Cary vs Raven

  I say this based on experience.  I purchased a pair of Joseph Audio Perspectives and learned I probably can’t afford the electronics to fully understand how good the speakers are.

@testrun  , this is not a rhetorical question or a question intended to start an argument, as I believe that the electronics in front of a speaker are important, but what do you think that it would take to get those JAs to live up to their potential?

Not sure.  My assessment is based on hearing significant improvements with changes in electronics, tubes and cables.  I guess my learning after 35 years in this hobby is speakers have to be capable to hear the differences in other components.  Having said that, for me, my Perspectives are “end game” speakers and I have enjoyed how good they are.  In no way do they need really high end equipment to hear how good they are just that they enable hearing the difference in equipment as changes are made.  At their price point they should and I’m sure there are many speakers that are as capable.  Sorry for rambling but my point is they also enable when amps / preamps don’t improve sound hence find the speakers you love and don’t over spend on supporting equipment if you can’t hear a difference. Keep things in balance.  

@immatthewj  - sorry should have included in prior response.  

If you have the patience to wait for Dennis Had to post another of his hand made amps (or get a used one like I did) that is a choice I can whole heartedly recommend. I've used mine with Heresy IIIs for years and it's astonishingly good.

The “HS” in the SLI-80HS stands for “Heritage Series,” so one might deduce that the Cary pairs quite well with the Klipsches you’re considering.  That said, my PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated absolutely sings with my Cornwall IVs - I’m just blown away every time I listen, so that might be a combo worth considering if you haven’t already.