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
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Wow... You guys are going to think I'm making this up. 

I had exactly the same issue with Raven regarding the lack of communication AFTER I made the purchase. 

Unreal.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
disturbing set of data points emerging re raven - maybe not so much the amps but the small team of folks behind them -- suspect quality or at least poor packaging leading to amps being shipped and not surviving their trips unscathed

poor customer follow up is related but separate problem - these are indeed rough times for small companies, seems like raven is not immune to - still with the number of folks here citing communication issues now... not good...

hopefully as the pandemic stabilizes, the company will come back onto more solid footing in terms of responsiveness  (but then again, they are in texas... maybe slower there than other places for the pandemic to get under control)
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,695 posts
 
@rsfphil You’re right. The listing says Sachse, TX clearly. I’m pretty sure it’s him. BTW, he had a very rough experience with Raven as well. 
xs1137's avatar
xs1137
49 posts
 
I will say that I've only had outstanding interaction with Dave Thompson, and I've yet to see otherwise about him. I encountered poor communication at times, yet I am very happy with my Blackhawk. I feel their products are an excellent value for the money, but that does not excuse subpar communication.  Hopefully it's just growing pains.   
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I emailed Raven earlier.... I am not a happy camper. Not going to get into details but very let down at the moment. I will send the amp back next week. I really think some basic support from Raven could of prevented this situation. I have always tried to support local and smaller businesses and will continue to do so. I know my purchase was on the lower end of there product line but I think they should support all there customers equally. I guess I’ll dig out my old faithful SS Yamaha until I find the right tube amp.  :) any suggestions:):) ??
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