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
donvito, that Melody amp was purchased 12 years ago. Back when we all thought China would join the free world, long before we knew about the official CCP policy of unrestricted warfare. Long before we had seen it in action. So things change, and when they do I change my mind to reflect the new reality. Now its top of my list to be replaced, and by a Raven. Now I would not even consider anything made in China, especially not when there's so much better stuff made right here in the USA.  

I put a lot of time and energy into researching my gear. Months, to sometimes a year or more. This time with Raven, been looking into a better integrated for well over a year now. Its not for everyone but its the way I do it, and its been a dozen years at least since I've bought a dog. Which interestingly enough that dog was made in China.  

Now my next amp will be a Raven. Osprey or Reflection? We will see. But one or the other. There simply is nothing else even close, certainly not within reach of my budget. I am a serious value buyer and long term holder. This may well be my last amp. It will be a Raven. It is in my view not even close. 

So that's what's up with that.
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.