About three to four months ago, I was looking to purchase an integrated amplifier and went on to audition several amps and speakers. I listened to both the Raven Audio Blackhawk (which is one level above Nighthawk) as well as the McIntosh MA252, albeit not at the same location or the same day, so take my impressions with a grain of salt.
Personally, I don't think that the Nighthawk or Blackhawk are 'clearly' better than the MA252, it really depends on your preference and taste. Honestly, I could have lived with either. McIntosh certainly has a unique sound signature that you must listen to before writing it off. I'm going off on memory, but my impression was that the MA252 had more oomph and heft compared to the Nighthawk, but keep in mind the location, day of demo, and supporting equipment was completely different.
Another amp to consider is the Primaluna integrated. I was able to do a direct A/B between the Blackhawk and Primaluna Dialog HP, and preferred the Blackhawk but only by a small margin. Both Raven and McIntosh or made in the USA, while Primaluna is assembled in China. This may or may not be important to you.
Finally, if you go with the Mac, you can always recoup your investment if you plan to sell it down the road. Good luck!
Personally, I don't think that the Nighthawk or Blackhawk are 'clearly' better than the MA252, it really depends on your preference and taste. Honestly, I could have lived with either. McIntosh certainly has a unique sound signature that you must listen to before writing it off. I'm going off on memory, but my impression was that the MA252 had more oomph and heft compared to the Nighthawk, but keep in mind the location, day of demo, and supporting equipment was completely different.
Another amp to consider is the Primaluna integrated. I was able to do a direct A/B between the Blackhawk and Primaluna Dialog HP, and preferred the Blackhawk but only by a small margin. Both Raven and McIntosh or made in the USA, while Primaluna is assembled in China. This may or may not be important to you.
Finally, if you go with the Mac, you can always recoup your investment if you plan to sell it down the road. Good luck!