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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
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
I've had very good results with adjustment despite the fixed azimuth of the SME, and have been able to hit that sweet spot with some regularity by attending to other adjustments. Invariably, I still know what to listen for, and as you say, when it pops in, you know it! It always helps to have about a half dozen "test" records that we're as familiar with as the nose on our face. Continued happy dialing!!
jarrett
38 posts
 
I just got a 12" Red Cedar Reed 2A from Steve Dobbins to go with my SP-10 and his plinth (which is gorgeous and enormously heavy.) This will be used with my Kansui cartridge.

Steve mentioned that he found very little difference between arm materials with the Reed as they are all oiled and their density differences tend to diminish. I trust his judgement and decided to spend the $250 difference between Cocobolo and Cedar on more vinyl.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Dear Jarret, I agree with Dobbins that Red Cedar is the
best 'universal' choice ( aka suitabble for the most modern
carts) but that 'they all are oiled and their density difference tend to diminish' make no sense to me. The difference is in the eff. mass. My 2A ,12'' is 27 gr.eff.mass. You
can compare your Red Cedar 2A , 12" eff. mass with my Pernambucco and see the difference.

Regards,
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
Hi Jarrett, I notice you have an Ortofon A-90 in addition to the Miyajima Kansui. Any chance you might be able to provide a brief comparative description of the sound of each with your Reed arm once you've had the chance to try those combos? Thanks very much.
jarrett
38 posts
 
Here's what Steve sent me on the eff. mass:

The hardwoods add effective mass and tend to favor lower compliance carts, although only slightly. In any case, don't get hung up on wood choice. It matters very little in sonics and cart choice, unlike most other arms. There are SO many more factors involved in arm/cart matching than effective mass.

I don't have the A-90 any longer so unfortunately I can't make the comparison to the Kansui in the Reed. The Kansui was more natural and solid than the A-90 in my previous VPI 12.5 though.
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