Cary vs Raven

I've owned the Cary Sli-80 and the Raven Blackhawk LE, though at different times and with different speakers. If I were to choose between them, without regard to the speakers, I'd buy the Raven. They were both fine amps but the customer support from Raven was exceptionally good, better than that from Cary.

FWIW, I have a couple of Cary pieces I bought used and have had good customer support convos even though the used equipment isn't covered under any warranty.

Rob

FWIW, I have a couple of Cary pieces I bought used and have had good customer support convos even though the used equipment isn't covered under any warranty.

@rjsully0467  , you've had better luck than I have.  Do you remember who you spoke to?

The last time I needed tech support on an amp (this would have been in the summer of '20) and I called them, I was told to email their tech support.  Since they didn't reply to the email I sent them, I emailed them again, and then all they told me was basically what their shop rates for repair work was and to ship them the amp if I wanted them to work on it. 

I would find the speakers I loved (and over buy) and then move through used equipment to find the amp(s) that work best. In my opinion gong in that order will provide the ability to hear the difference in electronics in your home environment.   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.  Anyway on the journey my system keeps going better as I research and play with amps, pre-amps and DACs.  It is also the best way to understand cables.  Just what I’ve found.  Sorry for running on just what I’ve experienced.  

If your choice is leaning forward tube amps do yourself a favor and a take a few seconds to look at @aricaudio. I could not be more satisfied with the sound, look and customer service. 
Take a look at my profile pic.