Turntable/Cartridge upgrade
aronsss -- Wed, 08/27/2008 - 20:52
My system currently consists of the following in a 13.5 x 17 ft room Quicksilver 6C33C triode monobloc amps, a Shindo Monbrison preamp, new K&K step up transformers, Merlin VSM-MX speakers, a tube rectified Modwright Denon 3910, Nottingham Spacedeck with the heavy platter with a Schroder 2 arm, Denon 103R in an ebony (uwe) body and Kubala Expression cabling. I am thinking about the new TW Acustic Raven one and cartridge recommendation in the $2-3K range. I know that Wayne Garcia apparently loved the Raven and I know that he also enjoyed the Transfiguration Phoenix.
I was wondering are there any other turntables in the Raven One's price range that anyone would recommend. Should I just get the separate power supply for the Nottingham? And most importantly what are the diferences between the Transfiguration Phoenix and the new Air Tight PC3. Or what are the differences between the Transfigurtaion Orpheus and the Air tight PC1 figuring the differences between the lesser models would be about the same. Are there any other cartidges that I chould consider. I tend toward the musical rather than absolutely neutral sound. Thanks.
I haven't heard the PC-1, but I can tell you that the Transfiguration Orpheus is a very sweet, smooth, and "musical" cartridge. When the Basis 2800 Signature and Basis Vector 4 arm was set up in my house, Basis designer A.J. Conti and I auditioned a variety of cartridges. Even though the Orpheus wasn't the most dynamic or lively sounding of the cartridges we listened to, I thought it would provide the greatest level of musical involvement. I greatly enjoyed my time with the Orpheus. I'm listening now to the Dynavector XV-1S, which is quite different from the Orpheus. The Dynavector is brighter, more open and transparent, has massive dynamics, and a general sense of life.
Perhaps Jonathan Valin can weigh-in on the PC-1 question. He's heard just about every major cartridge.
Thank you for your response Robert. Any commnets on the turntables? I would also love to hear form Jonathan Valin and Wayne Garcia as he is using a Raven.
I don't have as much experience with turntables as Jonathan, but I've been thrilled by the Basis 2800. They have a long history of making fabulous turntables, and have recently completed an upgrade of virtually every major turntable sub-system that vaulted the performance to a new level.
I haven't heard the Air Tight PC-3, but the PC-1 is a terrific cartridge--fast, sweet, clear, and surprisingly robust. (The PC-1 Supreme is considerably better in all regards--and a tad less dark--but it is also considerably more money).
If I were in the market for a turntable and cartridge in your neck of the shopping mall, I'd definitely opt for the Raven One or the Raven AC-1. The TW Acustic tables kind of own what I call duration--the complete utterance of a note from starting transient through stopping transient. As i said in my review of the AC-3, it is almost as if the table is running a bit slow (although it isn't) because it makes notes sound "longer," and makes the expression of tone color sound fuller. Quite goddamn remarkable. Nothing else I've heard at any price does this. The Raven does really well with the Graham arm and the Dynavector arm and, for a lot more money, the Da Vinci arm.
Speaking of Dynavector, have you given any consideration to the Dynavector XVs1 cartridge? It is widely regarded as first-rate. I'd also give a long listen to the Koetsu Rosewood Sig. Koetsus have kind of gotten lost in the shuffle of newer designs, but, honestly, they are exceptionally sweet and highly musical cartridges, with superb separation, bass, and staging.
Thank you very much for your reseponse Jonathan. What would you recommend in the $3000 or so price range as I do not want to go to $4750 on the Dynavector. I would rather stay on the musical rather than analytical side. Clearaudio Concerto/Stratavari, Benz Ebony S class, Transfiguration Phoenix ?
I haven't spent a lot of time with any of these cartridges in my system, aronss, although I believe I've heard them all. I can tell you that Shelter cartridges are highly "musical," but not the last word in transient speed or inner detail; the less expensive, current-generation Clearaudios will give you a very nice blend of musicality and high resolution (our Paul Seydor very much liked the Clearaudio Strad). Of the group of contenders that you mentioned in your last post, I would put the Strad at the head of the list.
Although I haven't heard it yet, there has been a lot of buzz about the new Ortofon Windfield, which is priced right where you're shopping. I know that Robert Graham (he who engineered the Graham Phantom) is extremely high on it, and so is PS. In the past, Ortofons have been too lean, "white," and analytical for my taste, but this one is supposed to correct that and be exceptional in all regards. I'd certainly give it a listen.
Jonathan - Thank you so much for your time and input.
I would love to hear form Wayne Garcia.