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



ozzy62

Showing 3 responses by sryeager

sryeager
125 posts
 
Thanks for all of your input.  

XS137 - a couple months ago I talked to Musical Concepts/Design and they were doing B&K mods.

i just lept on a chance for an in home trial of a used Rogue Cronus Magnum II this afternoon, and raced up I-5 to snatch it.  At least I can experience tubes without making a purchase.  It’s hooked up, biased, and I’m starting to listen.  No hum or hiss.  Subs are running high level, and I might have to back them off a bit.  Certainly has as much power as the B&K’s 200W.  I haven’t listened enough for a verdict yet.
sryeager
125 posts
 
Well, millercarbon has got me reading all I can find on Raven.  My concern is I’ve only used a B&K 200wpc (ex442) for the 15 years I’ve had a real stereo system.  It is driving refurbished Ohm Walsh 4s and two REL T5 subs.  The subs are using the high input and wired to the speaker binding posts.  Speakers and subs are seamless, so switching to rca to the subs and a high pass crossover will be a deal breaker.  It’s hard to just have faith 30 watts (osprey) will manage.  The Ohm Walsh sensitivity is 89.  Moving up to the Reflection puts me over the price of the Brystons I have been considering.  Maybe I should find a used 30wpc tube amp and see how it does?  Are all 30wpc tube amps created equal in terms of speaker driving force?  I’ve never thought about tube gear much.

i could also send the B&Ks to Musical Design for refurbishing.

or continue enjoying what’s not obviously broken
sryeager
125 posts
 
Exactly right.  I’ve appreciated concise constructive comments here, but I think I’ll head back to the TR2 forum and enjoying music without hyper vigilance.  Which by the way a new-to-me amp is allowing.  It’s all I need.

Van Morrison’s Poetic Champions Compose floats
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