Raven preamp.

Raven preamp I’ve been using a Crown 1502 Class D power amp that delivers 300 watts or channel, and it drives the speakers great. It has the same "orange peel" paint job of the previous Carver 275 amplifier I reviewed. Interested in flipbooks about Raven Labs PMB-1 Owner's Manual - soundchunks. Dec 30, 2015 · To be quite frank, the Raven Audio Cirrus preamplifier was superior to both of these pieces. Dave Thompson is the guru for tube interaction with Rave Amps. You can find them if you search a bit. This unit was designed and manufactured by Steve Rabe and is a rare find. The preamp is a bit of a one trick pony, but it's a very good trick. Third, they have some of the rarest and finest tubes found around the world. posted by gdahl on June 12, 2002 at 21:56:00: Yes, that sounds reasonable to me too. I decided to install one set each of NOS Mullard 12AU7s, Valvo 12AT7s, and Telefunken 12AT7s initially, and later switch in some stock-level tubes similar to the ones available on the amp's Production of the new Blackbird monoblock 300b amps and Raven preamp will be done by Spatial Audio Lab in Salt Lake City. The Raven RG100 is a solid-state, hard rock amp that's easy-to-use, looks great,and has a killer price. the ravens are actually more capable than people give them credit for. Apr 18, 2024 · The Don Sachs and Lynn Varley Revelation (Raven) preamp and Blackbird 300B amps seem extremely interesting. It can provide p Re: Question for Gary Dahl - Raven Preamp - gdahl 12:30:49 06/03/03 In Reply to: Question for Gary Dahl - Raven Preamp posted by tuba on June 03, 2003 at 09:30:48: After further consideration, I decided that the 1676 wasn't going to work out in that application after all. The Ray tubes are in the Raven preamp. I let the preamp idle for an hour before listening to female vocals, then instrumental, then male vocals, female, etc Jun 27, 2023 · There was a lot going on, and it was not always easy to parse. These have been a two year collaboration with Lynn Olson. I’m not unhappy with my sound but was wondering what a ss amp would sound like to mix it up a bit since I’m all tubes now Re: The new Revelation Raven Preamp « Reply #120 on: Today at 06:10 am » I’ll add a little to this, if you look at one of my older builds you notice were now using split 120v windings going to the soft start (circled red). It is on kind loan from a member and (I think) costs US $4,750. “what do the higher end Raven amps sound like!?!?!?:” I mean, seriously. Started by Spatial Audio. Side to side it measures 15. You hear it immediately, which why Don and I hope more people can hear the Raven preamp with the matching Blackbird amplifier. I've got about 80 hours on it now. Thanks so much for posting your impressions of the Raven. Apr 18, 2024 · For the Raven, this means optimal performance when matched with classical push-pull pentode amps and modern transistor amps. wig. Jul 16, 2015 · Highlander, Raven, DTAR Solstice preamp blenders… I have purchased used Raven PMB-I and PMB-II preamps, and a used DTAR Solstice in the past 5 years. Everything else is the same. Speakers are custom designed open baffle with compression driver and integrated horn from 1. I am looking for a good preamp. Feb 19, 2008 · Raven Amps is owned by Guitar Center (Who also owns Musician's Friend, Music123, and tons of other brands). pdf), Text File (. Just like all Raven Audio tube amps, there is no roll-off in the high frequencies or haze which negatively affects high-end detail and the bass is fast and high. My first two choices are the Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,875, and the Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp $6,395; sold by Spatial Audio Labs. This is serial number 287, signed inside Dec 2000. Oct 30, 2019 · When I swapped in the already broken in Raven audio amp, I was shocked. It’s all the same to the Raven preamp, since all signals pass through the output transformers, which have both RCA and XLR output taps, just like the 4, 8, and 16 ohm taps on a tube power amplifier. 2 Replies 246 Views 5 May 2025, 02:46 am by jac1920: Jan 5, 2021 · yes, i moved on from the raven amps to drive larger, less efficient speakers at more scale than it was comfortable with. best preamp that I have ever heard. The Raven was really really close, and could live with it for Dec 18, 2023 · A bit of an update on the Raven preamp . I have a few in mind and would like some opinions. I will travel there and teach them the builds. jc4659. Sep 4, 2004 · I notice that the raven preamp has a stereo volume control per channel. See my for sale page. What you will get from Raven is a tremendous sounding, quality built amp with great customer service and the potential for tube rolling to create your own unique sound. 