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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
petar3
61 posts
 
tried raven with B&W 805s D3. did not like what I heard. There was a strong buzzing sound. amp got very very hot. I can't imagine using that in the summer. Had Rotel before and ended up with Hegel. Very happy. I would not recommend Raven. 
willgolf
933 posts
 
I had a hum on  different brand amplifier and it drove me nuts.  I swapped out PC's, plugged them directly into the wall, swapped speaker and RCA cables, changeds tubes and nothing corrected the hum in one speaker.  It ended up being a simple loose grounding wire.  Just saying there a lot of steps to go through before deciding if it is an actual hum issue.  
rmclain
18 posts
 
The only reason I haven’t tried the Raven is the restock fee. I could probably stomach $150 plus shipping on restock, but I cannot do $400 plus shipping, likely $500 total for me.

I also pause as I recently heard a new PrimaLuna Evo at a buddy’s house that just didn’t work to my ears. He ended up returning it after a long burn-in and with multiple speaker set-ups.

My system is comparable, and I fear if they were even vaguely similar that neither would be a good match with my gear.

I’ve been VERY interested in the Raven for a long time, but I’ll stay with a rebuilt Scott in one room and a Conrad Johnson pre with custom monoblocks in the other.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
That's probably why the restock fee. Way too many out there want the businessman to subsidize their learning curve.
rmclain
18 posts
 
It may be someone learned who has plenty of experience as well. I still think 7% is steep in today’s competitive environment. When you have other outfits like PrimaLuna/Upscale Audio doing returns with no restock, that’s tough to counter. If they are that good, and they seem to have a lot of fans, I’d be willing to bet that a lower restock might increase sales. Just a hunch though.

If you netted even a modest three extra entry level units sold per month, that’s an extra $180,000 gross on a $5k piece, more on higher end stuff. I’m not astute as to the business end of this as some of you are, but it may incentivize some folks.
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