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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Though it is true that we are manned physically by only 1 person in the new Raven Audio facility in Shreveport, others are working FOR Raven in manufacturing elsewhere - all of the time.

We are only down to 3 in the sales department, with James being the only one physically in the office - for good reason.  We are trying to be careful to not contribute to the (worldwide) problem at present because Shreveport has been hit quite ruthlessly in the recent past - including our new Raven Audio facility - twice.  Of course we had to shut down both times and extreme clean it.  We too have had our share of Covid problems, though we are not using this as an excuse for anything.

With the vaccine being so readily available now we all hope things are going to change quite quickly in the very near future.
Please keep this thread open. If the moderator wants to delete inappropriate comments and block those who make them, that would be fine. I think we are fortunate to have @watersidedave here and aware of this group. Thank you. 
Ok, I have to defend Dave T.  I have known him for over 8 years and have purchased various products from Raven.  He has taken the time to discuss any thoughts that I have about my amp at any hour of the day.  I have even called him at 11pm expecting to leave a message and he answered the phone. I have NEVER had a communication problem with Dave.  He is a class individual and for him customer satisfaction is critical.  

Sometimes people just don't know how to get into contact with the right people.  And yes, that can be frustrating.  One of the big problems with Audiogon, is they do not want you publishing phone numbers.  This really is a stupid rule because many problems could be resolved quickly without having to air them on this forum and potentially hurting the Company.  

I have had a music server on order for over 5 months.  I built a new house and it took me over 7 months to get a dishwasher from Thermador.  Thermador never once got in contact with me to provide me an update.  The supply chain is definitely affected by this pandemic in almost every industry.  We DO need to take that into account.  

I am confident that Dave T will help Robert get his hum taken care of.  And, I am really looking forward to Ozzy providing his feedback once his Raven amp does get delivered.  

Peace and happy listening!





Well I'm not going to be able to give a report on the Osprey. I cancelled my order yesterday. My decision was based on a combination of things. There were delays with the amp being shipped, and to be fair, it may not have been anyone's fault at Raven. But since ordering the amp I have received feedback offline from a few people who had quality issues with Avian amps, mostly due to noise issues. And since I have extremely high sensitivity speakers this worried me a bit. Combined with the delays I just decided to jump ship.

I am in no way throwing Raven under the bus. I am sure they make very good sounding amps and I hope to hear one someday. And I do wish them luck with working through any supply and/or customer service issues they are currently having. I understand James has a lot on his plate and just wasn't able to be there for every customer like he wanted to be.

Since I started this thread I wanted to provide this information without leaving anyone hanging. But my intent is not to disparage this company in any way. And I hope anyone who has an amp on order will be extremely happy with their purchase.

Oz