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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
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.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Sweet. So nice to be proven right.
A lot of the difference between the amps is their bespoke Raven caps. These types of upgrades are always worth it,
Proving yet again it is possible to figure out what is going on without having to bring it home first.

But, could we tone down the hyperbole? Is it really, "WAAYYY better"? Are you sure it isn’t just way better? Can we get a ruling from Charles or whoever is officiating on hyperbole?

That’s a joke, boy. https://youtu.be/EVAdt5bH2tE?t=8
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,195 posts
 
After a long conversation with James Connell yesterday I have decided to change my order from the Blackhawk to the Osprey.

Oz



lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,669 posts
 
@ozzy62,
Personally I think you would be happy with the Blackhawk but I commend you for the upgrade to the Osprey.
I believe you are going to be even happier ;-)
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