2. analog
  3. 191494-185452

Fezz vs Raven

Hello all. I'm starting to look into adding a turntable to my system. I would like to pair said turntable with an integrated tube amp.  I want to get a set up that is good enough that I won't be looking to upgrade in a year. A Michell Technodec paired with a Fezz Evolution Titania was recomended to me by the gentleman at Auralhifi in Denver. Thinking is that that turntable and integrated tube amp are of high enough quality that they'll provide a listening experience that'll be hard to beat and keep me satisfied for years to come. Maybe not reference level but damn good. At the same price point as the Fezz is the Raven Nighthawk.  Both have good reviews and seem solid. Does anyone have experience with these brands?  What are your thoughts?  My speakers are 95db sensitive with active woofers so won't take much to drive. Thanks for any input. 

sandrodg73
Post removed 
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

I'm a very long term user of Audio Equipment with Valve Circuitry, I am giving very valuable guidance.

Out of interest, has anybody checked their Home Insurance in relation to Valve Circuits being used in Audio Equipment used within the home. 

lewm
13,134 posts
 

You’re engendering fear that is totally unjustified. I’ve been using tube amps and preamps for 45 years. I’ve repaired and upgraded them. Built a tube amp from scratch. Have read several volumes of tech info on tubes. Yes if there’s a fault in the circuit it can kill a tube particularly a power tube in an amplifier. The affected tube can glow bright cherry red. If you don’t cut the power promptly, the tube will emit a little pop and then die. Fire is a non-issue. The death of the tube acts like a fuse blowing which cuts power across it and terminates the event. The video you referenced does NOT describe an amp catching fire. So give me one concrete example. (Actually any electrical device has the potential to catch fire, so I’m sure it’s very remotely possible but not I know of no instances.)

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,158 posts
 

I’ve been using tube amps for 25 years. I’ve never had any fireworks. I’ve lost a couple of output transformers, but that was uneventful. Depending on the circuit design, most tube amps will blow a fuse if a tube runs away. Others, it will take out a resistor, again, uneventful.

Just for a point of reference, I can count off the top of my head, 20 different tube amps I’ve owned. Never had the need to use a fire extinguisher…..

jond's avatar
jond
5,852 posts
 

I'd say if you have a good dealer recommending a synergistic pairing go for it, at least stop by Auralhifi and give that combo a listen.

More to discover