Raven AC3

I think TW may not be the leader in innovation as much as refining the existing one to an nth degree. Material science behind the platter of TW is probably nothing to sneeze at either. I am not familiar with Kronos turntable and I have no idea how long it has been around. However, the idea of two platter in counter rotation to each other is also used in Lab 47 Koma which has been around for a number of years already. Suspension as you said is similar to SME so it also looks like refinement of something that has been around for awhile already as well rather than new innovation.

In the end, it is the sound that is the matter. Whether it is a good old technology and new innovation, I suppose. German made product certainly will have some price point disadvantage in comparison to US product if you are in the US.

Ok MR dealer i said in house is the key.

I have had many turntables over 40+ yrs i just like the TW RAVEN AC1 best.

Anyone else feel that a dealer should not be trying to sell his own TT's in a thread about a TT he doesn't carry? Seems very rude to me.

I can't comment on the sound of the Merrill but the look is very unappealing to me. The feet in particular are ugly. The feet look like they are some sort of rubber. IME rubber feet tend to soften the sound too much.

I don't have a Raven AC-3 but do have a new Raven AC-1. The build quality is second to none. If your musical tastes include black velvety backgrounds, smooth refined (but not rounded) highs, and solid bass extension then this is a good table to audition. I also have the TW 10.5 tonearm and highly recommend it. TW customre service is also excellent.

I'm sure there are other fine tables out there, and I have a friend with a Merrill. It's just not my cup of tea. I've seen the Kronos. Sexy table. Just not much track record for it yet. Personally I wouldn't want to be a beta-tester for that kind of money.