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



128x128ozzy62
jcoehler's avatar
jcoehler
228 posts
 
@ozzy62 

What were the factors that led you away from the Blackhawk to the Osprey?
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
2,868 posts
 
Well the extra power is something that I don't need, but is nice to have "just because". And I understand that Raven is able to better balance the output tubes in the Osprey to match perfectly. I can only imagine the result is better sonically, even if only a little. James didn't try to hard sell me on the Osprey, but sort of led me down that road. And I was a willing participant.

Oz


jcoehler's avatar
jcoehler
228 posts
 
Cool, thanks for that info. I have an original version Blackhawk and for a few months have been debating....do I upgrade?

And if so, do I get the latest Blackhawk 3.1 or invest the extra $$ into an Osprey 3.1. Still undecided.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
2,868 posts
 
Yeah I wish I could hear them side by side. So if the Osprey knocks it out of the park, I'll never know if the Blackhawk wasn't really just as good. But at least this way I am buying the most expensive amp they sell that I am willing to buy. I don't think I'm a buyer for the Reflection @ 15K. And James is pretty adamant that they probably won't fill in that gap because the Avian amps are so good.


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
@ozzy62,
Are there upgrades in the output transformers and power supply (Increased capacitance reserve for example?) when  going from the Blackhawk to the Osprey? These are two areas that would definitely make a noticeable difference. 
Charles 
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