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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jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i remember my rm9 back around 2000 with mixed feelings - just beast of an amp... built like a tank and i remember hurting my back moving it... it was so heavy and of course the weight was totally lopsided, and it was also very hard to grip the amp from underneath to move

sounded very nice on proacs though!  
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yogiboy
5,759 posts
 

@robertcropdust

"I was hoping to avoid all the shipping fees and maybe get lucky with a easy fix. "
Why would you have to pay for shipping if the new amp has a problem?
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,223 posts
 
FYI, to anyone interested. There is a very nice Blackhawk that was just listed on that other audio mart site.

If that one had popped up a few weeks ago I'd have gone that way instead of the Osprey. It's priced pretty well so whoever buys it could flip it w/o losing much if it didn't work out.

Oz



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chicagoblue1977
224 posts
 
James and Bryant will take care of you.

Call Bryant and tell him what is going on. James, Dave and Bryant are all owners and they are good folks. 
I only have their cables but have talked and visited with them.
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
Yes. I’ve talked and emailed with James a few times He was going to help with troubleshooting I haven’t heard back from him since last Wednesday. I’m currently out of town for a few days but I’m going to send the amp back ASAP. Really bummed but I guess that’s the way it goes sometimes.  
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