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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.
128x128dev
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
dev's avatar
dev OP
832 posts
 
Hi Measael, nice pic. Are you a machinest? Your stand, legs appear to be all milled aluminum.

What does the rest of your set-up consist of?

Both you and Ebm are using Transfiguration carts, I was doing some reading on them and they seem to have a following. Don't personally know anyone who has one, never heard one either.
mesael
57 posts
 
Hi Dev,

Just an DIYer. Here's an old pix with CA Ambient on top.

I bought the Transfiguration Aria because it was on sale. Never heard any of its sibling. But my friend told me Temper is the best cart he has heard. To compare Aria with A-90, the Aria has deeper base, but I'm not 100% sure, cus it might be due to the Moerch DP-8. And I don't like to swap carts due to the delicate tonearm cable pins. But for overall tonality A-90 sound better.

Rock Rack
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