375" at the front panel, 13" deep and 7" high. The Raven was really really close, and could live with it for Dec 2, 2022 · The Raven is part of the 300b project. fthompson251 04-18-2024 1:38pm 265 posts total. With more power and bigger speakers than many amps that cost a lot more, the RG100 amplifier Aug 10, 2024 · I have NX-otica and OB subwoofers from GR Research. fthompson251 04-18-2024 1:38pm 254 posts total. Apr 18, 2024 · The world's largest high-end audio community. txt) or read online for free.  These are built like a tank and Have almost endless uses. Further improvements in clarity and especially dynamics occurred when I replaced my interconnects with Paul Speltz best XLRs, the level 5. A thank you to the 2 preamp designers for your comments on this thread and on AudioCircle. At 42 pounds Jan 18, 2024 · (3) Don Sachs and Lynn Olson new Raven (Revolution) preamp $5,000 - His reputation alone makes this preamp important, and he is an all around great and giving guy of his time. 3. It truly is an integrated amp. Both RCA and XLR outputs offer equal sonic quality, since the only difference are the ratio of the output taps on the output transformer. Raven is an outstanding product and I owned the Raven Reflection MK2. I never tried to buy a Highlander, but would snatch one up in a second if it were made available at a reasonable price. It is rare for me to hear any music actually coming from the speakers (Verity Audio Parsifal Encore) as the sound source; the soundstage is open, deep, wide, holographic and as transparent and Apr 18, 2024 · I get all of those things to a greater or lesser extent and my Raven preamp is connected to a Pass Labs X350. We will pay that extra 25% and support Canada. I chuckle because there is a well known manufacturer who inserts himself quite often, even on the Raven thread, which is specific to the Raven preamp. Where the Raven falls short in comparison to my McIntosh is in features, as the Raven Blackhawk LE has none. The Revelation Blackbird 300B monoblocks are priced at $9,995 each and use a mixture of 6SN7, KT88, 300B and VR105 tubes. Um projeto que traz versatilidade, agressividade com um ganho descomunal! Dec 10, 2024 · When I bought my Don Sachs Model 1 preamp I spoke to Don about making some mods to it.  If you have any q Jun 19, 2014 · The D-TAR Solstice preamp that Bob and Mark sell is a substantially improved version of the old Raven Labs PMB series, as is the Equinox is of the True Blue EQ. The 2x12 amp switches easily from rhythm to lead Nov 30, 2024 · I cannot imagine anyone with a Raven preamp returning this tube once they have heard it. Or a well-known American manufacturer that omitted, or forgot, the required 10~100 uF decoupling/stabilization capacitors for the multiple 3-pin voltage regulators, so they sang happily in the 10 MHz range. these two are SOLD and the run of these is ABOUT RAVEN Our Story; MEDIA Photos, Awards & More; HEAR OUR PRODUCTS Schedule a Demo; SUPPORT Manuals & Demo; PRODUCTS. 5? I am looking forward to hearing your take on the Raven preamp with the CODA. Jan 7, 2022 · By the way, I've owned several amps that are up to $10K, so please keep your assumptions to yourself. Apr 22, 2016 · View flipping ebook version of Raven Labs PMB-1 Owner's Manual - soundchunks. P. All told the Raven was $200 more in the above configurations. In Reply to: Re: Raven preamp from Lynn Olson. The only reason I didn't include Line Magnetic is that it is a well-established, and well-known entity on these forums. Dec 31, 2024 · I am using the Spatial Audio Raven preamp with a Pass Labs X-350. This tube also go by nickname Blackbird, IF we imagine . The prototypes have received very positive reviews. The Raven can drive the input tube grids of the Blackbird amps directly via XLR because it has an output transformer. Rest of system is Coincident Frankenstein 300B Mk2, Zu Audio Omen Def Supreme, digital front end with PS Audio AirStream and DirectStream Sr (modified with external power supply for the analog side and different output transformers). the tonearm is a Woody Stringe Theory with a Soundsmith MIMC cartridge. The Raven similarly uses inherent circuit balance to also reject power supply noise although there isn’t much, since the power supply regulator itself has 130 dB of noise rejection. Sep 3, 2023 · Sept 3, 2023: I have partnered with Spatial Audio Lab in Salt Lake City to build the new Raven preamp and Blackbird 300b mono amps. This listing is for a Raven Labs UNIVERSAL PREAMP. In my experience, those Ray tubes will improve for close to 100 hours, and the big cathode bypass caps in the Raven also subtly improve for probably 100 hours. Sep 22, 2019 · Always ask me or