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



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@rsfphil You’re right. The listing says Sachse, TX clearly. I’m pretty sure it’s him. BTW, he had a very rough experience with Raven as well. 
I will say that I've only had outstanding interaction with Dave Thompson, and I've yet to see otherwise about him. I encountered poor communication at times, yet I am very happy with my Blackhawk. I feel their products are an excellent value for the money, but that does not excuse subpar communication.  Hopefully it's just growing pains.   
I emailed Raven earlier.... I am not a happy camper. Not going to get into details but very let down at the moment. I will send the amp back next week. I really think some basic support from Raven could of prevented this situation. I have always tried to support local and smaller businesses and will continue to do so. I know my purchase was on the lower end of there product line but I think they should support all there customers equally. I guess I’ll dig out my old faithful SS Yamaha until I find the right tube amp.  :) any suggestions:):) ??
Hey Robert,

This is Dave Thomson.  Please call me so I can help.  I don't know what's going on but I promise I will make sure that whatever it is is taken care of. 

Sorry for anyone and everyone that has ever had a problem with my products, but we are indeed growing and with this Covid problem sometimes this alone has been a very difficult situation.  Horrible even. 

You guys just cannot imagine what occurs in the supply chain behind the brand sometimes that nobody else ever hears about.  But it is substantial right now especially...   still there is never any GOOD reason to ever not take care of a customer and make sure that he/she is eventually happy with the Raven  Audio product they receive.

Sometimes the problem behind communication is that we need a break sometimes too.  And our new facility has been hit hard by the virus. With only 1 person full time, and two current part timers due to our age and family situations, it has been a bit of a struggle to make everyone perfectly happy immediately. 

I therefore am here right now to make those that aren't happy - if possible, eventually.  As in NOW!  Call me, or email me at dave@R_____.com please.  If you don't have my number already email me and I will send it to you right away so we can talk ear to ear.

I will also apologize ahead of time for not being able to be here all the time anymore.  I am unfortunately not going to be able to do that for a while.  But I am here to try to catch up right now, so please.  Get with me directly and I will try to figure this situation out. 

Especially....   thanks to all the RavenHeads that notified me of this problem on Agon.

Most Sincerely,
RavenDave Thomson