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
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



The guys at Raven should ship that amp to @millercarbon free of charge. He has been Hawkin’ Raven amps since he’s been posting here. He has probably given Raven more exposure to the many that have not known about Raven products!!
Oz, thanks for the update.
I was looking forward to reading your thought regarding the Osprey.
Oz, I know it's too late, but wanted to say I heard the Raven amps with Volti speakers, at a Dallas show, and they were quiet. I don't remember the exact amps we were listening to though, but sounded great.

Hope you find something you love.
@ozzy62  We could tell your motives were good. Let us know the direction you go. 
Like my dad said you can’t hit a home run with every at bat.