Musicality Incarnate

The Raven AC-3 turntable isn’t just Romantic; it is passionately Romantic. When it is coupled with the Graham Phantom arm and Clearaudio Goldfinger v2 or Air Tight PC-1 cartridge, I have never heard an analog source make the tone colors of recorded instruments sound more like the tone colors of the real things, or reproduce fine performance-related details with such exquisite delicacy. If, ultimately, I think that the $40k Walker—which seems to mediate resolution, fidelity, and musicality almost ideally—is the more overall neutral and transparent ’table (and better soundstager), it is not to be taken as a slight to the Raven, which, after all, is half the money (about a quarter of the money in its one-motor version), and is, in some very important ways, the Walker’s equal or superior. In fact, in its reproduction of durations it’s superior to anything I’ve heard at any price.

A Short Interview with Thomas Woschnick of TW Acustic

Jonathan Valin: How did you get into the turntable business?

Thomas Woschnick: I started to repair and modify turntables about 20 years ago, when I didn’t have much money. Ten years later, after changing so many things on other ’tables without achieving the results I wanted, I was ready to make one of my own. It took me about five years (and most of my savings) to find the right materials, bearing, and motor. The result was the Raven. I never intended to go into business, but friends (who had heard my turntable) convinced me to take it to an audio show. After that, everything changed. People and the press loved the Raven, and I was in business.

What do you consider to be the most critical factors in the design of a turntable?

The old direct-drive turntables were able to give you dynamics and speed stability—these ’tables were always in time with the notes. My idea was to build a turntable with all the good things from a directdrive, but with body, attack, and very low noise. For me a turntable has to control a big symphony when the tutti is coming. On the other hand, it has to give each note from a vocalist or an instrument its own run. Live music is full of speed and dynamics and emotion. It isn’t lacy and insubstantial.

A lot of turntable manufacturers add extra mass to their ’tables. You don’t. Why?

I don’t like how it sounds. I have the feeling that extra mass cuts the duration and emotion of the music.

Why do you use copper so prominently in your turntable?

The copper together with the carbon mat gives you a sound with many details but without brightness. The electrical properties of copper also help to eliminate noise. Of course, you have to use the right mix.

You offer the Raven AC in a one-motor and a three-motor version. What do the extra motors buy you in sound quality?

The three motors give you a more relaxed sound. All instruments and vocals are better imaged. They just take you one little step closer to live music.

What do you see in the future for TW Acustic?

I am on my way to building my own tonearm and phonostage. Of course, I keep a constant eye on the turntable production process to get the best quality, and am working to reduce wait times. [The Raven AC-3 is currently back-ordered for several months.] I don’t plan to change the Raven AC, but if I am able to find something that improves the sound, I’ll let all owners know.

Conclusion

The Raven AC-3 is not just a work of engineering genius; it is a work of musical genius, breaking previously unturned ground in the very areas (realistic tone color and dynamic nuance) that are the keys to enjoyment for most music lovers. It will remain in my system, alongside the mighty Walker, for as long as I’m allowed to keep it. This is that rare component that you will not only listen to, but also (quickly) fall in love with, and at its price, it is a steal. Naturally, it gets my highest recommendation. (Because of its worldwide popularity, the AC- 3 is currently backordered 3–4 months. Believe me, it’s worth the wait.)