another Raven Audio member about doing so before you try this, but I will start out with telling you that you can easily swap a 12AU7, and any of its equivalents: 12BH7, 5963, 5814 or 6189 - into any of the three preamp rows on any of the current Avian Series amplifiers. This allows us to place orders with our suppliers that have a 6-8 week lead time and not overextend our ability to manufacture and meet order demand. And I believe him …he seems like a stand up guy. I ordered the Raven preamp from them. Enjoy you journey with Raven. fthompson251 04-18-2024 1:38pm 250 posts total. ABOUT RAVEN Our Story; MEDIA Photos, Awards & More; HEAR OUR PRODUCTS Schedule a Demo; SUPPORT Manuals & Demo; PRODUCTS. My system is all digital using a Holo May DAC into the Raven. If a conventional preamp is used, there's a dedicated input transformer that isolates and balances the signal, but using a Raven preamp gives an end-to-end signal chain using fully balanced tubes, with each transformer coupled for maximum signal transfer, with no side chains, feedback, or dynamic loads.  These units are rare and hard to find. First, they are built like a tank and look like a Ferrari. This preamp has been extremely well taken care of and shows only minor scuffing considering it's 17yrs old this month! Oct 5, 2024 · Aric Audio Motherlode II (RCA only $5,475), Aric Audio Motherlode XL (RCA & XLR $6,475), Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp $5,895, or Supratek Cabernet $4,000 or Supratek Grange $6,000. The amps are made specifically for Guitar Center and it's other branded companies. You'd discard the very pretty OC3 VR tubes, the array of toasty dropping resistors that precede the OC3's, and instead dedicate the OC3 (octal) sockets to EL84 (miniature) sockets and a pair of Gary Pimm current Apr 18, 2024 · Spatial Audio Raven Preamp. 1 Integrated; Blackhawk MK3. ShippingEMS or Yamato Transport for shipping. Results were the same, a destroyed power amp and loudspeaker. This is the finest preamp that I have ever heard! (Well, until I built the Raven preamp with Lynn Olson that Spatial Audio Lab is producing) NOTE: I am building the last two of these. Aug 8, 2021 · Raven – Dave Thomson’s ‘Combo A’ favorites in preamp section (Siemens ECC81 / Brimar 6060 Yellow-T / CBS Hytron 12AU7) + Tung Sol 7581A power tubes Both amps and their tube compliments were fully broken in, nothing was out of the box cold. I dreamed up the original Raven concept some time around 1998 - click the picture for the full schematic. At this time, we ship speakers and amplification products to North America. Need to weed through it to find the various responses but interesting if you’re curious to know more. I gotta step out now, but I'll answer any question you folks have about differences between the 25-year-old articles in the Web page and what's out now. The Raven/Pass combination with your Maggies should be magical. 4. com Aug 18, 2022 · This is a review and detailed measurements of the Carver Raven 350 tube monoblock amplifier. The best of the lot were the BAT VK-80 preamp fully balanced, Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1. The Raven is a preamp and an amp, on the same chassis. fthompson251 04-18-2024 1:38pm 253 posts total. With more power and bigger speakers than many amps that cost a lot more, the RG100 amplifier is designed to work well with your effects pedals. I have heard LM amps on a few occasions and agree with everyone that these amps can hang with the big boys like ARC or VAC. phono2024. The Raven preamplifier is available to ship worldwide subject to trade restrictions and modifications to the warranty shipping terms. The Raven amps comes with choices of premium NOS tubes and some with additional costs. Raven Labs PHA-1 Headphone/Practice amp/ Direct Box/Swiss Army Multi-use Unit. Spatial Audio Labs will try to hold the line on prices, but there are a number of imported parts in the Blackbird amplifier the European-made Monolith transformers, various cathode-bypass capacitors, and other key parts. Additionally, there's two each 12AT7 for the preamplifier stage, 12AT7 for the power amp first stage, and two 12AU7 for phase inverter / driver. May 29, 2019 · When he runs them through a Raven preamp he gets great tone either from the built-in dual source, or using the K&K plus the internal mic, or just the K&K alone. Aug 15, 2024 · Most notably, a new preamp, the Raven from Spatial Audio Labs, yielded improvements in soundstage width and depth, better image focus, naturalness of tone, and transparency. Both the amps and the Raven will happily play with the rest of the world, either single-ended RCA or XLR, but together they can form a complete balanced chain with a balanced source. Apr 