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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
rmclain
18 posts
 
Looking forward to an update once Ozzy and Robert get their units. If I can negotiate a lower return fee, I may still go for it.

I love my Fisher and Scott gear, but even restored you have to get service occasionally. Really want a newer more maintenance free piece.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,159 posts
 
One of the things that concerns me is this. A lot of the reviews of these entry level integrated amps are from people who were already using budget friendly equipment. I'm not sure how the Avian amps can match up against higher tier amp/preamp combos. I guess I'll find out before long.

Oz


millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Raven isn't exactly entry level. Kind of like saying the Cayman is an entry level car. For Porsche? Sure. Compared to other cars? Dream on. Same here. There's tons of reviews and comments comparing these to much more respected and expensive amps. I suspect you will be like the typical first time Porsche owner, marveling how "just another car" can be so darn much fun to drive. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@ozzy62,
As with other posters here I’m interested in your listening impression of the Raven Blackhawk. Your situation is potentially very informative. You currently have both a highly regarded preamplifier and tube power amplifier. So it  is intriguing as to how a respected intergrated amplifier sounds compared to two respected separate components as the only variable in a familiar audio system. This is more meaningful than repetitive hyperbole.
Charles
allears4u
147 posts
 
I have owned both the Nighthawk AND Blackhawk. Had Nighthawk almost a year then traded up to Blackhawk. Almost didn't make the change because I honestly didn't believe it could get better (law of diminishing returns theory). I WAS COMPLETELY WRONG. The Blackhawk is WAAYYY better (in my system). The $$$ difference is about $800. Never has $800 been better spent. My cassettes sound like vinyl quality, my vinyl now attains CD dynamics, my CD's are wowsa real shocker clear and lifelike deep and wide. (With a cheapo Oppo even. My Yamaha S2100 is in the hospital, had a stroke I think) Get the Blackhawk I'd say. Very much worth the difference.
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