$7K to spend on new turntable + arm

Yes, the Raven one is highly regarded. I read about while researching.

I think I am down to two at this point:

Dr Feickert's Woodpecker 2 (or step up to Blackbird 2 if I sell my other TT)

EAT Forte S.

Unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to hear either prior to purchase. Anyone have any familiarity with these two tables? Are there any dealers in California?

TW Raven One Ortofon tonearm great recommendation.

The Raven is a terrific table. So are Basis tables. With all the choices available, I would never spend $7K on any VPI product.

What is the OPs phono stage? That's where money needs to be spent. I would second the WT Simplex because that's what I have. If it were my $7k I'd go Simplex/EMT TSD15/Allnic h1201. It'd be hard to beat that combo without spending twice that and even then you'd be getting something that sounds different but not necessarily better.

Angioccio.....It doesn't matter to me what you regard as good, bad, or indifferent, but to badmouth a product with misinformation does readers of these pages a disservice, and casts a shadow on you. The VPI arm is not at all unstable unless you set it up improperly. It is a very good arm that can compete with any tonearm. For some reason, VPI suffers the injustice of people like you, but takes away success in the industry. VPI offers performance and customer service like few others.