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
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
3,219 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.


jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
hopefully that character skypunk has been banned... what a polluter...

ozzy - you get your raven yet?  i would think they would mate very well with your corn 4's
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,219 posts
 
No Raven yet. And communicating with them these days doesn't seem to be as easy as days gone by. I'll leave it at that.
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