Raven Audio Nighthawk MK3

BIG NEWS....my Raven Nighthawk MKIII apparently has gotten broken in finally. Yes, I WAS impressed but now shocked. And something happened that I didn't EVER expect....my system now exceeds what I thought was even possible in any kit. We've all heard super systems at shows or private set ups in shops and thought "How can I get this sound at home?" only to be chasing an apparent mirage. I sit here now totally enthralled and not infrequently stunned at the realism being projected. (Yamaha CD player S2100, all Tellurium Q cabling, Klipsch LaScalas (bass is now super. Apparently was being limited by links, I've removed sub now. Unnecessary) AND then finally the tube integrated Raven Audio Nighthawk MKIII (self biasing, no adjusting. I was originally put off tubes because of hassle. No hassle here) Then there's this, Raven Dave is sending me hand picked tubes to upgrade my preamp section. Really? No one in China, Japan, or even California is going to do that! This company is above the top of the industry. No one else comes close. Find the reviews on line. This amp is true super high end. If you own LaScalas let me say they are capable of so much more being wedded to tubes with the Nighthawk. In musical dreamland .....

Hello,
This has not been active for a while but I thought I could inquire how you came to the decision of purchasing Raven Audio Nighthawk.  I have researching options for the past few weeks and have started to narrow down my potential choices.  I too have La Scalas IIs and Cornwall IIs and is currently using what a lot of folks would consider beginner tube amps.  They both do sound great with what I currently have but from what I have been reading, I can get more out of these speakers and enjoy them more.  So far, I have been looking at DECWARE Torii Jr, Raven and Bob Latino's VTA ST-70.  And from your description of the musicality of the Ravens, they compare well with the DECWARE.  Both are transparent and can bring out the best in your speakers. Both have  lifetime warranty and excellent build qualities.  Except that the Raven is a true integrated amp.  If they perform very similar, the Raven would be a better buy price wise.  It is a tough decision without trying out the amps and both have return policy with restock fees but would rather not go through that if I can. Opinions from fellow La Scala or Cornwalls owners would be valuable and appreciated.  Many thanks in advance!  

Hello. 
Can someone please explain to me how the Bypass switch works? I want to make sure I fully understand it correctly. I got my Nighthawk today!

In answer to how I arrived at the Raven Nighthawk 1) Made in USA 2) Crazy good reviews 3) Total upgrade value within year (Or immediate refund) Primaluna, Leben, and Line Magnetic are made overseas. NOW I know that the personal service from Raven Audio in Texas is way above and beyond anything I've ever experienced from any dealer or audio manufacturer. These guys at Raven really care and help on a level which is simply unbelievable. Klipsch heritage line are hyper sensitive. When I first hooked everything up I had hum. My router, phone, and modem were are way too close to the amp. Once moved all was well. The tech called me to talk about the situation. Offered to ship back. Since then the owner Raven Dave has helped me get tubes, James has called, Bryant calls...Do Raven....these LaScala are totally blowing me away. (No subs necessary any more) Paul Klipsch would be proud....my Mullard preamp tubes up front are truly miraculous. Thanks Raven Dave....  

As to bass bypass... just follow the overly simple instructions in manual EXCEPT do NOT trying switching it back and forth while amp is on. TURN OFF before changing setting. The manual does say this but it bears repeating. With Raven off, and connect your sub(s), set bypass to on and the bass signal is bypassed through raven main speakers to bass sub unit, then turn on Raven.  This relieves the amp from having to amplify those demanding lower frequencies and saves your power for mains. The lower frequencies are filtered from mains into sub(s) only. The Raven Nighthawk 20 watts will allow Klipsch LaScalas to be able to blast into rock concert volume WITHOUT using the bypass feature. (Not exaggerating at all!) Plenty of headroom. LaScala's are very low distortion at low volumes by the way. Saves ears!