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
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,429 posts
 
Back in 1999 my buddy had an Airtight ATM-1 and brought it over for a shootout against my lowly Music Reference RM9. Long story short, he sold it and bought an RM9 pretty quick.

But man, that Airtight amp sure was purdy..............
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Oz,
Music Reference is good quality stuff. Always horses for courses for sure.
Charles 
jond's avatar
jond
6,063 posts
 
I owned an Air Tight ATM-1 myself back in the day it was indeed a lovely looking amp. I wish I knew then what I know now about tube rolling as it never really thrilled me. Much happier with my current custom amp but I did get a twinge of gearlust looking at that ATM-1 ;)
Post removed 
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I received my Blackhawk on April 1st and I’m still trying to get rid of the hum/hiss the amp is producing. I have isolated the power supply, cleaned up all cable runs, tried multiple speaker cables and speakers. I’m running corner horns with fresh crossovers and tweeters. I’ve also hooked up other SS amps and they are dead quite between songs at all volumes. Do you guys have any suggestions that might help? this amp sounds great while music is playing at mid volume but the hum between songs is maddening. This is my first tube amp and maybe some hum is normal but at 15’ it’s just to much for me. Any suggestions would be appreciated Thanks.
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