2. analog
  3. 1292785535

TW-Acustic Raven AC3 latest version vs older

There are allot of owners of this table and AC along with others whom I'm sure can chime in with information and findings.

My understanding is the latest version of this table has gone threw some changes over the years and at least one of these can't be applied if you have an older table. (bearing)

-CONTROLLER UNIT, latest had TW engraved in the face plate. I have read that some prefer the older version, care to elaborate further.
Also some are using the Black Knights, care to elaborate on the sonic differences.

-ARM BOARD

-ISOLATION FEET, anyone notice what effects these offer
also some have gone with the same ones used on the Black Knight

-MOTORS, I have three. I noticed viewing some other owners that the construction they seem to have less stainless steel base, anyone notice any diffferences sonically, if so what.

Some are using the Black Knights motor, what have you noticed to be the difference sonically

-BEARING, this is much more involved so not just an easy switch or ad on, my understanding you need a new platter etc. much more involved. The bearing is a different size and has isolation of some sort, tighter toilerances which in the end offers less noise.
If anyone has pictures or can elaborate better would be great and to see.
You can pm me personally if this is your preference.
dev
dev's avatar
dev OP
832 posts
 
Hi Ebm, that is another arm that is on my list that I would like to have set-up with my AC3.

What carts have you tried with TW 10.5,your thoughts sonically over all, differences they offered.

I sold my Graham Phantom MK2, replacing it with a REED 12 inch, I'm going to pair it up with a My Sonic Lab cart. My friend has this combo and I really liked what I heard at his place.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Hi, Im using Transfigurations best. Arm better bass faster better imaging wider stage much more dynamic better highs cleaner better midrange.I have tried other arms this arm is in a class by itself works great with TW RAVEN AC table im sure it would work great with any great table. Thanks
dgad
782 posts
 
Dev,

Too many questions will get you too many different answers. I owned a MSL cartridge and didn't love it long term. Goes to show your own listening will say more (hopefully) than anything I or anyone else will say. Part of getting "there" (audiophile Nirvana or whatever it is) is the journey. And that Journey comes with mistakes and lessons and establishing your own personal likes and dislikes from experience. Analogue is more complex than you can imagine. You need to match all the elements. My recommendation for a great all around cartridge is a Titan i on almost any arm. For me a bargain for what you get. But looking on this forum you would think some others are better. I just don't agree with some of the opinions here. My point is you need to start playing around. Enjoy the journey.
dev's avatar
dev OP
832 posts
 
Dgad, totally agree that you have to live with what ever it may be for some time and in your own set-up which I'm use to doing already.

Never mind everyone's over all set-up and tastes being different.

That's one of my main reason's not to go the BN route right now and just enjoy the AC3 which is a great pce and try some different arm and cart combo's and as you put it, enjoy the journey!

Thank's for the recommendation, a good friend has a Lyra Olympos mounted on a Schroder Ref on a AC table and I really like what I hear in his set-up but I know mine will be different. In the same set-up he also has the REED/MSL combo and I really like that also but out of the two SR/LO is my favourite by a bit on some music but vs/vs on other music but really I could live with either. For how long I don't know because it's his set-up and not mine, time will tell.

Looking at only having two arms on this table, the REED and MSL are on their way, still have my DYN XV-1s and looking at either the TW 10.5 or Teala arms.
mesael
57 posts
 
Thanks Ebm, hi Dev,

The material for footers are carbon graphite. Got the idea from Boston Audio. But their tuneblock are a bit too think. If I will use them, I will also have the raise the height of the motors, doesn't seem a good idea.

The armboards are made from Gaboon ebony. Doesn't sound as fast as aluminum, but more natural and killer for vocals.

The arms are Grandezza with A-90, and Moerch DP-8 with Transfiguration Aria. While the Grandezza is the easiest to setup, the DP-8 is the trickiest.

Ebony armboard
More to discover