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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?
128x128alectiong
lewm
13,359 posts
 
Aoliviero, Difference between your Raven AC and Alectiong's Raven AC = 2 extra motors on his. That's why I suggest he should try driving the platter with only one motor. And you are correct, platter mat can make just the kind of subtle difference that Alectiong is looking for, but I thought the Raven AC platter was meant to be used with no mat at all, or a supplied special mat. And who could argue about the necessity to set VTA, VTF, alignment, etc carefully?
aoliviero
269 posts
 
Not sure if there is a specific recommendation on mat type or need for it in the first place. I have tried the millenium mat extensively as well as the boston audio. My ears tell me no mat is better than either of these two.

I am now wondering if increasing the copper platter thickness by using one of those copper mats would be even better.

Andrew
lewm
13,359 posts
 
That's another whole can of worms. But if the top surface of the platter is already copper, all that you would be doing by adding a copper mat is to increase the effective total mass of the platter. Sonic qualities should not change much. (Famous last words.)
alectiong's avatar
alectiong OP
110 posts
 
My Raven AC-3 has remained the same although I changed the tonearm to SME V12, and the cartridge to My Sonic Lab Signature Gold.
I bought the AC-3 back when it was first introduced and was hot. My dealer told me it practically sold by itself. I gather TW is less newsy these days while many other new brands and models getting reported at shows and reviews...I am still fine with my AC-3. The quality has held up well. I am wondering though, that since TW is offering upgrades (Black Knight feet and motor and what not), whether any AC-3 owner has taken up any upgrades and can share their experience.
mosin
410 posts
 
Alec,

As you know, there are those who constantly tweak to a fanatic point. Those guys try everything a manufacturer has to offer, and Raven owners are no exception. I know several of them, and from what I can gather they all disagree on the merits...like always. :-D

I suppose you'll have to see for yourself, right?

Best,
Win

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