9, 2008 · Raven Amps is owned by Guitar Center (Who also owns Musician's Friend, Music123, and tons of other brands). It looks almost new and is in excellent condition. This may give the Raven an advantage but given those choices there is no way to know how it would sound in your system. My main amplification is via a pair of DIY First Watt M2 monoblocks. I haven't heard the pricey Raven gear, but have a hunch that Clayton has heard Don's Vallahala integrated amp, and it strikes me as veritable bargain for its level of performance. com published by on 2016-04-22. Lumin U@ mini streamer with Chord Qutest DAC. Like the classic WE line drivers of the 1930's, it is transformer coupled throughout, input and output, and fully balanced for minimum distortion. It can be used with an acoustic guitar or bass having a piezo pickup and soundhole microphone, a stereo instrument, tw Dec 29, 2021 · Amps are easy compared to finding a speaker to your tastes. Special arrangements may be made if the customer handles shipping through a freight forwarding company. 5-1. As the ratio implies, this multiplies the signal current from the 6SN7 more than four times, making the Raven preamp a tiny power amplifier as much as it is a preamplifier. Mar 29, 2024 · The Revelation Series Raven preamp uses input and output transformers and a tube complement of (x2)6SN7, (x2)VR150, and (x2)6AX4 and is priced at $5495. Re: Question for Gary Dahl - Raven Preamp - KevinC 04:46:00 06/04/03 (0) In Reply to: Re: Question for Gary Dahl - Raven Preamp posted by tuba on June 03, 2003 at 19:00:55: I'm afraid that as long as there is the possibility of net bias current flowing through the transformer primary, the LL1676 and transformers like it are not recommended. VRE-1c made by SMC Audio. The 350 is not a bad looking amp. As for power tubes the Shuguang 6L6GC are very nice, about 80-85% of the RCA black plates that are wonderful. It is rare for me to hear any music actually coming from the speakers (Verity Audio Parsifal Encore) as the sound source; the soundstage is open, deep, wide, holographic and as transparent and NRD Review of the Raven Preamp and Blackbird Monoblocks. Click for full schematic diagram (Historical footnote: The Raven is basically a Western Electric line-driver with modern components and shunt regulation. Best preamps I've ever heard, and I auditioned over a dozen in the last year or so. Menu. 5 watt/section rating. Rogue RP-1 preamplifier. If you are sold on Rave as an amp, I really think you should talk to Raven about their speaker line-up. I’ve had it in my house for the last few days and have been putting it through the paces.  Makes a great practice amp which is also suitable for studio and  live play. Here at Spatial Audio Lab, we have set out to create the most Musically and sonically transparent Amplification. Feb 13, 2025 · Thank you! Go to the head of the class. I bought it new, somewhere around 2000. lynn_olson. S. Apr 18, 2024 · Contemporary transistor amps may offer both RCA and XLR inputs, but the highest performance option is typically the XLR input. The Apr 18, 2024 · Spatial Audio Raven Preamp. It's great! I'm really digging the expanded tone colors, instrument textures, sense of space, and natural non-mechanical sound. The PHA-1 is a professional headphone amplifier and preamp that can be used for silent practicing with headphones, as a portable practice amp, or in a studio setting. The remote control is constructed out of aluminum and is a little too heavy for what it does; it only adjusts volume. You may want to check out the new Schitt Kara F for $799. this is just crappy design. Still, this was interesting, so I decided to take him up on the challenge because: 1) I had never heard of Raven Audio, 2) I like integrated tube amplifiers and 3) I love a challenge. A simple feedback suppressor (big black plug in the sound hole) will solve most feedback problems from Taylors except on the most extremely loud stages (which are a challenge to all Oct 5, 2024 · Aric Audio Motherlode II (RCA only $5,475), Aric Audio Motherlode XL (RCA & XLR $6,475), Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp $5,895, or Supratek Cabernet $4,000 or Supratek Grange $6,000. they can fill a medium room quite well driving the low efficiency kef ls 50s for example. The Raven delivers superior sonics in just about every way. I would like to upgrade my preamp and my three choices are as follows: 1. 2. I just purchased the Bryston amplifier and it has brought my speakers to life. The Raven sounds great with any decent 6SN7, but this tube kicks it up a level compared to all the others I have heard. Fourth, their customer service is second to none.   