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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
allears4u
134 posts
 

I've owned the Raven Nighthawk for at least 5 years now. As a tube newbie I made every mistake imaginable. Wrong tubes in wrong spot, ran without a speaker connected. put too much nano contact enhancer on everything, This unit is super well built and reliable in the extreme. But more importantly, it punches way above its price point! The sheer humanness and shocking real-ness really grabs your attention. I have Klipsch Lascala II's, my source is primarily an Audiolab CDT6000 transport and a Nuprime SE9 DAC. What's underrated is the personal service the owners invested into my individual issues and questions. AND...the main owner Dave Thomson (Raven Dave) is a "tube guy" that treats your tube choices as a master chef giving you advice how to curate the perfect "flavours" of your amp to synchronize perfectly with your room, equipment , and personal tastes. Amazing Integrated amp and company, cannot recommend too highly!!    

sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 

I'll echo allears4u's endorsment of Raven amps. I owned a Raven Blackhawk for several years and loved it. The personal attention from the owner, Dave Thomson, was remarkable, as well. 

crawfishdaddi
32 posts
 

I'm currently running a Raven Audio LE Osprey and I absolutely love it. Here is my full review of it (including the A-B test against the McIntosh MA252 Hybrid):

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-of-the-raven-audio-osprey-integrated-tube-amp-and-corvus-referen

Where else are you going to get a super high-end amp that ships with NOS tubes??! 

sandrodg73 OP
108 posts
 

Thanks much Everyone for taking the time to respond. I kinda like what I'm hearing about Raven in the last few post.  USA built definitely a plus for more than one reason.  Big question....how important is the phono pre?  If I buy a nice Raven or Fezz, or whatever tube amp and a $300 schitt pre will the $300 pre bring out the magic in my amp of choice or do I need to spend up to match the amp?

macg19
897 posts
 

I owned a Raven Osprey but moved to SS due to speaker choice. It is a very well made, sweet sounding amp. In a lot of ways I miss it. If you buy new you really cant go wrong with the 45 day trial - the restocking fee if you change you mind is fair IMO.

I have no experience with Fezz.

The Schitt Skoll is great value and I have had it in my system while my GoldNote was out for warranty replacement, but really the phono stage needs to be matched to the cart not the amp.

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