2. amps-preamps
  3. 165322-4660

Raven Audio Nighthawk

So the scuttlbutt on the Raven integrated amps is pretty good. But just how good are they? Are they good when compared to other comparably priced tube integrateds? Or are they better than some heavy hitters?

I currently have a NOSvalves ST-45 amp paired with a Don Sachs Model 2 (latest version) preamp and I am extremely happy with this pairing. With that said, I guess there is nothing really that I'm looking to improve. But since we all know how this game goes, I just wonder how much better (or not) the Blackhawk III would be. Consolidating two pieces down to one chasis is an attractive idea too.

I would love to hear from you if you own a Nighthawk or Blackhawk or have auditioned one against something else. I know they offer a 45 day trial period, but from my calculations if I don't like it it will cost me close to 400.00 out of pocket once the dust settles. So I'd like to go into this with a warm fuzzy that it's pretty darn good.

Oz



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Showing 2 responses by avanti1960

avanti1960
1,409 posts
 
I owned a nighthawk and then a blackhawk.  seriously good sounding amps but this is when they were offering premium nos svet power tubes and mullard, rca, amperex small signal tubes.  
i have not heard the latest stock tube configurations but nos phillips and new EH tubes do not excite me.  
it certainly can sound amazing with the right tubes as long as you are not expecting large scale dynamics from typical 84 to 86 db speakers.   higher efficiency speakers are a must for top range sound, a compromise some are willing to make.  
a nice pair of spendor d7.2 and yeah, these amps can deliver the goods. 
avanti1960
1,409 posts
 
When auditioning a Raven amp be aware of tube and amplifier burn in.  At least 100 hours.  Also that NOS tubes like Amperex, RCA and Mullard can literally transform the sound to a much higher level of unheard of transparency and refinement and sound stage.  
I actually demoed my well burned in, well "tubed" Blackhawk at a local dealer, one of two in the country at that time.  
Playing through a pair of KEF LS50s in a medium room at moderate volume the sound was literally the best I have ever heard.  Not the biggest, just the sweetest, most transparent likable sound ever.  Bought it on the spot.  
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