TW Raven AC or SME 20.12

After few days of listening with the TW AC w Tw 10.5 arm we have concluded that heavy cart like the mc Anna 16 grams w tracking force of 2.6g is not compatible with 10.5 arm which was the source of tracking problems. We also beleive that Low compliance cart should be matched with high mass tonearm as a golden rule. Furthermore , the local dealer of TW acoustic has also confirmed this incompatibiliy.

We have put back the Mc Anna to my Oracle Delphi VI w SME V Arm but tried the Transparent Reference phono cable and everything comes to life in terms of resolution and dynamics. I also noticed that the transparent reference phono cable makes a huge effect withthe Delphi VI compared to the fixed & stock TW Ac phono cable. I am now looking forward to SME 20.3a or 20.12 or 30.2a table w SME V arm as my next short list.

Anybody who has experience or thoughts for this two SME tables sonic difference is highly appreciated.

Unless SME fixed the problem on their V, when I had mine, the only way to adjust azimuth is to shim one side or the other of the cartridge. I think this adjustment is an absolute necessity for proper playback.

The SME V is available with a removable headshell as a special order. With this option, the SME V has azimuth adjustability. To my knowledge, the V-12 does not have this option. That function exists in the 12" SME 312S arm.

If the OP auditions the SME 20/12A and it is supplied with the 312S arm, he will be able to adjust azimuth at the headshell.