I spoke with Jeff from Highwater Sound today. The "upgraded" motor controller for the Raven One is the same motor controller used with the Raven AC. It is larger and heavier than the Raven One controller. The motor controller does more than just control the speed of the platter. It has 10,000 times the capacitance of the One's controller. Jeff says the Raven One has more detail, a larger soundstage, and more dynamics with the AC motor controller. Better caps do make a difference. A friend of mine modded my Ayre phono stage with better caps (among other things) and the difference in the sound was dramatic (much more open, clear, and dynamic).
Jeff has never steered me wrong. I will go for the AC motor controller as soon as funds allow.
Jeff has never steered me wrong. I will go for the AC motor controller as soon as funds allow.