Also a great unit if you are in need of a "more me" box in the studio of live on stage. Setup and use of the Raven Audio Shadow Reference Preamplifier is very simple and straight forward. Revelation Raven tube preamp by Spatial Audio. Never scrimp on the preamplifier! If you start an amp design with a cheap preamp Apr 18, 2024 · The Raven is simply a modernized and fully balanced version of a studio line amplifier from preceding decades, with modern power supplies, computer optimized transformers, Khozmo fully balanced switched-resistor volume controls, and point-to-point wiring. I agree, that one really looks nice! Hi The LL1517 is designed to be driven from a very low source impedance. Nighthawk MK3. Apr 18, 2024 · I have owned the Raven preamp now for about 6-7 weeks feeding a Pass X350. Bluebook The right price. May 4, 2024 · Though I do not own these, there is a new 300B mono amp designed by Lynn Olsen and Don Sachs being built and sold by Spatial Audio Labs. The Raven tube complement consists of four matched beam power 7581A tubes. Apr 18, 2024 · @fthompson251 What preamp are you currently using with your CODA S5. The big items of note were prototype Spatial Audio Lab open-baffle loudspeakers (price and release date TBD) that descend to 30Hz and two components from Don Sachs and Lynn Olson Design, the Statement 300B monoblock amplifiers ($18,500 $19,900/pair) and Raven preamplifier ($4600). $2999, walnut case, best of everything. Jun 27, 2024 · Looking for a warm but yet detailed preamp to upgrade my Rouge RP1 (with NOS tubes). I have since upgraded to his new preamp. Apr 18, 2024 · Spatial Audio Raven Preamp Spatial is supposed to be shipping the first "wave" from pre orders of this preamplifier in May, does anyone have one on order? Was hoping to hear about it from AXPONA but I guess they were not there. 5 stepdown ratio. 5 amp which is a warmer sounding amp. While I love the Pass amp it is a beast and too big for me to be moving around at my age so will probably change amps and thinking of going back to tubes. You mentioned in your post that you also use your Yamaha integrated as a second preamp. 1 Jul 25, 2024 · The Raven replaced a very good Ayre solid state preamp which years ago was their top of the line preamp. This is a really great preamp that I used for blending my internal guitar mic with my K&K Pure Mini pickup, then sending that signal via the DI out to the mixing desk. I predominantly listen to classic rock jazz and blues. 5 amp and it is an excellent pairing. Or a DC servo went nuts. Mar 31, 2025 · Your gear deserves so much more than an RP-1, a great tube preamp might be the solution. Best is Siemens in 1 and Yellow "T" in row 2. Every time. I have heard Raven amps paired to the Celest'. Jul 7, 2024 · Here’s a thread where Don Sachs and Lynn Olson, who designed the Raven preamp, go into detail about some of the development and technical design aspects of the preamp. Mar 22, 2021 · All amps in that range are not end game amps. 1 Apr 2, 2024 · Black Bird a Raven. Apr 18, 2024 · The only change in my system today was swapping my Ayre K-1xe preamp for the new Raven. Feb 5, 2025 · Hello I have a Spatial Audio Raven tube preamp , a decware amp and Spatial Audio x5 speakers that are 97db sensitive at 8 ohms. Dec 15, 2014 · The back of the preamplifier provides one pair of XLR, three pairs of single-ended and one pair of single-ended phono inputs. There is other great gear out there but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Raven amps. Logged So it was time to try my hand at designing a linestage preamp. docx), PDF File (. 2 KHz up. It was pretty damn good. Unlike other vacuum-tube preamps, there's a custom designed wideband output transformer with a 1:4. In addition, some of the Raven's capabilities were revealed when I replaced my interconnects with Paul Speltz best Anticables. Production of the new Blackbird monoblock 300b amps and Raven preamp will be done by Spatial Audio Lab in Salt Lake City. Oct 14, 2002 · Anyho, the clip I'll do tonight will be Raven Labs and Nord P. 1 Integrated; Osprey MK3. I've followed their 300B thread here on Audiogon (where Ralph from Atmosphere has added a ton), and it is a master class in tube amp and preamp design and theory. . AVIAN AMPS – “The Avian Series Blackhawk sound is BEAUTIFUL and does indeed beat my $10,000 McIntosh MA-8000” ~ Steve Huff – SteveHuffPhoto. Somewhat rare and hard to find. A set of the amps and preamp will go to my good friend Troy Joseph Crowe in Ontario for complete analysis, including distortion measurements. I am selling my Raven Labs PHA-1 Practice amp. I have listed them below. I am not saying Raven is better or worse than other amps because that is always going to be personal preference. 