I don't have the Raven 1(VPI SSM)but I do have experience with Maple versus other isolation. I've used a 2" Maple platform alone and in combination with a Gingko Cloud 11. Currently I'm using the Master platform from Critical Mass Systems. All work well but I've found that the most nuetral is the Critical Mass unit. The Maple alone was more lively but could be fatiguing in comparison to the Critical Mass. The Gingko smoothed things out and was also quite enjoyable but did add mild bass bloat in comparison to the Critical Mass. What your table sits on makes a difference but largely is also a matter of taste. Many people love the sound of Maple alone and I can't say that I blame them.
Raven One Owners - some questions
I've had my Raven One, Graham Phantom II, Dynavector XX2 combination for a month and now that everything is getting broken in I am beginning to consider some set up tweaks.
The Raven One now ships without the mat. Jeff C. said that "most listeners" prefer it without the mat; that is how he and Thomas W. prefer it. What are your experiences with and without the mat?
I am also thinking about isolation and what the table should be sitting on. Currently it is on the top shelf of my Mapleshade sampson rack and the shelf is 2" thick maple. The table has the new Stillpoint feet. I have another 2" Mapleshade platform that I could put on top of the rack, with Mapleshade brass triplepoints between the top shelf and the platform. But before I mess with that, has anyone tried anything like that and what results did you get?
Any other tweaks you have discovered with the Raven set-up?
Thanks,
Dave
The Raven One now ships without the mat. Jeff C. said that "most listeners" prefer it without the mat; that is how he and Thomas W. prefer it. What are your experiences with and without the mat?
I am also thinking about isolation and what the table should be sitting on. Currently it is on the top shelf of my Mapleshade sampson rack and the shelf is 2" thick maple. The table has the new Stillpoint feet. I have another 2" Mapleshade platform that I could put on top of the rack, with Mapleshade brass triplepoints between the top shelf and the platform. But before I mess with that, has anyone tried anything like that and what results did you get?
Any other tweaks you have discovered with the Raven set-up?
Thanks,
Dave