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
tablejockey
3,800 posts
 
That's unfortunate you had a bad experience with Raven, ozzy62.

Their products appear to be good, but it looks like a small, understaffed organization in a difficult time. 

Have you tried any of the tried and true Chinese brands many love to bash- Prima Luna/Line Magnetics, Icon Audio etc? 

You would have had one in a timely matter up and running long ago. They have been around for a good reason-value/performance and good support.

If you must have a made in USA amp- never mind.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
2,878 posts
 
I had a Line Magnetic 518i for a while and it was a very good amp.

BTW a good deal came up on an Aric Audio Super KT88/150 SE so I snapped it up. I’ll keep my Sachs pre because I really like that piece.


t_ramey
632 posts
 
Awesome, congrats ozzy62 on the Aric. I’ve heard nothing but great things about his products and service. Is the KT88 you got an integrated or amp only?
chicagoblue1977's avatar
chicagoblue1977
224 posts
 
@tablejockey 

Thought Icon was made in the UK.

Not that it really matters all these companies, with very few exceptions have offshore content. That is the major issue in the supply chain. Though if you are only buying boards and resistors and capacitors from abroad they can easily go air. Finished product such as speakers and components would be very costly to send by air and would be on water. Ocean freight is a mess with capacity maxed out and ports operating at minimum capacity. Also depends if your product is deemed essential by the 🤡🚗 posse in the capitol. 

tablejockey
3,800 posts
 
"Thought Icon was made in the UK."

Icon is a UK based company, but  their products are manufactured in China-like the majority of brands.
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