2. analog
  3. 1260908110

Cartridge and step up / riaa for TW Acustic Raven

Hi!

I hope you all are well :)

If everything gets together I will buy a TW Acustic Raven One with a Graham Phantom II in the new year. The next step is to buy a cartridge and phono amp.

My equipment consist of Wilson Sophias II, Burmester 032 integrated amp, Burmester 061 cd player, Nordost Tyr interconnects and speaker cables, Thor powerdistributor with Nordost Brahma powerlines. In addition to this I have a Revox B77 mk2 reel to reel player.

The Burmester sound is in many ways similar to McIntosh, but slightly more on the ying side. The sound is clear and open, with a wonderful mids. The treble is smooth and detailed. The bottom is dynamic and deep, but more running with the flow than with a slam. The bigger 911 mk3 amp is more detailed in the bottom. But the price level is different too.

So I have to combine a cartridge and phono amp to this. I play all kind of music, since I am both is a talent buyer for rock pop festivals and a consultant for the national arts council regarding music (all kinds). So I listen a lot to music through the week.

I like dynamic open detailed open sound, but I do not like it overly analytical if that means too much forward in its presentation.

I like the sound in my system at the moment. However, I have to do something with my listening room, but thats another story. Its an ongoing process as we know!

My budget at this point will be approx. USD 3,000 for the phono amp and USD 1,500 for the cartridge. Maybe step later on.

The dealer of TW Acustic has reccommended Koetsu and Air Tight.

Thanks for your help!

Cheeers, ToffenG

toffeng
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>12-18-09: Dougdeacon
For the second time in a week I find myself agreeing with Audiofeil.<<

This is not good.

Time to re-think my position.

:-)))
toffeng OP
41 posts
 
Hi!

Back on track here. What about stepping up to Air Tight PC-3, Transfiguration Phoenix Cart, Ortofon Windfield etc? Its a higher price, but may be worth the investment?

Cheeers, ToffenG
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Among your 3 choices, the Windfeld would be my last.

It does nothing wrong but to my ears does not have an "excite" factor I experience with the other 2. Others may feel (hear) differently and cartridge choice is quite subjective.

Remember, you can't fully evaluate any cartridge without a proper tonearm match.

And vice versa.

Dealer disclaimer.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
ToffenG

If you have now upped your price range to 4k+ - look at the Ortofon MC A90. Look at the A90 thread - sounds great with a Phantom.

good listening

cheers
david12
1,454 posts
 
The Raven and Phantom should be a wonderful combination. I use the Accustic Raven one with an Ortofon 309D. I have used 3 cartridges with it and with the One, you just seem to hear the essential charcter of the cartrige.
the first was a Zyx Airy 3, which was one of the most disappointing cartriges I have owned. Neutral, detailed yes, but lifeless and unenvolving. I know the line is popular, but it just was'nt for me.

Next was the Benz Micro LP. Now these are very expensive in the US, so understandably, not popular. Much cheaper in Europe, I bought mine for about $2100. It has all the neutrality of ther Zyx, but so much more life and dynamics. I could happily live with that forever, but...

I just love Koetsu's and I found a heavily used Onyx on E-bay for $850. If you ever want a cartridge rebuilt, go to the Expert Stylus company in the UK. They have been rebuilding pretty much any cartridge built for over 20 years. They check it over for £25 and a full rebuild, clean, cantilever reallignment, new stylus, cost £290. Now that Onyx just has the edge on the LP, but both are wonderful.

If you can get a cartridge rebuilt cheaply and reliably, I do'nt know why more people do'nt buy second hand, they are often so cheap, bacause buyers are wary of them. I know the koetsu is no longer a Koetsu, but who cares. I am listening to Chick Corea as I type and wondering what better would sound like.
More to discover