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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



ozzy62
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi @jjss49,
You can add Quicksilver Audio to your list of well respected competent push pull tube integrated/power amplifiers that compete with Raven Audio. I believe most people just want  a honest straightforward assessment of a product’s sound quality .
Charles
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,735 posts
 
am sure it is quite a decent piece, made in usa, by good guys real enthusiasts... but we are talking about a rather standard push pull 6l6 pair per channel tube amp with output trannies... how ’head and shoulders above the rest’ can it be???

don sachs kootenay
van alstine ultravalve
roger modjseki rm’s
vaic/ayons
carver crimson
various cj

Well I have owned several amps on your list.

Music Reference RM 9 (original and Mark II)
Carver Crimson 275
CJ LP66S
CJ Premier 140

No way to say for sure how any of these compare to what might come through my system today, but at least I’m familiar with their sound.

Charles,

I have owned Quicksilver Mid Monos and Mike definitely makes good stuff.


Oz


arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,790 posts
 
@jjss49 -- the simple answer is that it competes very favorably in its respective price category. No, it’s not better than the other amps that you mentioned. I compared it directly with two integrateds that I have owned -- Cronus Magnum II (Blackhawk is slightly better, more tube-like vs. the CM which sounded closer to SS to my ears), ARC GSi75 (no competition, not even close, ARC is in another league altogether, as it should be given the price difference).

The Blackhawk does well in my smaller home office (12 x 13) driving Harbeth 30.1s, but nothing spectacular. It is completely out of place in the larger room (20 x 15) driving SF Olympica 2’s (now sold) and Habeth SHL5+. Just doesn’t have enough juice to wake up the speakers - very flat and un-involving.

But, of course, what do I know. I understand that the opinions of those who actually own this amp are not relevant at the Raven alter of worship :)
sryeager
125 posts
 
Exactly right.  I’ve appreciated concise constructive comments here, but I think I’ll head back to the TR2 forum and enjoying music without hyper vigilance.  Which by the way a new-to-me amp is allowing.  It’s all I need.

Van Morrison’s Poetic Champions Compose floats
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,934 posts
 
the critical success factor in owning a tube amp that makes music well is working within its power envelope and matching to speakers that highlight the amp’s strengths and don’t often remind you of its weaknesses

to ask a 30-35 wpc 6l6 amp to power 86 db/w/m 6 ohm harbeth super 5’s in a large room is a recipe for a fail... but maybe a smaller room, with 8 ohm proacs or spendors? or some devores? that would be a more appropriate use case

otoh... klipsch cornwalls may be a little too easy a load...

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in a sidebar comment, now here is a honest to goodness seriously lovely tube amp... https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649727980-airtight-atm-1-original-version-with-tubed-rectifiers/
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