Raven 10.5 Tonearm
After many years of inquiries about the perfect tonearm for TW-Acustic turntables, the answer is finally here: the perfect tonearm to match the turntables. The result is a product that reflects the philosophy behind TW-Acustic turntables: simplicity and user-friendliness.
From the outset, it was clear that this would be a straight, gimbal-mounted tonearm. The meticulously selected precision ball bearings are precisely adjusted during the production process to prevent any interference with the tracking process caused by static friction. To keep the effective mass from being unnecessarily high, the tonearm is primarily made of a special, black anodized aluminum alloy, which inherently guarantees the desired and necessary rigidity and torsional stiffness for a tonearm. Antiskating is sensitively magnetic and can be easily readjusted during operation.
The effective mass is approximately 14 grams, making it compatible with the majority of available MC and MM cartridges. This versatility is further enhanced by the three stainless steel counterweights of varying weights included in the package. This allows for easy balancing of cartridges weighing between 5 grams and over 20 grams.
The tonearm height can be adjusted on the fly using a completely backlash-free VTA riser. The headshell is not removable, but still allows for stylus azimuth adjustment. This means that any cartridge can be adjusted in all parameters! The current version of the tonearm uses Cardas internal wiring terminating in a DIN connector. A tonearm cable is not included, and the German distributor recommends using Cardas cables with a straight DIN connector to match the internal wiring.
Naturally, thanks to its four-hole flange mounting, the Raven tonearm can also be easily used on turntables from other manufacturers. A drilling template is available for download.
An acrylic alignment template is included. The arm comes in a sturdy plastic case along with assembly instructions and all necessary screws. Users of a TW-Aucstic turntable should use the corresponding TW mount for the armboard.
Technical Specifications:
- Mounting Distance: 251.2 mm
- Overhang: 15.8 mm
- Offset Angle: 20.5 degrees
- Geometry: Löfgren B based on IEC radii
- Zero Centers: 70 mm (inner) and 117 mm (outer)
- Effective Mass: 14 g
- Bearings: Gimbal-mounted with precision ball bearings
- Material: Black anodized aluminum
- Counterweight Material: Stainless steel
- Azimuth Adjustment: By rotating the headshell
- VTA Adjustment: Via VTA riser (+/- 5 mm)
- Overhang Adjustment: By sliding the cartridge in the slotted holes
- Antiskating: Magnetic antiskating adjustment
Reviews:
Click here to read the test report from LP 2/2010
Click here to read the review from Hi-Fi News & Record Review (in English).
Conclusion: The TW Acustic Raven 12 clearly packs a punch – as elegant, perfect, minimalist in form, and, in the best sense of the word, understated as it appears visually, its musical performance is equally impressive. The Raven 12 is also completely trouble-free to use and gives the impression that it will calmly withstand numerous turntable and cartridge changes for decades (while largely sparing the owner's nerves during installation). At the same time, with it, you can be sure that you have more or less permanently eliminated at least one potential source of error in your turntable chain.
- Eric van Spelde, image hifi, issue 6/2020
It's good that TW Acustic isn't participating in the current frenzy of "higher, faster, further" – especially when it comes to price – that's so prevalent in the hi-fi scene. With the GT2 and the 10.5, Thomas Woschnick has created an exceptionally harmonious and perfectly homogeneous turntable/tonearm combination that delivers exceptionally high-quality sound. Even the most discerning analog enthusiasts should be delighted with it for decades to come.
- Dirk Sommer, HIFISTATEMENT, June 26, 2020
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Music should touch you – with depth, dynamism, and soul. Our turntables, tonearms, and phono preamplifiers are designed to reproduce this emotion authentically. Every detail, every component is crafted with passion and precision to transform sound back into music – authentic, vibrant, and pure.
