Blackhawk LE vs Aric Audio Custom EL84 SE
The Custom EL84 SE's sensitivity is 93 dB against the Blackhawk LE's 91 dB and its power @ 8ω 2.3W against 20W. Both share impedance (8Ω) and low-frequency extension (20 Hz).
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The Raven Audio Blackhawk LE is a limited edition, all-tube integrated amplifier that offers a powerful sound despite its modest 20 watts per channel output. It features a tube complement of 2x12AT7 for the preamplifier stage, 2x12AT7 for the power amplifier first stage, 2x12AU7 for the phase inverter/driver, and 4x6L6GC power tubes. The amplifier is self-biasing, making it user-friendly. It includes six single-ended RCA inputs and supports both 4 and 8 ohm speaker terminals. The recommended speaker sensitivity is between 87dB and 96dB. The Blackhawk LE is praised for its silent operation, with no noticeable hiss or buzz, and is built with high-quality components such as proprietary RavenCap audio capacitors and antique NOS Allen Bradley resistors. It lacks additional features like a DAC or phono stage, focusing on pure amplification. The amplifier is hand-wired, a rare trait in modern electronics, and is highly regarded for its sound quality, often compared favorably to more expensive models.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Custom EL84 SE's sensitivity is 93 dB against the Blackhawk LE's 91 dB and its power @ 8ω 2.3W against 20W. Both share impedance (8Ω) and low-frequency extension (20 Hz).
The Silver Night MkII 300B's power @ 8ω is 7W against the Blackhawk LE's 20W and its high-frequency extension 24 kHz against 20 kHz. Both share impedance (8Ω) and low-frequency extension (20 Hz).
The 45W SET Monos's power @ 8ω is 45W against the Blackhawk LE's 20W, its sensitivity 88 dB against 91 dB, its low-frequency extension 25 Hz against 20 Hz, and its high-frequency extension 65 Hz against 20 kHz.
The DiaLogue Premium Power's power @ 8ω is 42W against the Blackhawk LE's 20W, its weight 28.9 kg (64 lbs) against 15.88 kg (35 lbs), and its width 390.16 mm against 393.7 mm. Both share class (Tube).
Graaf GM 20
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