Raven One Owners - Last Table?


Okay...if you're an audiophile then there's probably never a last one of anything!

Intro: (Please skip to "Where I'm at" if not interested)

I just joined Audiogon because I need a new analog front end. I'm a retired Locksmith hence, "Kennythekey." My first choice was Keyman but that was taken.

My first "stereo," was separate components that I built from a kit sold by Lafayette Electronics. It was crap but I got to use a soldering iron...I was a kid and I was hooked.

All this means, is that I have to save for quite some time before I can buy anything. My upgrade path is slow and my other components are about ten years old. Also, the soldering iron never made me an engineer so my ears are everything.

Where I'm at:
If you read my intro you know I have a slow component turnover rate. That's probably why I posted Last Table?

Components:
Besides the new front end, I also want to replace my CJ Premier 11a amp but that may take awhile if I buy the Raven. I also can't afford an arm right now with the Raven and would probably install my old SME 309. I plan on holding onto my BAT VK-5i preamp, McIntosh MR71 tuner, and Thiel 3.6s. I have a relatively small listening room, and the music that makes me happiest is small club live jazz and vocal.

Question:
Given my upgrade turnover rate and existing components, is the Raven One a good choice for me...a keeper...last table? I was originally leaning towards the Origin Live Resolution or Aries 3 before I found your thread and joined Audiogon. Additionally, where I'm at none of this stuff is available and I can't afford to travel for listening.
kennythekey
Compared to a few months ago, i think Euro has weakeaned quite a lot against the Greenback so I don't think it's currency exchange issue. I think the local retail price in Germany has gone up by a fair bit too.

http://www.metaquotes.net/forex/eurusd/
I think it's a combination of great reviews, adding staff, mark up, and competitive pricing. For example, the Galibier Gavia is $6,750 anodized.
SOme of the increase in price is pprobably due to the addition of Stillpoints, and the new powersupply which is better than the old one.
I'm getting the Raven without a power cable? Is that normal and any recommendations?
Kenny

Kenny .. I got mine without the AC power cord too
But it's enough a normal PC mains cable