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New Raven AC Owner

Hi,

I am new to Audiogon and I thought I would join to connect to other TW Acustics turntable owners.

I bought a 2007 Raven AC with a Graham Phantom B44 and have put a Clearaudio Accurate cartridge on it. This TT is the biggest upgrade I’ve ever had by some margin. What a fantastic player it is. I’ve had many many turntables over the last 20 years (several LP12’s, Pink Triangle Anniversary, SP10, various Thorens, Rega’s, Gyrodecks and too many others to mention) but non-have given this amount of musicality and sheer detail (except maybe the PT Anni). I compared it to my original “Obsidian” SP10.2 fitted with a 12” Jelco and SPU Royal GM and the comparison took all of 5 minutes! I haven’t compared it the Anni yet though. Too busy enjoying it. I am desperate to get the Jelco SA-750L 12” arm with SPU onto the deck in the rear position though (I have placed a wanted ad for an appropriate armboard for this ;-) )

I have a question for you guys though regarding setup, Should the motor be positioned so that it stretches the belt slightly? Or is there a fixed distance I should put the motor? I understand there are several different lengths of belt and I’m not sure what I have. I have the motor positioned to the left side of the plinth.

I’m sure I’ll have many more questions as I settle into using this player.

Thanks all.
lencotweaker
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The belt should only be tensioned barely enough to not slip. So it does not slip is all you want for tension.
The more tension, the shorter the belt life. Also tension puts more stress on the motor bearings. So, only add as much as needed to keep the belt from slipping during use.
That is for any motor which can be moved..
Good luck, great turntable.
ebm
5,165 posts
 
Hi,Call Jeff of High Water Sound he is the best expert!!
pcosta
202 posts
 
Depending on which belt you have there are different distances. For the short belt I have the motor case 5mm away from the plinth on the left side. For the long belt the manual states 340-350mm from center of platter to center of motor pulley. Check speed and adjust if necessary after.
philb7777
401 posts
 
My manual says the motor pulley to spindle distance should be 340-350 mm. I think I have the long belt.
lencotweaker OP
15 posts
 
Thanks all for your kind responses. This is very helpful to me as I do not have a set-up manual.

I was told by a dealer that there are actually 3 belts. Shortest for rear mounting a single motor. Short for left side mounting of a single motor and the long belt for 3 motors.

I was told I had the long belt by the seller as the deck was previously an AC3 but I doubt it because my motor is mounted left side with about an inch gap to the side of the plinth. I will measure the actual distance from the spindle to motor pulley tonight and see what I get.

Sounds great though!
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