0 XLT, my preamp is the Raven, my turntable is a VPI HW19 mk4. The datasheet even mentions 'minus 18' as the optimum source. Feb 19, 2008 · The Raven RG100 is a solid-state, hard rock amp that's easy-to-use, looks great,and has a killer price. Virtual Systems Let the world see what you've built. At this point, I need to say a word about the KT-150 tubes when used in the Raven amps. Jun 16, 2024 · I'd prefer a 6SN7 preamp tube personally. Heck, you could teach it! I don’t know if the RCA or XLR’s outputs support AES48 in the Raven Pre? I don’t think Don Sachas/Lynn Olson who designed the Raven preamp hang around on Agon so I don’t think a comment will be forthcoming. 1 This is identical to the current production Raven preamp that Spatial Audio Lab is manufacturing under license from Lynn Olson and I. Apr 18, 2024 · Spatial is supposed to be shipping the first . 1 Menu. Raven Labs Headphone Amp Manual - Free download as Word Doc (. They tubes are run at about 1. I had a current output DAC feeding the differential stage with I/V resistor. O RAVEN é o nosso high gain, um tributo aos amps que revolucionaram a sonoridade do hard rock e metal: Peavey 5150, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier e Bogner Ecstasy. Comes with power adapter (120V). Raven Labs PMB-2 SN:1092 The Professional Master Blender from Raven Labs provides the professional musician the ultimate device in blending together two separate signal sources. I would expect commercial production in November. Oct 15, 2020 · Raven sent along a matched quartet of new-production Tung Sol 6L6GCs for the power-amp stage, and a selection of NOS preamplifier tubes for audition. I'd highly suggest you reach out to Aric Kimball (Aric Audio), Don Sachs (Raven preamp, sold by Spatial Audio), and Mick Maloney (Supratek) to have a conversation. May 31, 2024 · I eliminated the Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp because it was not in production yet when I purchased my preamp. The premise of the Revelation Series is the most linear, most natural approach to signal amplification. I'd look at the already mentioned: Aric Audio, Supratek, and the Don Sachas/Lynn Olson Raven preamp. I also ran a frequency sweep on the Raven preamp and it is dead flat from 18 Hz (the bottom of my signal generator range) to well over 40 KHz. The addition of the Raven has provided an unbelievable sound stage. CSS Preamp (ENVIO 9/06) R$799,00 R$697,00 6 x de R$116,17 sem juros Aug 2, 2021 · Raven Labs PMB - 2 Raven Labs True Blue EQ Raven Labs - Universal Stereo Instrument Preamp Radial PZ Deluxe Radial ToneBone Fire Eye Red Eye Mesa Boogie Rosette DI Tonedexter Grace Alix Sunnaudio Stage DI Sunnaudio Tone Driver Sunnaudio MS-2 Sunnaudio Stage DI 2 Apr 18, 2024 · Don Sach’s previous preamp had a special SRPP circuit, which used clever noise-cancellation techniques to reject power supply noise. Dave Thomson says this is because the preamp in the Raven amps is spectacular. The frequency response is given when driven by a source resistance of 10 ohms, fed into 600R. The Raven, It looks very Good indeed. May 4, 2023 · I suspect the 95% to 97% transfer efficiency of transformers is the reason for the vivid tone colors that are the hallmarks of any IT-coupled amplifier. Sept 3, 2023: I have partnered with Spatial Audio Lab in Salt Lake City to build the new Raven preamp and Blackbird Menu. the PSU is also a bit on the complex side for a simple class A amp. The rough prototypes were shown at the Pacific Audio Fest in Seattle in June. I never bothered looking for an AC adapter since I liked the flexibility of the battery power (had a Fodera headphone amp before this and hated that it May 28, 2024 · [S6 in white with Raven preamp and Schiit Aegir amplifier] Music - For those of you looking for more interesting tracks, the following are some of my favorites that I keep coming back to : “Kiss in Blue” by Yello - these guys out of Switzerland have been creating dynamic tracks since 1979! Raven preamp from Lynn Olson. My long-range plan is to have a tube preamp in this system. Oct 15, 2013 · Raven Audio is a relatively new audio company whose products are handmade in Groveton, Texas. Or so Don's customers tell him. Jul 11, 2024 · HiFi Knights - …”at its core it’s a stereo power amp controlled via a user-selectable truly variable voltage gain. In regard to timbres/tonality, transparency, overall dynamics, low-frequency power, a much sweeter high Apr 18, 2024 · Spatial Audio Raven Preamp. Used, but still clean and in fully working order. It has been tested and works perfectly. DISCOVER. Apr 18, 2024 · Both amps allow for the easy integration of 2 preamps with a front toggle switch for RCA and XLR. The more hours I put on the KT-150 tubes and the Raven