Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
**Raven Preamplifier:** spatialaudiolab.com/amplification
**Blackbird Monoblocks:** spatialaudiolab.com/blackbird-monoblock
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Start
01:36 - General Information
07:55 - Cables and Power Cords
11:37 - 300B Magic
16:26 - Listening Impressions
31:54 - Final Thoughts
**Spatial Audio Raven & Blackbird Review | A Bold New Take on Tube Sound**
In today’s video, we’re diving deep into the *Spatial Audio Raven preamplifier* and *Blackbird monoblock amplifiers*—a fully transformer-coupled, zero-feedback tube system that takes a fresh and fearless approach to high-end sound. With 300B output tubes driven by KT88s, a 64-step volume attenuator, and transformer isolation throughout, this combo is all about pure signal integrity and musical emotion.
The Raven offers 13dB of gain, XLR/RCA inputs and outputs, and a front-panel headphone jack. The Blackbirds deliver 24 watts per channel of beautifully voiced, dynamically engaging tube power. Both units are fully balanced, come with a 45-day in-home trial, and are backed by a five-year warranty.
But—as always—I’m not here just to gush. I’ve got a bone to pick about output limitations on the Raven (where my sub outs at?), and I also explore a low-level transformer hum I picked up when the amps were idle. It’s a quiet room in the Sound Shed and probably related to DC offset on my line—but it's still worth mentioning.
We'll also talk cables (yes… including power cords), silver vs copper interconnects, and how different combinations affected my listening impressions. Spoiler alert: the amp/cable synergy is real—but subtle.
**Real-time system comparisons in this video:**
1. Raven + Blackbirds
2. Holo Serene preamp + Blackbirds
3. Raven + Legacy IV2 solid state amp
**System Chain:**
Source: Innuos Zenith into Holo May DAC
Speakers: New Record Day prototypes (stay tuned)
Power & RCA Cables: GR-Research
Subwoofers: Yes, bass is covered
If you’re curious about the magic (and quirks) of modern 300B designs, and want to know whether Spatial Audio’s Raven and Blackbird system might be your ticket to tube nirvana… this one’s for you.
🎧 Headphones on. Let’s get into it.
\#SpatialAudio #TubeAmps #HighEndAudio #300B #BlackbirdAmp #RavenPreamp #Audiophile #NewRecordDay
---
**💎 Speakers Reviewed & Recommended 💎**
**Bookshelf:**
Elac Unifi 2.0: [amzn.to/2OrL5RW](https://amzn.to/2OrL5RW)
Elac UB5: [amzn.to/3qo2msU](https://amzn.to/3qo2msU)
Elac Debut 2.0: [amzn.to/3uVfWar](https://amzn.to/3uVfWar)
Elac Debut Reference: [amzn.to/2OnQU2W](https://amzn.to/2OnQU2W)
SVS Ultra: [amzn.to/3uXIkZJ](https://amzn.to/3uXIkZJ)
JBL Studio 530: [amzn.to/3uVagNL](https://amzn.to/3uVagNL)
**Floorstanding:**
Q Acoustics Concept 500: [amzn.to/3ddGkEx](https://amzn.to/3ddGkEx)
SVS Ultra: [amzn.to/3qo2msU](https://amzn.to/3qo2msU)
SVS Prime Pinnacle: [amzn.to/2MMYt2J](https://amzn.to/2MMYt2J)
Elac Debut 2.0: [amzn.to/3ruZRX7](https://amzn.to/3ruZRX7)
Elac Unifi 2.0 UF52: [amzn.to/3uXJa8P](https://amzn.to/3uXJa8P)
Elac UF5: [amzn.to/3e9ri4F](https://amzn.to/3e9ri4F)
Triangle Borea Bro 8: [adorama.rfvk.net/Ygg9oO](https://adorama.rfvk.net/Ygg9oO)
PSB Alpha T20: [amzn.to/3uS2swa](https://amzn.to/3uS2swa)
---
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Facebook: [facebook.com/NewRecordDay/](https://www.facebook.com/NewRecordDay/)
Twitter/X: [twitter.com/nrdreviews](https://twitter.com/nrdreviews)
**💪 Support the Channel 💪**
Patreon: [patreon.com/newrecordday](https://www.patreon.com/newrecordday)
Paypal Donations: [sales@newrecordday.com](mailto:sales@newrecordday.com)
**Disclaimer:** Some links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. Every bit helps support the channel and bring better content your way. Thank you!
