Conrad Johnson or PrimaLuna


Your opinions please.
I'm considering 2 integrateds; First the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP, (used) or a Conrad Johnson CAV-45 Control amp, used as well...Focal 1038Be speakers in a 12x19 room. 

Thanks!
larseand
Line Magnetic has both lower priced as well as comparably priced to PL  integrated amps. I have the 518IA which is the comparable price arena, very well made, reliable, quiet and nice sounding .
lil sidebar given that this thread asks about cj vs pl

but it is interesting miller is so high on the ravens

i think anytime a manufacturer offers free extended in home trials it speaks volumes about the overarching confidence they have in their product vs the competition

i have been a die hard audio research and vac fan for many years, recently tried and like a primaluna... really good for the money in many important ways

but now may need to try a raven

miller - you have a raven in house? or are you thinking about getting one for your teks? my only concern trying a raven is my harbeths and proacs are a notch less sensitive than your teks -- wonder about db headroom
I would consider a new Rogue Audio Magnum 3 integrated amp also. Made here in the US and great customer service. It has 100w per channel, a phono section and a headphone jack. Very easy to bias the tubes and it comes in 2 finishes. If interested call Johnny R at Audio Connection he is very knowledgeable.


@millercarbon
https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/nighthawk-mk3-tube-amplifier/No contest.

No contest based on what?  All of your listening experiences comparing the CJ, PL, and Raven? Barking out a brand with no context or basis is beyond unuseful.
 "my harbeths and proacs are a notch less sensitive than your teks -- wonder about db headroom"

If they work fine with the PL, likely fine with Raven.

"i have been a die hard audio research and vac fan for many years, recently tried and like a primaluna... really good for the money in many important ways"

jjss49-

I caught this line from a review on the Reflection, which was disappointing to find out:
 "The amp runs in self-bias, or cathode bias, which is my preference for consumer electronics.":
https://www.dagogo.com/raven-audio-reflection-integrated-amplifier-review/
Their autobias isn't the latest that VAC/PL use.
https://www.primaluna-usa.com/adaptive-autobias

In the grand scheme of things, it's something that's not going to be heard from your speakers. But if we're comparing parts.....

Other than having a more diverse lineup, I don't see much difference from other small  USA companies.
https://rogershighfidelity.com/ 

I wouldn't be surprised if Raven is really a Korean company that just ships their stuff here to be assembled. Who cares...if it sounds great, which I don't doubt, it doesn't matter.