amps, the more I liked them. Longtime audiophile Dave Thomson explained that he founded Raven Audio in 2010 and loosely based his 100W Silhouette Reference monoblocks ($12,995/pair) around the Brooke 10C amp circuit. I received it a few days ago and it is a very good preamp. In addition to the CJ recommendation though, I'd look at: Aric Audio, Supratek, and the Don Sachas/Lynn Olson Raven preamp. My system setup is currently, the optical rendu from Sonore going into the Holo Audio May, with raven preamp and the Don Sachs 300b mono statements. They are still frequently available. Apr 30, 2021 · I have had Don Sachs amp and preamp since they were first offered and I covet them. For transparency, I do own the Aric Audio Motherlode XL. Merch Rep the community and hobby you love so much. The Raven has a cherry base and I upgraded the standard 6SN7 tubes to the Linlai elite version. Designed by Steve Rabe, the founder of SWR bass amps and cabinets. Perfect for the Raven and another preamp. com Sep 28, 2019 · With the addition of Raven’s cost-no-object capacitors and other upgraded internal components, the Blackhawk commands an even wider soundstage with more three-dimensionality. 4 (much closer to the flagship Rhythm than the base Rhumba and fully balanced), and Aric Audio Motherlode (non the balanced XL version). Posted by dogpoo on June 12, 2002 at 19:58:30 Hi All, I am interested in knowing if anyone here in the DIY tube asylum has built Lynn Olson's Raven preamp. Nov 16, 2019 · The Raven Audio preamp section is one of the main keys to why our Avian Series amplifiers always catch people off guard with their quality. Now, it’s not HUGE but when a little affordable amp like the Raven can beat a McIntosh statement piece in SOUND, then it has my head thinking…. Sorry Folks…. Apparently they are manufactured in a Crate amp processing facility. They are awesome, I heard them on many speaks before I purchased them and they drove every amp with no problem and the sound was incredible, the clarity and softness of the sound blow me away, and when I had friends came over they were amazed. Dec 10, 2015 · Raven audio tube amps are some of the best I ever heard, I have the black hawk integrated amp. My home system includes an Emotiva PT-100 preamp, a Project Debut Carbon turntable with a Schitt Mani phono preamp and an Ortofon Blue cartridge. 1 The Raven Labs PMB-1 remains a solid choice after all these years. doc / . My phono preamp is a Zesto andros deluxe 2 and I overwhelmingly listen to vinyl. Nov 15, 2024 · The Raven preamplifier has been very well received and we have established a rolling pre-order/build cycle about every 10 weeks. He told me about the Raven preamp at that time … he thinks it’s really special and a definite step up from the SP14-based preamps he’s built. The standard configuration is to power it with 9-volt batteries (rated at 50 hours on a set of batteries). LTA tube preamp Oct 26, 2015 · Raven, Raven Nighthawk MK2, Preamplifiers, Power Amplifiers Usually, I hear this kind of boast from cable manufacturers and I don’t give them a second thought. The highs are great as is the midrange. I'll do it with the Raven flat, then do the same riffs etc with the Raven doing some bass boost. Hmm. Mar 25, 2007 · Raven Labs didn't ship these with power adapters, but there is a place to connect one. Compared to my previous solid state preamp, a quite capable Ayre K-1xe, the Raven was better at everything but mostly in the areas of soundstage depth, image stability, 3-dimensionality, focus, clarity and tonal colors. Apr 18, 2024 · I’ll amplify Don’s post. Apr 18, 2024 · First my system; my amps are Quicksilver V4's, my phonostsge is a Modwright PH 9. I've communicated several times with Don, and he flat out tells me this is the best preamp he has ever designed by far and is a "cost no object" project. I would guess on this you agree. Used a slightly different Lundahl per the rec of Kevin Carter at K&K. Rogue Audio RP-9-tubes. Spending my money in the Canadian economy to fight the good fight. com. Each step on its knob-coupled resistor matrix generates one fixed voltage that determines amplification factor thus signal strength instead of maxing out and then trimming its level. 