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.

jrcotner

I have not owned Cary but I have owned a Raven Osprey and I’m disappointed that I sold it. Long story. The guy who bought it is really happy though.

Raven’s are really nice amps and their customer service is top notch - very personal.

If you are into tube rolling Dave at Raven sells NOS tubes for his amps as a side biz at very reasonable prices. He has likely the only remaining pre-1970 Shugang 6L6GC tubes that I really liked as well as other great options.

 

forgot to mention Raven has a 45 day return policy for a reasonable restocking fee

  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.

@testrun  , this is not a rhetorical question or a question intended to start an argument, as I believe that the electronics in front of a speaker are important, but what do you think that it would take to get those JAs to live up to their potential?

Not sure.  My assessment is based on hearing significant improvements with changes in electronics, tubes and cables.  I guess my learning after 35 years in this hobby is speakers have to be capable to hear the differences in other components.  Having said that, for me, my Perspectives are “end game” speakers and I have enjoyed how good they are.  In no way do they need really high end equipment to hear how good they are just that they enable hearing the difference in equipment as changes are made.  At their price point they should and I’m sure there are many speakers that are as capable.  Sorry for rambling but my point is they also enable when amps / preamps don’t improve sound hence find the speakers you love and don’t over spend on supporting equipment if you can’t hear a difference. Keep things in balance.