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



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millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I was pretty close to getting one of these last year and so was digging into it pretty good until finally thought let's wait and see and maybe go Reflection. Anyway, can't remember the source if it was from their website, owner's manual (read them all on-line) or talking with James but pretty sure the news was the Osprey is the same in terms of parts but does use a different circuit that enables both the biasing that gives the few extra watts as well as the flexibility to run different tubes. The difference in power is insignificant but the ability to run a wide range of tubes is not. Especially not with Dave and his ability to guide you through the various NOS tubes he has in stock. 


robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I should have mine Thursday, shipped out today. 
facten
2,885 posts
 
Looks like from the Raven web pages and manual , each of the three versions run 12AT7 & 12AU7 preamp tubes so in that regard NOS is not an option solely for Osprey. The power tubes are 6L6GC which again one would expect the same NOS tubes, if desired ,would be an option in all 3; that is unless the Osprey requires the 7518A variant of the 6L6GC . The Osprey comes with the 7518A variant. The Osprey is autobias, the others are self bias
allears4u
149 posts
 
Millercarbon has caught me at it again...I stand accused of hyperbole! (All in good humour) May I really be honest with you? The Blackhawk is really Waaayyyyy better. Since I've owned both the Nighthawk and Blackhawk I should know! The tone and timbre of the Blackhawk is stunningly beyond Nighthawk. I submit the following experience as evidence.  We've all experienced when a new piece of kit takes the sound quality up a notch where maybe every other piece of media sounds different/better. So far, this upgrade has transformed the quality on EVERY piece This is waaayyy different. I am now eagerly literally going through my entire LP and CD collection (will take a while) and relistening to everything. Each LP and CD (so far) have revealed major improvements. Many of my LP's are not the best recordings, but the Blackhawk has caused me to pull them out and relive afresh old friends in an amazing surprising way. I have yet to be disappointed! Even Antonino Carlos Jobin LP's have thrilled again.   
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,223 posts
 
@robertcropdust I look forward to hearing your opinion.

Oz



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