Vpi vs. TW Acustic


My analog rig consists of a VPI Aries I, Triplanar, and Benz LP. My SoCal dealer suggests the Grand Prix Monaco TT should be my next move. However I don't have that kind of moola lying around and just try finding a used one. It ain't happening. So, would the TW Raven One be a big improvement over the the Aries or too much of a sideways move? And without the opportunity to audition, too risky?
hifigary
Hifigary,

It seems that you're pretty set on the TW Raven One. It looks to me that most Raven owners have made the purchase without auditioning the table and they're very satisfied with it. If you don't want take the risk, there are currently two TW Acustic tables for sale here in Audiogon, one Raven One and one AC.

You haven't said what you don't like about your analog setup.
Hifi Gary,

I meant you should try and listen to the TW Raven table. I was not telling you to buy another VPI. I understand where you are coming from.
If you want a small footprint, the One is the one to go for, excuse the pun. Thomas says the One gives 95% of the performance of the AC at ? less than half price. Mine is the last table I will ever need. It is built to last a lifetime.
How about a used SME 10? It too is built to last a lifetime and at around $4K used, a very good value. It is a solid, quiet and stable platform for any number of arm/cartridge combos though I have only heard an SME arm on mine. There is also no fuss. Once set up, it stays that way.
No brick and mortar dealer can sell every line. The honest ones, such as Brooks, will tell you if they've never heard something that's of interest. He can only recommend what he sells and knows. Makes sense to me.

Can you articulate what you feel you are missing with your current setup. What does the Aries do or not do that you find deficient?

Wendell