![]() ![]() If I had any doubts about this choice (I didn’t), last night while listening, my wife exclaimed, “How can that sound like this?” She was pointing at Raven Audio’s Nighthawk MK3 Integrated Tube Amplifier. I’ve been increasingly amazed as it breaks in. I was skeptical it wouldn’t be as good as reviews were saying. And more good news…this amp could be traded in for full credit as an upgrade within a year to move up the product line! Additionally, if it was a complete bomb I could return it for a refund (minus shipping ) within 45 days. However, their entry-level amp was only about $3000. Reviews were excellent but limited in quantity. My spending limit was to be something shy of $5000. With each of these stereo tube amplifiers, I obsessively read and reread every review available. Rogue Audio, Line Magnetic, Leben, Primaluna all caught my attention at one time or another. ![]() Embarrassing as it seems now, I thought I’d made up my mind several times only to read another review which either scared me off or lead me in another direction. I really needed to choose the right amp in one shot. I also knew I couldn’t afford to take missteps since my money would fail me. Buying component after component my old AV receiver was finally left as the obvious weak link. On each part of my system, I’ve foolishly spent money walking up product lines, discarding often at a loss the half steps until I reach the point of diminishing returns. Choices abound…speakers, vinyl, cables, streaming. We read reviews, visit shops, wander web sites learning, wondering, and wishing. Many of us music lovers dream of owning a fine stereo system. It’s easy to reach them anytime and Dave is just a great guy. You won’t be sorry and if you don’t like it you can always send it back if not happy. I have since got a few other tubes and love changing them up for different music. Side by side with the Rouge Sphinx and the Mac… this amp just sounded better. Well, you are not getting this one back! My Zu speakers never sounded so good. He said, “if you don’t like it, send it back”. He sent me a Nighthawk MK3 to try for 45 days. He taught me a lot about tubes and the tube sound. So, I began talks with Dave Thomson at Raven. I loved it.Ī friend told me to look into Raven Audio. A friend of mine let me listen to his new Mac integrated hybrid. I have always been a solid-state guy and I have owned Mac, Carver, Creek, Linn, and a couple of others. However, I love this Nighthawk amp so much, I just wanted to let you guys at Raven know that it is my favorite peace of high-end audio gear that I have ever owned. I have never written about a product before. ![]()
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