Read my Raven Blackhawk review. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-raven-audio-blackhawk-integrated-soniquil-cables You could have made worse choices. My system https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9143 Only other integrated I would consider is a Pathos Acoustics Classic One MKIII. I have one also and it is the best of both worlds Tubes and SS. Sonically it is right there with the Blackhawk MK3 and silent at idle, zero tube noise. Pathos...https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9141 |
I've had a Raven Osprey MK 3.1 for the last month. Doing side-by-side comparison with McIntosh MA252, PrimaLuna EVO 300, and Octave V 40 SE. Raven Osprey is my choice of the four. Perfect blend of tube fullness and transparency. @gareents I look forward to your further thoughts on the latest Osprey. I have the original version of the Blackhawk LE and have been considering the new Osprey. It's a significant upgrade (~$3k delta if I sold the Blackhawk) so wondering if 3.1 Osprey is that much better than an original version Blackhawk LE. |
i owned a nighthawk and blackhawk. listened long and seriously to the osprey when a local dealer carried them. the osprey sounded better for sure, sweeter and more holographic. i loved the sound. since the amps had the same basic layout, specs and tube specifications, the differences in sound came from upgraded internal parts, caps, rectifier, etc. similar to upgrade packages some amplifier makers offer. the tube brands (NOS) were also upgraded and included some expensive amperex and mullards at that time. consider this when you decide if it is worth the additional cost to you. |
