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

Showing 13 responses by robertcropdust

robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I ordered one of these amps around the fist of March. I emailed them earlier today to get a update on the order hopefully get a response or amp soon.  Been thinking about others options but keep going back to the BlackHawk. This will be my first tube amp pared with some Sweet 1976 Corner Horns. Fingers crossed.  
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
Ozzy62 ....My order was placed 3-3-21. 
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
My Blackhawk is supposed to ship this week. I literally had my credit card in my hand for a prima Luna on the west coast but the salesman had me on speaker and I couldn’t understand half of the conversation very frustrating and repetitive.......so I started researching other options.......I’ve had very good communication with raven both phone and email. I hope this amp works for my corner horns and I’m a happy camper. I do understand a restocking fee but 7% is a little tough to swallow compared to others free shipping and returns. Fingers crossed. 
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I should have mine Thursday, shipped out today. 
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
@ozzy62 Yes. It arrived yesterday, I put about 5 hours on the amp and it sounds amazingly clear. I have few details I need to work out but so far seems like a nice piece of equipment.  
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I received my Blackhawk on April 1st and I’m still trying to get rid of the hum/hiss the amp is producing. I have isolated the power supply, cleaned up all cable runs, tried multiple speaker cables and speakers. I’m running corner horns with fresh crossovers and tweeters. I’ve also hooked up other SS amps and they are dead quite between songs at all volumes. Do you guys have any suggestions that might help? this amp sounds great while music is playing at mid volume but the hum between songs is maddening. This is my first tube amp and maybe some hum is normal but at 15’ it’s just to much for me. Any suggestions would be appreciated Thanks.
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
I spoke with Raven a few days after receiving the amp and they suggested the amp might have gotten damaged. I did notice the hum came down in volume a couple days latter but a crackle started on the right channel. I updated Raven and questioned them about a possible bad tube or tubes but I have not been contacted back yet for further troubleshooting. I was hoping to avoid all the shipping fees and maybe get lucky with a easy fix. I bought new so I wouldn’t have to tinker to much but I guess I’m learning a lot from all you guys. I have a feeling this will be a fun expensive addiction:) Thanks. 
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
Yes. I’ve talked and emailed with James a few times He was going to help with troubleshooting I haven’t heard back from him since last Wednesday. I’m currently out of town for a few days but I’m going to send the amp back ASAP. Really bummed but I guess that’s the way it goes sometimes.  
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
@devilboy 
yes I think this will be a fun journey building up my perfect system for my hideaway. I also think it can get expensive and addicting at the same time:) I do believe that Raven will stand by their product and I’m sure this will get resolved soon enough. I’ve ordered many thousand of dollars of avionics for my aircraft through the years and I have received damaged electronics that could have easily caused a very bad day for me and my family while flying. There is a good chance that FedEx might have tried for a 60 yard field goal with the wind in there face??? Who knows. I won’t let this experience with Raven stress me out there’s plenty of stress to be found elsewhere. I still have my old SS Yamaha to piss off my neighbors!:)
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:):) ??
robertcropdust
20 posts
 

@watersidedave Dave.  I appreciate you chiming in on Audiogon.I am new to tube amps and also to the forums. Please take a look at all my post I was just trying to get help troubleshooting my amp.


 I contacted Bryant originally and he referred me to James ..I had a conversation and a few emails/ text with James and he reassured me that we will get the problems solved. I waited over a week with no call back about possibly having a bad tube . I understand you guys are busy and that is one of the reasons I asked for help on the forum.


My statement about not being happy with raven was 100% based on the response James gave me on my email yesterday,,, I took it as raven had already given up on me and my amp. 



The first time I contacted Raven is the day I placed my order. I did not tire kick or drag out my purchase.. I was going to order a prima Luna(in stock)  but came across your products on the forum and new I wanted to be a part of of The Raven family.


I’m currently out of town for a few days but will get the amp back to you ASAP.  I have no intentions in getting wrapped up in a mud fight online I just needed help making a great looking amp sound great.


Thanks

Robert 


robertcropdust
20 posts
 
@ozzy62  LOL!!!  +1 
robertcropdust
20 posts
 
@arafiq   That’s great news..I sent mine back today for some trouble shooting,,,,, I already miss it. Lol
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