tendency to hold on to equipment for a long time. The flexibility of the Raven would serve you well. For example, the ability to add a second arm/cartridge if you own a lot of mono LP's.

I concur with what others have said about Jeff Catalano at High Water Sound; absolutely first class. He also carries other equipment that may work well for you given your preference for a "tubey sound".

I've only had the opportunity to audition the Raven One at the RMAF, but both years it sounded excellent and it offers great bang for the buck. You definitely a large measure of the bigger Raven AC. Good luck!
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendation Jazdoc. I read the Stereomojo review on the R1 that indicated that the table was direct purchase from Acustic ($5,000)...that's why the great value. Has there been increases now due to distribution?
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Ken
Last year I purchased a TW Acustic Raven One and now that I have lived with it for a while I find it to be an extraordinary table for the price.

I narrowed my choice down to two table builders, the Galibier Gavia model and the Raven 1.

The choice was VERY difficult, both tables popular by word of mouth advertising, both tables similarly priced and both are incredible buys, this was pretty much a common comment I came across in North America including over seas.

I wanted a table that would easily accommodate two tone arms, have separate arm boards, known to have extremely good stable speed control and easy to maintain.

What turned me off of some other brands at this price point and this is my personal opinion.

For 6 grand for a table and motor alone the plinth should NOT be made of mdf or plywood or any other inexpensive material that's available at any building supply store including coming with a acrylic platter and rubber drive belt.

The Galibier is tape drive, the Raven has a non rubber belt that was developed by Thomas Woschnick that could be easily converted to tape drive if you wish, some Raven owners have gone this route.

Either table matched up with one of the good tonearms available, cartridges and phono stages WILL astound most anyone.
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