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
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,223 posts
 
Owning Cornwall IVs I'm not the least bit concerned about having enough power.

Oz


audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Get a sugden class A...then use something tubed to connect to it, such as a tubed phono preamp or dac. Why fuss with tubes in an amp? The small tubes in both a phono preamp or dac will last a very very long time. 
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,223 posts
 
Why fuss with tubes in an amp?

Not sure if serious........?

Why? Well because tube amps sound better than SS amps the vast majority of the time. I also have tubes in my phono stage and my DAC. They are just the preferred method of amplification in all applications if sound quality is a premium.

That said, I am not of the mind that all tube amps sound better than all SS amps. I have owned some very good solid state amps, but they usually don't hang around for very long.

Oz


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
"Why fuss with tubes in an amp?"
+1 @ozzy62 reply. 
Charles 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 

Why fuss with tubes in an amp?

Not sure if serious........?


Right- it's an insult not an argument.

There's no reason to "fuss". Simply use what comes, it will be fine. The beauty of Raven, if you do want to fuss (what others call tube rolling) you are dealing with Dave Thompson. Tube rolling any other way is a crap shoot. Dave though is a tube connoisseur with encyclopedic knowledge and experience and a vast store of incredible rare NOS tubes. So instead of throwing money around at random tubes you can talk and Dave can help you find your magic tubes. I mean, if the magic as delivered isn't already magic enough!😍
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