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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
kingbarbuda
515 posts
 
@ozzy62 Thanks! Glad to hear the Aric is working out. Is that a 300B amp?

@charles1dad I also have that inexpensive Boyuurange A50 Mk3 300B tube amp that Steve Gutenberg reviewed before. I think Thomas & Stereo will be reviewing it, as well. The amp cost me with sales tax around $800. I think it is tremendous. This is the amp that convinced me to really dive into tubes and see what a higher end tube amp, like the Raven Blackhawk could do. 
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,233 posts
 
@ozzy62 Thanks! Glad to hear the Aric is working out. Is that a 300B amp?

No, it's the Super KT88/150 SE. I am currently using KT88s but have a set of KT120s on the way to try. This is truly a great sounding amp. I would love to talk to Aric about where to go next at some point in the future.

Oz


wrm57
1,066 posts
 
Oz, do you prefer it in Triode or Ultralinear on your Cornwalls?
laaudionut
283 posts
 
Aric Audio was a sound choice, some pun intended! Aside from his gear's legendary sonic performance, the build quality and Aric's customer service is outstanding! Enjoy your new amp.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,233 posts
 
I didn't really care for it in triode. Had enough power, but the bass was MIA and transients were too soft. Whole different ball game in ultralinear.

Oz



More to discover