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
Cary vs Raven
It's about time to replace the 20+ year old Prima Luna. Based on my limited researches and the positive on Audiogon, I'm leaning toward either a Cary SLI-80HS or CAD-300SEI, and the Raven Blackhawk. I currently have Forest Totem speakers, but am looking to get some Klipsch Heresy or Fortes. On paper the SLI-80HS and Blackhawk look pretty similar to me, and I've been intrigued with the 300 B tube. This is the last amp I will buy, so want to make sure it's the best my budget can manage. I listen to classical in a small size room (15'x15'x9'), so I don't need a lot of power.
Anyone out there had a chance to compare these amps? If so, what is the verdict? And how about the various upgrades available for each? Thanks in advance for your advice.
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@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. |
I can demo the full line of Klipsch heritage speakers at a stereo store within my driving range. They also carry Paradigm speakers, as well as home theater and McIntosh amps. I tried the buy-it-try-it but lugging 70+ pound speakers back and forth to the shipper wore me out. So my options are limited to Paradigm and Klipsch. My plan, which seems not resoundingly approved, was to get one of the amps I suggested, go to the stereo place, hook it up, listen to their speakers, and make a choice of speakers. My budget and personal circumstances are limiting, so I need to make a choice between these speaker options. If neither are to my liking I will just keep the Forests. |
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