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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
 
@arafiq,
Very astute observations. I heard the Rouge tube amplifier years back and thought it a bit solid state like in comparison to a similar priced Quicksilver amplifier.

Also agree of your Blackhawk against the ARC GSi 75. Very different price and performance categories. Not fair for the Blackhawk.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@jjss49, 
That's a good price for a used AirTight ATM-1. Definitely high tier Japanese amplifier,  they don't come cheap however 😊.
Charles 
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62 OP
3,738 posts
 
Back in 1999 my buddy had an Airtight ATM-1 and brought it over for a shootout against my lowly Music Reference RM9. Long story short, he sold it and bought an RM9 pretty quick.

But man, that Airtight amp sure was purdy..............
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Oz,
Music Reference is good quality stuff. Always horses for courses for sure.
Charles 
jond's avatar
jond
6,108 posts
 
I owned an Air Tight ATM-1 myself back in the day it was indeed a lovely looking amp. I wish I knew then what I know now about tube rolling as it never really thrilled me. Much happier with my current custom amp but I did get a twinge of gearlust looking at that ATM-1 ;)
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