Raven Audio Nighthawk

In my opinion, there are no giant killer in any integrated amp in the $2.5 - 4k price range.  All amps in that range are not end game amps.  What you will get from Raven is a tremendous sounding, quality built amp with great customer service and the potential for tube rolling to create your own unique sound.  I am not saying Raven is better or worse than other amps because that is always going to be personal preference.  

I no longer own a Raven but wish I did.  The story is too long but the person who bought my house demanded my whole two channel system.  

I have heard the Blackhawk compared to a nice SS amp in James Connel's home with the Raven Speakers.  It drove their speakers effortlessly with sound that you might expect from a more expensive integrated amp.  I am not saying a $10k amp but again for what you are paying for the BH it is tremendous value for the money.  Even if there is a restocking fee, in the very long term are you going to miss the $400 to prove what is a better option?  It is worth it if to do an A/B comparison in your own environment.  

I had the Raven Reflection MK2. It was stunning and drove at the time Sonus Faber Amati Tradition Homage Speakers.  I have a ton of experience with Raven and Dave Thomson.  Raven is hardly over-hyped.  If anything they are totally under-hyped.  They are still a small company that is growing and they are not well known.  So, if you want to call me one of those people who are constantly promoting Raven so be it.  I am only going to promote products and companies that I totally believe in....and I am not easy to please!

Ozzy, congrats.  We look forward to your comments after the BH is broken in. 

I had a hum on  different brand amplifier and it drove me nuts.  I swapped out PC's, plugged them directly into the wall, swapped speaker and RCA cables, changeds tubes and nothing corrected the hum in one speaker.  It ended up being a simple loose grounding wire.  Just saying there a lot of steps to go through before deciding if it is an actual hum issue.  

I had a Raven Reflection MK2 at around 68wpc with KT150 tubes in it.  It was probably the equivalent of a 200wpc SS.  It drove Sonus Faber Amati Tradition Homage Speakers with ease. 

I just took delivery of a totallt different $50k amp that had a hum in one channel.   After switiching power cable. interconnects, speaker cables and some tubes it was still there.  Similar to above it was a loose grounding wire.  

I also hada hum with an old Raven.  I called Dave T and he walked me through it.  It was simply a bad tube which can happen.  It is very easy to test to see if you have a bad tube.  However, it does require you to have another similar tube.  

Call Dave --- he is the brains behind the amp and he will take care of 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!

Ozzy, good luck  in your audio journey.  I was really looking forward to your review.  I really wish you could have at least demo'd the Raven and taken advantage of the return policy if needed.  But I understand your concerns. It is my strong opinion in the 3-4k price range no amp is world beater.  The Raven was just tremendous sound and value for the money.