Raven vs primaluna integrated amplifiers

@skypunk -- have you tried any tube rolling with your Blackhawk yet? 

I listened to a Raven Audio Osprey and Primaluna Dialog Premium HP a few months ago on the same day, same equipment. Truth be told they're more similar than different. Both have excellent dynamics as far as tube amps go, very clear sound, and you get the holographic three dimensional sound without being overly lush or warm. So from an SQ perspective, it's a wash. Now when it comes to looks, the Raven Audio looks much better to me, and yes I know its very subjective.

For me the choice was clear. If the price and sound quality are on par, why not spend your money to support a local business (Dave and James of Raven are fellow Texans). Because Raven bypasses the middleman, a better portion of the cost goes towards parts and craftsmanship. I eventually bought the Blackhawk MK3 and have enjoyed it very much in the 3 months that I've owned it. BTW, don't let the 20 watts output fool you. It plays as loud, but with more refinement and control, than my previous amp, the 100 watt Cronus Magnum II. Having said that, let's be real -- it's not a giant killer. It does very well within it's own price bracket but no, it's not going to better a tube amp costing $10k. I briefly had an Audio Research GSi75 in the house and compared it to the Blackhawk. Sorry, not even close! I ended up selling it for other reasons but still miss it to date.

To be fair, from what I've heard, Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio stands behind PL just as well. We can be patriotic and support our own manufacturers (I try my best), but really there's no need to justify this by putting down an equally good sounding product made in another country. I buy American whenever possible, not because I dislike China, but because I want to support the little guy in my own country.

I also posted my impressions on SQ. looks like some folks are fixated on MC. 
+1 Ozzy

@audio2design -- the Raven Audio guy you’re referring to is a brilliant engineer. He designs speakers, amps, works with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and other similar organizations, and is extremely knowledgeable about his craft. He lets his craft speak for itself and doesn’t need to throw his credentials around like confetti. In short, he’s neither an armchair general nor an internet warrior.

Can you please point us to (actual links please) the world class products that you built, or publications, or details of the world class company that you supposedly ran for many years? How about showing us the pics of your system? Anything, anything, beyond words, please!

@audio2design -- you still didn’t give me a reason to pay any attention to your credibility. I might be a simpleton, but I know enough that people who actually build a product and put it out there for the world to see and critique are always going to be champions in my book. Arm chair generals and monday morning quarterbacks are dime a dozen. So let’s see some concrete proof of your accomplishments that go beyond delusions of grandeur. Right now, you’re one rung below kenjit in my book. Come on, you can do better!