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Reed tonearm w/ Raven One table-how's the match ?

I soon expect to go for a Raven One, but it's tough deciding on an arm for it. Currently own an SME IV.Vi, but want easier adjustability. I'm considering the Reed 2A or 2P with cedar wood and the C37 Finewire in copper with Eichmann Copper Bullet plugs. My listening preference is mainly orchestral music.I do like a slightly soft edged, warm/dark sound and don't mind giving up a bit of top end air but wish to preserve presence from instruments at the rear of the orchestral soundstage. For any of you who have this combo,what say you? Too much warmth interfering with what I'm looking/listening for or not? I have Dynavector XV-1S and Benz Ebony LP cartridges,reasonably neutral Ear 88PB preamp,Air Tight ATM-3 amps,Dunlavy SC-4 speakers.
opus88
dover
2,343 posts
 
Hi there, I think the Raven 1 is great value for money and will work with the Talia ( yes I've heard the Raven ). However given you've already got a good arm, you might want to consider going up to the Raven AC 1 and stay with the SME which is excellent. Your system is very good and will easily deliver the upgrade in sound quality the AC offers over the model 1.
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
Vertigo: Unfortunately, getting the opportunity to audition this combination in my own system is as difficult as reversing Earth's rotation.
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
Dover: I really prefer to stick with only one tonearm, and lean toward the more compact Raven One. However, I do intend to think a little more about possibly staying with my SME IV.Vi. I just had the pros at SME in England rewire it with the very fine Audio Note internal tonearm wire, and it does sound quite good. Nonetheless, the Reed does rank high on my desire list, and I very much like its looks and features as well as being impressed by what I've heard regarding its sound.
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
The Reed 3Q will be my next arm in addition to my beloved Clearaudio Universal arm.
suteetat
435 posts
 
I just took a delivery of Q3 a couple of weeks ago. I plan to use it on Raven AC which I should get in a couple of month.In the mean time, I mount it on Reed's base to use with VPI Classic. Very very nice. All the adjustments are very easy to do. May be not quite as dynamic, bold or as big sounding as JMW 10.5 but more quiet, smoother, better control and more detail. My Reed dealer should have his Reed arm installed on Raven one pretty soon. I am curious to hear how it would go as well.
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