Comments on: Raven Audio Nighthawk Integrated Amp

By: Dan Henson

Dan Henson — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 00:56:46 +0000

I have the big brother to the above amp, the Blackhawk, and can verify that all of the above is true. What a clean, clear and (macro/micro) dynamic beast this thing is. Nothing veiled or rolled off here; just a beautiful window into the music that will have you listening late into the night and way past your bedtime. Call the owner, Dave, and ask him anything about his amps. He is one of the good guys in the audio biz and will treat you like an old friend on the phone. 2 or 3 grand sounds like a lot of money, it does to me, until you realize his stuff competes with stuff in the 10k range and just might wipe the smile off of your buddy when he compares it to his amp that cost as much as a used convertible.

By: Dave Thomson

Dave Thomson — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:21:12 +0000

I am honored to have such a great customer too Jeff. Helping Raven Audio by taking the time to write comments online is something not everyone has the time to do these days so I really appreciate this. I hope you enjoy your new Blackhawk Limited Edition, which is essentially an extremely souped up version of the 2015 Nighthawk MK2… for a long long time.

I as well consider myself fortunate to have such a wonderful customer. Thank you Jeff!

And to Guy Allert,
I want to thank you as well. You have been such a great help in backing some of the costs associated with Raven Audio’s ability to travel to audio shows nationwide, which can prove very expensive at times.

When it gets tough for such a new, small, and ever-expanding business to do so while growing and heavily invested in the extreme costs of research and development of our expanding lineup of quality products, help like yours is the imperative that keeps us able to continue.

Thanks to you we did indeed show the Goldfinch Multi-Component Tabletop Audio System at this year’s Lone Star Audio Fest in Dallas, which for those who do not know is held on the first weekend of May every year.

It is a rollicking rolling audio party of a show and is easily among the most absolute fun of any I have ever been to. It is such a special show in that it always feels like someone is hosting a huge private party in some Dallas mansion – and we are all invited to stay the entire weekend – though they specifically warn that the morning headache is not the fault of the staff and host.

And best of all…. IT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE~! Even the rooms (these are large very nice two-room suites mind you!) are heavily discounted over the weekend some 50% for show attendees! Such a deal.

Anyone that loves music, great audio gear, incredible rare and interesting micro-brews, single malt scotch, and the all-night raucous party-like listening sessions in many rooms until the wee-morning hours – and misses that show is really making a terrible mistake for sure!

Even if you only go for the music and to see really world class gear in the many single room set-ups that are similar to your living room at home… it is a rare chance to meet a truly incredible bunch of music lovers in such a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Thanks to you Guy for the sponsorship that enabled us to attend that show, and most of all for your valuable and enduring friendship throughout the years Sir~!

Most Sincerely,
Dave Thomson
Raven Audio

By: Jeff Timbs

Jeff Timbs — Mon, 18 May 2015 02:17:06 +0000

I agree with this review. I bought the Blackhawk LE from Dave and absolutely love it. I am driving a set of Energe CF-30 speakers with it and also added an NAD M51 DAC in front of it. However, the sound with sources directly attached to the Blackhawk are incredible enough. I cannot place the speakers, the soundstage is so amazing. I enjoy acoustic soloists such as Michael Hedges, chorales, jangle pop, and bands such as Radiohead. My experience with all is much pleasure. I can also vouch that Dave Thompson very much loves the products he and his business partner have created and made the process very enjoyable. Because the tubes included in the Blackhawk, I have no plans nor needs to roll tubes as they came with very nice selections from Dave. I feel very fortunate to own this amplifier.

By: Guy Allert

Guy Allert — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:15:00 +0000

Dave and SE pour their heart and soul into each and everyone of their products. It is no wonder they sound so good. I can’t wait to hear their new Gold Finch (hope I got the spelling and name correct). I hope it will be at LSAF here in Dallas in May. I think it might be perfect for my office. And in fairness Dave is a good friend and I am associated with Raven.
All the best,
Guy Allert

By: Dave Thomson

Dave Thomson — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 01:18:49 +0000

Thank you so much Mike! I am glad you liked the new 2015 Raven Audio Spirit 300B MK2.1 Monoblocks, and the Silhouette Line Stage MK2 Preamplifier. It is really good to hear that others in the general public like our products.

Thanks also to Pete Mulligan of Toska Audio in North Chicago for building the new Raven Audio listening room in his store. I am looking forward to coming up there and meeting the members of the Chicago Audio Society soon.

Cheers!
Dave Thomson
Raven Audio

By: Dave Thomson

Dave Thomson — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 01:14:18 +0000

Thank you Patrick Dillon for such a fantastic review. It is pretty awesome to read such a long and detailed story about a product that I hold so close to my heart.

It is quite rare to see such a lengthy and informative review, and then to have the Nighthawk placed into so many completely different systems, well that was quite a treat. Great Job Sir!

Most Sincerely,
Dave Thomson
Raven Audio

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:28:17 +0000

Hey Pat,
I just happened to be at Toska Audio this week end looking to purchase a new phono cartridge, and the system they were playing when I came in was the Raven Audio 300B mono block amps with the Raven pre-amp hook up to some KEF reference tower speakers.
While I was there they were playing tracks from The Cowboy Junkies Trinity session. It was truly magical to say the least.
I own some very nice Pass Labs equipment but I hate to say it does not have the warmth and transparency of the Raven set-up. It has to be one of the best systems if not the best I have ever listened to.
Great review !