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



128x128ozzy62

Showing 4 responses by facten

Looks like from the Raven web pages and manual , each of the three versions run 12AT7 & 12AU7 preamp tubes so in that regard NOS is not an option solely for Osprey. The power tubes are 6L6GC which again one would expect the same NOS tubes, if desired ,would be an option in all 3; that is unless the Osprey requires the 7518A variant of the 6L6GC . The Osprey comes with the 7518A variant. The Osprey is autobias, the others are self bias
Interested ozzy62 in hearing your firsthand and objective assessment regarding the Osprey's musicality and if there are any hum issues or not.
It's always best to have someone impartial conduct the review versus someone that has already made up their mind. All the best going forward with your business