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



128x128ozzy62
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
@devilboy 
yes I think this will be a fun journey building up my perfect system for my hideaway. I also think it can get expensive and addicting at the same time:) I do believe that Raven will stand by their product and I’m sure this will get resolved soon enough. I’ve ordered many thousand of dollars of avionics for my aircraft through the years and I have received damaged electronics that could have easily caused a very bad day for me and my family while flying. There is a good chance that FedEx might have tried for a 60 yard field goal with the wind in there face??? Who knows. I won’t let this experience with Raven stress me out there’s plenty of stress to be found elsewhere. I still have my old SS Yamaha to piss off my neighbors!:)
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,699 posts
 
I think the seller is skypunk. 
On a different note, can you imagine if the same number of people reported problems with chifi tube amps? Oh the horror!!!
willgolf
939 posts
 
I just took delivery of a totallt different $50k amp that had a hum in one channel.   After switiching power cable. interconnects, speaker cables and some tubes it was still there.  Similar to above it was a loose grounding wire.  

I also hada hum with an old Raven.  I called Dave T and he walked me through it.  It was simply a bad tube which can happen.  It is very easy to test to see if you have a bad tube.  However, it does require you to have another similar tube.  

Call Dave --- he is the brains behind the amp and he will take care of you.  
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ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,223 posts
 
The pictures don't look like skypunks virtual system pics. Tubes are different too. Although this seller and skypunk are both from TX. But I don't think it's his.


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