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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
wrm57
983 posts
 
That's how I feel about my Manley Stingray II. I like the idea of triode but UL just sounds better, more balanced. Same was true of the VAC 300.1a I used to have.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
2,855 posts
 
I have owned amps from VTL, Manley, NOSvalves, Granite Audio, that were switchable into Triode/UL and none of them sounded as good in Triode mode. 


allears4u
130 posts
 

Bees buzz and transformers hum....especially when you're trying to pair Raven Integrated with Klipsch Lascalas. Super tubes and hyper efficient loudspeakers are tempting the very laws of physics. HOWEVER, despite my comments about Raven hum I recently made a significant breakthrough. During play I laid my hand on the top of the metal box that encases the transformers. Pushing down the hum ceased which came from the unit itself. (I still could hear a light sizzle from horns up close.) Since I couldn't leave my hand there. and sit in my sweet spot, (it wasn't too hot) I found a solid clay brick from my patio sprayed it gold put four felt feet under it and laid it upon the metal box. Problem solved. Much quieter. But then upon returning to my seat something jumped out at me that blew me out of my chair. The music was MUCH clearer! Those little tubes were apparently having their tiny brains shook so much the atoms were getting confused as to which direction to go! Big clarity enhancement. Since there are a couple Raven owners here I thought keeping this to myself would be cruel. Hence my new company: Gold Bricks with felt feet $49.99!!! LOL 

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