Vpi vs. TW Acustic


My analog rig consists of a VPI Aries I, Triplanar, and Benz LP. My SoCal dealer suggests the Grand Prix Monaco TT should be my next move. However I don't have that kind of moola lying around and just try finding a used one. It ain't happening. So, would the TW Raven One be a big improvement over the the Aries or too much of a sideways move? And without the opportunity to audition, too risky?
hifigary

Showing 4 responses by isanchez

Hifigary,

Good luck with your analog therapy! If you can, you should perhaps audition some phono preamps while you are at your dealer. You'll be surprised at how different the same analog setup can sound with various phono preamps.
Hifigary,

If after adding the Triplanar there is still something missing, you should perhaps look into the phono preamp.

In many analog setups, the phono stage can make a huge difference. I think it'll help to mention what phono preamp you're currently using.

After having the EAR 324 for about 1 1/2 years, I recently added the Einstein Turntable's Choice phono preamp (single ended) and it made a huge improvement over the 324.
Hifigary,

In case you're still interested in a VPI, check out TAS (June/July issue) review of the new VPI Classic Turntable. HP says that this is the best VPI's system yet, including those with rim drives. He goes on to even to say that it holds its own against the Clearaudio Statement ($150,000) turntable. There is also in the review some good explanations of the technologies behind the new design.

Best,

iSanchez
Hifigary,

It seems that you're pretty set on the TW Raven One. It looks to me that most Raven owners have made the purchase without auditioning the table and they're very satisfied with it. If you don't want take the risk, there are currently two TW Acustic tables for sale here in Audiogon, one Raven One and one AC.

You haven't said what you don't like about your analog setup.