Raven Audio and Beyond...
Hello,
I'm hearing from a couple of you all about the RavenAudio product line.
I'm fairly new into listening/building a system for audio.
My current plan/aim is to build components for "rest of life" usage. I'm not well to do and am looking into the Nighthawk and Blackhawk integrated tube amps.
Currently, I have a Bifrost 2 Dac, Rega P2 turntable and Dynaudio X14s running out a cheap integrated Pioneer tuner/amplifier.
As I've been considering my next couple moves, Integrated Amp and upgrade in speakers, I bounce between the "first" move being either amp or speakers.
Lots of folks mention speakers first, rest after. Since I appreciate the X14s for the limited sound, I wonder what kind of sense it makes to bump up the amp, integrate a couple subs and seek the "finish" speakers next. After that, play with the rest of the components.
Currently, the room we listen to music in is 12' by 25', open frame ceilings that are 8.5' high.
My questions are this:
What's your take on taking on the amplifier first, and setting up the rest after?
Am I going to notice the X14s responding well enough to help me learn more about the direction of my speaker choice later?
If I have some time before I can fully upgrade the speakers, would integrating a sub amp with the subs be a positive move?
FWIW, I plan to keep the x14s and other requisite equipment for the most part to set up/gift to others as I can. I am interested in long-term enjoyment for music I love and a love for exploring music yet to be heard.
Thank you
Neither the Nighthawk nor Blackhawk will work for any speaker less than 90 db and 8 ohm. I know because I owned a Blackhawk. However, if you decide to get higher efficiency speakers, Raven is a very good and competitive option. It has a refined and sweet sound that will surely appeal to many. VTL on the other hand will drive those speakers without breaking a sweat. |
@tomic601 "You have lots of choices. Raven and Tekton are just two." +100 on this comment. These products are not singletons in their suits, they exemplify design principles and they have a happy synergy. But these qualities can be found in other brands and makers that aren't as "hot." Other posters will propose worthy substitutes for Tekton and Raven, I'm sure. In 3...2...1... |
Funny, i am running a full range 87 db efficient speaker with a 52 wpc tube amp in a big room..hence my question to the OP..how loud ? Advice without context is just about as bad as recommendation for gear never heard….or was it herd ? All good ;-) Carry on, enjoy the music. i have a hot date w Lucinda Williams and some warmed up 6L6GC My best to those with open mind…and ears, check ego at door James is what the Robot remembers mad parents..yelling.. |
@tomic601 man, I love your sign offs 😁 |
Okay, My main intent here is to get perspective and there's helpful content here. I know this is a process for me. Heck, took me about four years to get to this point, LOL
MC, you catch what I'm putting down. Trying to understand the walk I'm talking. If I spend now, what to upgrade first and then go to next; what am I going to encounter in the process. I appreciate the technical take on what challenges I'd have for the short term running the X14s through the Raven. Vice versa on a speaker upgrade first.
Tomic, I play music quiet for background and loud to be overwhelmed; lots in between. My musical tastes are wide. Very wide. So a comprehensive sound is key to me. I play music saved on a hard drive as aiff files saved 32 bit/44.1mhz. The P2 has an ortofon Blue cartridge. I rely on the DAC for the generic explorations of my interests through Amazon Music. Buy CDs/vinyl that I want to hear further. Your brother in-law's setup is an approach I've considered. Not dead either. A decent integrated, a few subs w a dedicated amp, and slowly evolve from there. The impetus for this post is considering the major jump/plunge into the amp/speaker question from where I'm at. Why Raven? Intuition, research on company integrity and interest, reading insightful intel from coots on these threads, 45 day take back, connection to a decent audio store in town to try out speakers and an interest in settling in. Both MC and Tomic, your input on the Raven's volume/impact limits for the interim between X14s and other speakers are helpful. My understanding of the wattage/decibel sensitivity correlation is pretty bleak. Hinders my application set. Still like listening to good sounds though, so...
Jerry, I do plan on other speakers in the endgame. Figuring out how to get where I'm interested in going.
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