Raven Audio Nighthawk

I have owned both the Nighthawk AND Blackhawk. Had Nighthawk almost a year then traded up to Blackhawk. Almost didn't make the change because I honestly didn't believe it could get better (law of diminishing returns theory). I WAS COMPLETELY WRONG. The Blackhawk is WAAYYY better (in my system). The $$$ difference is about $800. Never has $800 been better spent. My cassettes sound like vinyl quality, my vinyl now attains CD dynamics, my CD's are wowsa real shocker clear and lifelike deep and wide. (With a cheapo Oppo even. My Yamaha S2100 is in the hospital, had a stroke I think) Get the Blackhawk I'd say. Very much worth the difference.

Millercarbon has caught me at it again...I stand accused of hyperbole! (All in good humour) May I really be honest with you? The Blackhawk is really Waaayyyyy better. Since I've owned both the Nighthawk and Blackhawk I should know! The tone and timbre of the Blackhawk is stunningly beyond Nighthawk. I submit the following experience as evidence.  We've all experienced when a new piece of kit takes the sound quality up a notch where maybe every other piece of media sounds different/better. So far, this upgrade has transformed the quality on EVERY piece This is waaayyy different. I am now eagerly literally going through my entire LP and CD collection (will take a while) and relistening to everything. Each LP and CD (so far) have revealed major improvements. Many of my LP's are not the best recordings, but the Blackhawk has caused me to pull them out and relive afresh old friends in an amazing surprising way. I have yet to be disappointed! Even Antonino Carlos Jobin LP's have thrilled again.   

Bees buzz and transformers hum....especially when you're trying to pair Raven Integrated with Klipsch Lascalas. Super tubes and hyper efficient loudspeakers are tempting the very laws of physics. HOWEVER, despite my comments about Raven hum I recently made a significant breakthrough. During play I laid my hand on the top of the metal box that encases the transformers. Pushing down the hum ceased which came from the unit itself. (I still could hear a light sizzle from horns up close.) Since I couldn't leave my hand there. and sit in my sweet spot, (it wasn't too hot) I found a solid clay brick from my patio sprayed it gold put four felt feet under it and laid it upon the metal box. Problem solved. Much quieter. But then upon returning to my seat something jumped out at me that blew me out of my chair. The music was MUCH clearer! Those little tubes were apparently having their tiny brains shook so much the atoms were getting confused as to which direction to go! Big clarity enhancement. Since there are a couple Raven owners here I thought keeping this to myself would be cruel. Hence my new company: Gold Bricks with felt feet $49.99!!! LOL