---
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**Raven Preamplifier:** spatialaudiolab.com/amplification
**Blackbird Monoblocks:** spatialaudiolab.com/blackbird-monoblock
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Start
01:36 - General Information
07:55 - Cables and Power Cords
11:37 - 300B Magic
16:26 - Listening Impressions
31:54 - Final Thoughts
**Spatial Audio Raven & Blackbird Review | A Bold New Take on Tube Sound**
In today’s video, we’re diving deep into the *Spatial Audio Raven preamplifier* and *Blackbird monoblock amplifiers*—a fully transformer-coupled, zero-feedback tube system that takes a fresh and fearless approach to high-end sound. With 300B output tubes driven by KT88s, a 64-step volume attenuator, and transformer isolation throughout, this combo is all about pure signal integrity and musical emotion.
The Raven offers 13dB of gain, XLR/RCA inputs and outputs, and a front-panel headphone jack. The Blackbirds deliver 24 watts per channel of beautifully voiced, dynamically engaging tube power. Both units are fully balanced, come with a 45-day in-home trial, and are backed by a five-year warranty.
But—as always—I’m not here just to gush. I’ve got a bone to pick about output limitations on the Raven (where my sub outs at?), and I also explore a low-level transformer hum I picked up when the amps were idle. It’s a quiet room in the Sound Shed and probably related to DC offset on my line—but it's still worth mentioning.
We'll also talk cables (yes… including power cords), silver vs copper interconnects, and how different combinations affected my listening impressions. Spoiler alert: the amp/cable synergy is real—but subtle.
**Real-time system comparisons in this video:**
1. Raven + Blackbirds
2. Holo Serene preamp + Blackbirds
3. Raven + Legacy IV2 solid state amp
**System Chain:**
Source: Innuos Zenith into Holo May DAC
Speakers: New Record Day prototypes (stay tuned)
Power & RCA Cables: GR-Research
Subwoofers: Yes, bass is covered
If you’re curious about the magic (and quirks) of modern 300B designs, and want to know whether Spatial Audio’s Raven and Blackbird system might be your ticket to tube nirvana… this one’s for you.
🎧 Headphones on. Let’s get into it.
\#SpatialAudio #TubeAmps #HighEndAudio #300B #BlackbirdAmp #RavenPreamp #Audiophile #NewRecordDay
---
**💎 Speakers Reviewed & Recommended 💎**
**Bookshelf:**
Elac Unifi 2.0: [amzn.to/2OrL5RW](https://amzn.to/2OrL5RW)
Elac UB5: [amzn.to/3qo2msU](https://amzn.to/3qo2msU)
Elac Debut 2.0: [amzn.to/3uVfWar](https://amzn.to/3uVfWar)
Elac Debut Reference: [amzn.to/2OnQU2W](https://amzn.to/2OnQU2W)
SVS Ultra: [amzn.to/3uXIkZJ](https://amzn.to/3uXIkZJ)
JBL Studio 530: [amzn.to/3uVagNL](https://amzn.to/3uVagNL)
**Floorstanding:**
Q Acoustics Concept 500: [amzn.to/3ddGkEx](https://amzn.to/3ddGkEx)
SVS Ultra: [amzn.to/3qo2msU](https://amzn.to/3qo2msU)
SVS Prime Pinnacle: [amzn.to/2MMYt2J](https://amzn.to/2MMYt2J)
Elac Debut 2.0: [amzn.to/3ruZRX7](https://amzn.to/3ruZRX7)
Elac Unifi 2.0 UF52: [amzn.to/3uXJa8P](https://amzn.to/3uXJa8P)
Elac UF5: [amzn.to/3e9ri4F](https://amzn.to/3e9ri4F)
Triangle Borea Bro 8: [adorama.rfvk.net/Ygg9oO](https://adorama.rfvk.net/Ygg9oO)
PSB Alpha T20: [amzn.to/3uS2swa](https://amzn.to/3uS2swa)
---
**⭐️ Follow New Record Day ⭐️**
Instagram: [instagram.com/newrecordday/](https://www.instagram.com/newrecordday/)
Facebook: [facebook.com/NewRecordDay/](https://www.facebook.com/NewRecordDay/)
Twitter/X: [twitter.com/nrdreviews](https://twitter.com/nrdreviews)
**💪 Support the Channel 💪**
Patreon: [patreon.com/newrecordday](https://www.patreon.com/newrecordday)
Paypal Donations: [sales@newrecordday.com](mailto:sales@newrecordday.com)
**Disclaimer:** Some links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. Every bit helps support the channel and bring better content your way. Thank you!
---
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