Upgrade from TW Acustic Raven AC-3 to what?


I have had the TW turntable (with 10" Da Vinci Grandezza arm and Grandezza cartridge) for two years. I have been happy with this TT and can live with it for a long time although i wish it wasn't as dark sounding, that the soundstage could be more spacious and the bass tighter. The upgrade bug in me is wondering for 50K ore thereabout, is there a TT that is superlative over the TW? One that would end my upgrading itch for the next 10 years?
alectiong
Hi Alectiong, I just located it. You have some really exceptional gear, I actually use to own the same speakers and those Karan's are suppose to be really nice. I had mine hooked up to various components, VTL 750's, ARC 600's etc.

Those Elrod power cords are getting some very positive postings from others, David has always made great product. I guess if I was in your situation I would re-evaluate my set-up asking myself regarding what you had mentioned prior and when did this happen, as a result to adding what? the TW etc. Possibly stepping back, maybe there is a mismatch somewhere with in the chain, it's the joys of this hobby and getting it all to work, getting the magic!

Others above have allot more experience with the TW product line than myself, I'm a new-bee owner but that being said I did allot of research prior along with listening to allot of other set-ups with a variety of tables, some costing crazy money etc. and in the end decided to make the TW purchase. TW was my preference after hearing all of these different set-ups and never heard what you have described above with any of the TW's set-ups other wise I would have been looking elsewhere. What I found was the arm and cart to make a big difference sonically as I'm sure you already know along with everything else in the chain, phono cable, phono and on.

Just take your time and try not to get frustrated you have a great table, possibly try to connect with some other TW owners and hear their set-ups. Do some traveling if need be, with the money you have invested it would only be a small fraction and you owe it to your self and system.
Downunder, it is very funny. I just described what happend to a friend of mine and people owning a Raven like you feel not comfortable with the fact that this happens at the moment - at least in France. Maybe also with people trying to sell other modern TTs, I don´t know. BTW I do know Thomas very well and have a very good relation to him.

Hope you feel comfortable now!?
Thuchan

Yes thanks for asking, nice to know you care - I felt comfortable before & now after your comments.

I think as you would clearly know, having more than one nice turntable gives you a perspective that one can not do everything.

BTW - how many raven's were offered at very good prices :-)
Downunder, perfect!

when it comes to evaluating what might be the right TT for one`s own system - as Alectioning is doing - it is not only a question of technology (drives: DD, idler-drive, thread etc.; motor units, experience of the developer etc.), of quality (built material, oil of bearing etc.), of decoupeling measurements, of surrounding installations (tonearm, cartridge, cable, phono pre etc.) but also of VALUE !

What do I mean? When selling your TT you might be confronted with a used market which doesn´t gives you the value back your TT deserves. In the case of very high rated TTs I made the experience you can sell those instruments to a very small niche of people - but you can!

In the case of TTs between 8000 and 14000 Dollars (crazy world - it is a lot of money) and if the buyer doesn`t agree on the value of your TT (because there are to many in the market or the manufacturer sells new units with large discount)it might become difficult selling your high rated machine.

If I am buying another TT I will look on the VALUE of the TT much more as I used to do. This would be my advise from my recent experiences.
A cow will never be worth the price of a horse. But maybe in a world of blind it will be different.
The typical audiophile will sit in front of his machine and will think
- Yes, that is it. A review winner. Component of the year. I don't hear it, but I spent so much money, it has to be better. the other ones say the same...
The Listener sits in front and thinks
- Man, so much money for such a cheap made unit
The Collector sits in front and thinks
- Yes, it looks good and no matter what is out there, I am the first
The experienced Audiophile sits in front and thinks
- Great. Let's go for Lunch
Times are tough, but modern