Spatial Audio Raven Preamp

I asked Spatial about the deposit, it is $2500 down, remainder at shipping. It was 5-6 weeks timeline then.

I would appreciate your findings if you don't mind when you get it settled into your rig, thank you! It would also be the end gamer for me as well.

Hi remember me, I started this thread. 😁 Anyway, I finally got my Coda s5.5 amp introduced into my system. (In user systems) I replaced my VAC Renaissance 70/70 amp and VAC Cla1Mk III preamp. I use the Legacy Wavelet II as the preamp/crossover/DSP room correction now. With very little time on the rig it sounds very good but I think I would like to add a little "Tube magic" back into the system's midrange and soundstage if possible. So the question is for those that now have the Raven, does the preamp have that characteristic at all? I remember before when I had to run my Focus XD's full range the VAC Preamp added just the right amount of tube flavor to satisfy, so looking for a bit of that. I don't see any reviews about the preamp in this thread so far, just checking.  Thank you!

BTW, I am saving for the Raven, but had a few set backs that detracted from my savings for it, but back on track now.

Thanks @donsachs  I appreciate the response. Sounds like a good match for me. 

I noticed today they raised the price from $5495 to $5895.

Do the sound characteristics of this preamp enhance or make bass more pronounced? I am not really looking for that. I want tonally neutral but with the tube holographic presentation they are known for and some midrange warmth or fullness. I just read a review of the Aric Audio Motherload XL and the bass description had me concerned. That one was on my list but I really don’t want to spend another $1000 and have wait longer to afford it. I certainly do not want any McIntosh type bass either. I have been saving for this since April 2024! Should have it by April 2025.

@jc4659   Thank you for that reply. I may just get the stock tubes as I can use a little warmth and if not then get a set of Linlai tubes later to tube roll. Appreciated.

@rav6258   Thank you for your comments, I am saving to buy the Raven this coming spring and this verifies some of the traits I am looking for. 

I spoke with David at Spatial last week, and the time has finally come that I will be placing my order for my Raven Preamp in the next week or two while I am home for the holidays. I've been saving for a very long time being retired now. I will get to enjoy it later this spring after it's made and delivered and I return home again for the Spring/Summer. I started this thread in April. I hope ya'all are enjoying your Raven's!

@yyzsantabarbara    I ended up not needing a preamp, I use a Legacy Audio Wavelet II as my Preamp. I drive the top of my Legacy Focus XD's with the Coda and the internal amps in the speakers drive the bass. The Wavelet II has room correction software in it.

I would suggest you just try running your DAC straight into the Raven to compare. You may be surprised at what you hear. Just give it a try.