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



ozzy62
sryeager
125 posts
 
Exactly right.  I’ve appreciated concise constructive comments here, but I think I’ll head back to the TR2 forum and enjoying music without hyper vigilance.  Which by the way a new-to-me amp is allowing.  It’s all I need.

Van Morrison’s Poetic Champions Compose floats
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
the critical success factor in owning a tube amp that makes music well is working within its power envelope and matching to speakers that highlight the amp’s strengths and don’t often remind you of its weaknesses

to ask a 30-35 wpc 6l6 amp to power 86 db/w/m 6 ohm harbeth super 5’s in a large room is a recipe for a fail... but maybe a smaller room, with 8 ohm proacs or spendors? or some devores? that would be a more appropriate use case

otoh... klipsch cornwalls may be a little too easy a load...

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in a sidebar comment, now here is a honest to goodness seriously lovely tube amp... https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649727980-airtight-atm-1-original-version-with-tubed-rectifiers/
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,743 posts
 
Agreed --- the point was to not expect miracles. It has been claimed that those 20 watts are much, much powerful than you would think -- they're not! Within it's power specs and price range, it is a very good amplifier and worth buying.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@arafiq,
Very astute observations. I heard the Rouge tube amplifier years back and thought it a bit solid state like in comparison to a similar priced Quicksilver amplifier.

Also agree of your Blackhawk against the ARC GSi 75. Very different price and performance categories. Not fair for the Blackhawk.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@jjss49, 
That's a good price for a used AirTight ATM-1. Definitely high tier Japanese amplifier,  they don't come cheap however 😊.
Charles 
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