Own a TW-Acustic Raven One?

VPI do not make a table that will compete with a TW Raven One....

Speaking from experience.
The differences between ANY VPI table and TW Acustic entry level Raven One are miles apart, performance wise and built quality.

What VPI do very well and are probably the only record player manufacture on the planet that succeed in this, is repeat business from their constant upgrade path.
Marketing genius.

There is a SHOCKING difference comparing a HRX to a Raven One....No contest.
First thing VPI need to do ,is get rid of the motors they use and especially the silly RUBBER DRIVE BELTS.
There are many other glaring problems with a table at this price point.
However I'm sure future upgrades may address these also.

Stickman ,If your serious about analogue play back, TW Acustics would be a great choice.

Restock
The drive belt that TW use are not rubber. Apparently they are a mix of compounds specifically made for TW Acustics.

Stringreen
I have read how much you enjoy your VPI table and I hope you don't take my comments on VPI to heart...

However, when you spend 8, 10 or even 13,000 dollars on one of VPI's record players, they should at least have addressed a few basic design problems at these price points.

Just to name a few.
They need to source a better line of motors and get rid of those rubber drive belts.
I know you have the rim drive and I bet its a revelation to what you had before.

Screws do not fasten into MDF well at all.
Gently grip your arm base and give it a light twist left to right, did it move? I would be surprised if it didn't.

The optional super platter should come as standard equipped.

On a lighter note,
heres something for your vinyl collection that will truly astonish you...

Go to posting here in the analogue section titled...
Does The Step 4 Final Rinse For Walker Prelude Help?

You think this is bashing VPI?
Calm down and reread my comments, you completely missed my point.

Obviously you do not understand as of yet why other table manufactures like Galibier, Teres, TW Acustics and others use the type of motors they do.
Including why they would never use rubber for drive belts.

You owners of Galibier and Teres, imagine swapping your motors and tape drive for one of VPIs motors and the rubber belts they use.
Or how about mounting your tonearm on a arm board made of MDF...
Regarding VPIs HRX and TW Acustics Raven One.
Both were side by side, both had the same cartridges and the same music was played.

The comparisons weren't even close.

Even with the Graham Phantom arm on the Raven, it sells for thousands less.

How much is the rim drive and super platter for the HRX?...Hmm

A year ago I almost bought an HRX.
If I did ,then learning what I know now about turntable motors, rubber drive ect. My comments sure would of been a lot different.

Like I said, VPI need to source some new motors and stop using belts made of rubber and thats a good place to start.

The extremely accurate motor speed control and motor used by Raven operates like a fine Swiss watch.

The moment you turn it on, the massive platter is up to speed within one revolution.

Beyond the absolutely flawless fit and finish, the table will play your favorite music like you never heard.

Before you spend thousands of dollars on a table made of MDF. Go to the web pages of Teres, Galibier and TW Acustics.

See for yourself whats available for a truly high end table at a reasonable cost.