Enter The Raven The GT and 10.5


Jeffrey Catalano Importer, Distributor and Proprietor of High Water Sound arrived with the Raven in hand.
Jeffrey set the bird up so perfectly with what seemed to be minimal effort that I wondered why other dealers make a huge production over this service.Or maybe it isn't that easy and Jeff's expertise makes it seem so.

My Thought's and Observation's
In the forty plus years of being an enthusiast I've become jaded to all the hype and sometimes out right lies from so called industry insiders.So many times a model upgrade from MK1 to MK2 is not an upgrade at all (at least to these ears)
but others rave about the new model
So when I started thinking about a turntable and tonearm that would improve upon what I hear from my Kuzma Reference
and Basis Vector,I did my research and then called High Water Sound.Over the years I purchased several components
including my present speakers,cartridge's,cables and it was Jeffrey whom introduced me to the fantastic Tron Syren which I now own.I also knew that Jeffrey would not take me down the wrong path.He has always been open and honest and has even recommended products that he does not carry but would fit my needs.Now really, which dealer will do that for a customer ???
After doing my due diligence and listening it was decided that the Raven GT and 10.5 was the combo for me.
Now,we have all been to shows or to show rooms and listened to a component and thought "wow that sounds great" only to find when placed in your home system that it's not as great as you thought it was.So I was still a bit apprehensive.
All this passed very quickly as soon as the stylus was lowered to the Lp.After listening for about an hour VTA was adjusted and this Raven combo took further flight to another stratosphere.
The music was continuous,it flowed.The stage widened as well as deepened.The central performers took a step forward,dynamics were faster and base deeper.
Inner detail was not something you had to listen for,it was there easily heard.
My forty year old Lp's have become new again,my excitement is kin to when I first experienced this ever evolving hobby.
Last night,while listening with my wife and daughter (my biggest music critics) they asked why does this table and arm sound so much better then what I had.
I couldn't answer.But for the first time in a long time we three agree,it does sound MUCH better.
Jeffrey,we thank you.
goldeneraguy
Actureus: Take a look at Kuzma's site: http://www.kuzma.si/

He shows a new Stabi M priced at 15~k Euro which he is going to be
showing at CES.

I had the impression that all models he released are still in production
which is pretty amazing. I have no idea what this newest one is about,
although it looks fairly traditional. Nor do I know if that price includes the
4Point arm.
That's all I got. :)
Moonglum,

I have not done a side by side of the 1.0 and the GT. I'm not certain how long it has been since I heard a 1.0 except recently at a friend's house. I don't recall them being marketed at the same time at shows. I always found the 1.0 something of a disappointment compared to the Raven. Not so with the GT. it's a great table hands down and at a very good price point including the TW Arm.
Whart,
I agree its looks belie its apparent complex design and tank-like built. At this price, however, this Kuzma model has a lot of competition. And judging by the description, it does not come with a tonearm. So we're talking well over $20,000. Although I'd expect the US market price to be somewhat less than that.
" I always found the 1.0 something of a disappointment compared to the Raven."

How so? Did it have the AC motor control unit on the standard one motor control unit? Curious.
Have any demoed the GT and the ONE at the same time.
I own a Raven One, but the GT look interisting.

The GT is made from a noter material than the One and AC, so is must have a quit different sound???