Hifigary - I think the Raven One would be a huge improvement over the Aries, and you will enjoy great music for many years to come.
There appear to be four discussion points on this thread: price, engineering, sound and the US dealer.
Price - The Raven One is quite a bit less than the SME 10 as a price point example, and there is no comparison between the two. The sonic qualities of the Raven are simply outstanding. Even the Raven Two is less than the SME 10. And as for the AC-1 - it is much less than the SME20 and a bit over half the price of the SME30. I'm not trying to pick on SME, but am simply using it as a pricing point.
Engineering - the Raven and AC are finely engineered tables - from the bearings to the platter, motors and isolation. There is no doubt that Thomas did his homework from an engineering perspective.
Sound I have had both musicians and recording engineers comment that the table has the best timing I have ever heard in a table, that the nuance in this table is unbelievable". And finally: "Musical - as close to being in the room with the musicians as you can get". When this comes from both the guys in front and behind the control room glass this says a lot.
Dealer Jeff Catalano of High Water Sound is a fair, honest and reputable individual beyond reproach. He wants folks to be able to enjoy their system, and will work with them to match components to their specific systems. From my personal dealings with Jeff he has advised me on where it is worth spending money and where it is not whether those funds be spent with him or with another dealer. He is not a high pressure sales guy but one who is interested in satisfied listeners in the end.
I own an AC-3, and as you can tell from my sound comments above I feel it has taken my analog rig to a new level. I am a happy, happy listener and that is the highest praise I can give to the price, engineering, sound, and US dealer of the TW Acustic tables.
There appear to be four discussion points on this thread: price, engineering, sound and the US dealer.
Price - The Raven One is quite a bit less than the SME 10 as a price point example, and there is no comparison between the two. The sonic qualities of the Raven are simply outstanding. Even the Raven Two is less than the SME 10. And as for the AC-1 - it is much less than the SME20 and a bit over half the price of the SME30. I'm not trying to pick on SME, but am simply using it as a pricing point.
Engineering - the Raven and AC are finely engineered tables - from the bearings to the platter, motors and isolation. There is no doubt that Thomas did his homework from an engineering perspective.
Sound I have had both musicians and recording engineers comment that the table has the best timing I have ever heard in a table, that the nuance in this table is unbelievable". And finally: "Musical - as close to being in the room with the musicians as you can get". When this comes from both the guys in front and behind the control room glass this says a lot.
Dealer Jeff Catalano of High Water Sound is a fair, honest and reputable individual beyond reproach. He wants folks to be able to enjoy their system, and will work with them to match components to their specific systems. From my personal dealings with Jeff he has advised me on where it is worth spending money and where it is not whether those funds be spent with him or with another dealer. He is not a high pressure sales guy but one who is interested in satisfied listeners in the end.
I own an AC-3, and as you can tell from my sound comments above I feel it has taken my analog rig to a new level. I am a happy, happy listener and that is the highest praise I can give to the price, engineering, sound, and US dealer of the TW Acustic tables.