3 anti-cables. Jun 27, 2024 · If you're looking for a "little warmth", I'd suggest a 6SN7 based preamp personally. From dull and listless to vibrant and alive. It's an easy way to get a nice natural sound, and the preamp sounds great even just with my pickup and no mic. Sep 3, 2023 · There is one last pair of the prototype 300b mono amps for sale. The last pair of pre-production Blackbirds are most likely the cheapest ones you will ever see. Keep in mind the Raven is advertised as being a 20 WPC amp. Dec 18, 2021 · @tsushima1 My statement concerning the Raven had nothing to do with preferring the Rogue even with stock tubes. Jan 22, 2022 · Hi folks, yes, Don Sachs and I designed the current Spatial Audio Revelation Series: the Raven preamp and Blackbird PP300B power amp. There’s quite a few posts here on how great the company is, what nice guys the designers are, and great input from the designers themselves. My young son is a picky eater, and it seems he likes a lot of stuff that is grown in Canada (buying in Costco). Oct 21, 2020 · The Raven is in a different league, better sounding than any of those others, trouble-free, easy on tubes and it lets you in on the fantastic customer service from Dave Thomson. With the assistance of Don Sachs and Lynn Olson, the Revelation series has accomplished more than just that. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier. This was the company’s first showing at RMAF. It comes with a set of the fabulous Ray Reserve 6SN7 tubes. The only difference is this preamp display says “D Sachs Audio” instead of Spatial audio lab, but the panel set is labelled Spatial Audio Lab. Part of the Revelation series, the Raven linestage preamplifier brings Western Electric technology into the 21st Century. Front to back, the tubes are: 12AT7: preamp tube amplification Dec 11, 2024 · This drives the Raven preamp and Blackbird amps. Apr 18, 2024 · Spatial Audio Raven Preamp. If you are interested contact me. This is a classic and highly-regarded guitar preamp/DI . com?. Poetic! Indeed the preamp you Are mentioning seems very Nice. Both units were purchased used. Feb 27, 2021 · James in my opinion, the raven integrated amps are some of the best amps in the world for the money. View entire discussion. A single pot wired across the phase and antiphase lines, with the wiper taken to one side is all that is required. Serial number 197. May 4, 2023 · I thought I’ve give an update on the raven (preamp). TLC-2 GT24 built by SMC Audio. @lynn_olson . It was designed to drive darn near anything and it will also drive a very long pair of XLR cables with ease. com Apr 14, 2024 · The Raven preamp will easily drive any amplifier you choose to connect. My bid for egg in the nest: Tung Sol Jan CTL 6SN7GT aka VT 231 end of ww2 era. I decided to install one set each of NOS Mullard 12AU7s, Valvo 12AT7s, and Telefunken 12AT7s initially, and later switch in some stock-level tubes similar to the ones available on the amp's Apr 10, 2025 · Spatial Audio Raven Preamp User Experience Looking for any user info on this preamp. and a pair of 3-way speakers that feature 15” woofers that are very hard to drive. May 31, 2024 · 2.  Makes a great practice amp which is also suitab Apr 18, 2024 · I get all of those things to a greater or lesser extent and my Raven preamp is connected to a Pass Labs X350. It seems to check all my boxes if I need a preamp. 5 solid state amp. Feb 2, 2015 · I built a Raven a few years back with a few mods to the original design.   The case shows some scratched and mottling of the finish, but over all in fine condition for being over 20 years old and havi The Raven amps allow this recording to shine in all of its loud glory while maintaining every bit of the dynamic range encoded into the grooves. All the electronics are plugged into the Puritan Apr 18, 2024 · I will be buying the Raven preamp (which has CanCon) and also spending 6 weeks up in Toronto this summer. Apr 18, 2024 · Looking back, my guess is poor solder technique somewhere in the preamp, or maybe a regulator in the plus or minus supply gave up, yanking the preamp output to 15V or more. I have the CODA #16 amp. Two, they put out way more power than is actually recorded. 6 watts dissipation per section in the Raven, which is well under the 2. I'd even reach out to Aric Kimball (Aric Audio), Don Sachs (Raven preamp, sold by Spatial Audio), and Mick Maloney (Supratek) to have a conversation. Oct 6, 2023 · The Amperex works well in row 2 with either Siemens ECC81 or Mullard in row 1. Nov 10, 2024 · There is a long 300b lovers thread on another board and also one on the Raven preamp. It is loaded up with 4 6L6 tubes, and as stated SIX pre amp tubes. Apr 26, 2024 · The only change in my system today was swapping my Ayre K-1xe preamp for the new Raven. Reply Report Apr 18, 2024 · I received my Raven preamp a week ago. The input is SRPP (Series Regulated Push-Pull), feeding a cathode follower, driving the power amp first gain stage, followed by the phase splitter/driver stage, then output tubes. These are considerably improved from the ones we showed in Seattle at the Pacific Audio Fest last summer. ojj uka yyumv mbzyrlm eddnvze bgolq tquw hgehl nlnmlg xjg gve xziu okvmzu zrtif eftnhm