Choose an Amp for my Senn 650s

[GordonFreeman]

Originally Posted by achristilaw

I currently have the WA6 Maxxed and Raptor, and have owned the 07' version of the Graham Slee Solo. You won't go wrong with any of the choices. I like the Telefunken smooth plate signal with Tung-Sol 5687's in the Raptor. Has the mojo workin' if ya' get the drift. Tubes offer options for a sound Signature and of course need the commensurate care and feeding. All the options will scale well with whatever source you have or will choose for future use. The Slam factor is better with the Slee or Raptor. All have an above average reliability record and good re-sale. Jack Wu and Papa Ray are splendid to work with and go above and beyond the call of duty to keep their customers happy. That's something that I factor into every purchase, I've found that out the hard way.

Thank you sir. Someone mentioned tube rolling with the Raptor is a cheaper proposition and I think the Raptor is looking like the one I want. Any insite as to the sound signatures of the Slee and the Raptor? I know they both sing with the 650s but which will tame the fatigue I get with the 701s best, brass and voices seem to be a bit edgy with the AKGs?

[achristilaw]

Originally Posted by GordonFreeman

Thank you sir. Someone mentioned tube rolling with the Raptor is a cheaper proposition and I think the Raptor is looking like the one I want. Any insite as to the sound signatures of the Slee and the Raptor? I know they both sing with the 650s but which will tame the fatigue I get with the 701s best, brass and voices seem to be a bit edgy with the AKGs?

The biggest sound upgrade for the 701's is a cable change (it is sorely needed with the 701). And a signal tube like a Telefunken smooth plate ain't cheap. $125.00-150.00 nos in a box, nice used ones $40.00-50.00 . The signal tube can have as much as 100,000 hrs on it before a change is needed. You don't need the funken' for a quality signal, but it is the "kind" of signal tubes. Amperex are excellent and are half the cost. Many, many options out there. Actually Ray's choice for stock tubes are very good, and cheap! The Raptor is balanced sounding for an OTL, and not the sluggish nature that permeates the breed either. Thanks to its well conceived and executed Power Supply the Raptor will handle any "stock" phone you would care to throw at it. I prefer the closed low impedance variety and it breezes through these with aplomb! It is the quietest tube amp in my memory, not a Hum, whirr, whiz or tick. The Slee is prominent in the midrange and a good match with the thick Senn sound. No veil to be heard! Makes them agile and balanced sounding. And drives the "difficult" 701. If you are a Jazz fan the lack of bottom on the 701 doesn't matter. Fuel for thought. Keep checking the Forum sale pages, one or all show up from time to time.

[GordonFreeman]

Originally Posted by achristilaw

The biggest sound upgrade for the 701's is a cable change (it is sorely needed with the 701). And a signal tube like a Telefunken smooth plate ain't cheap. $125.00-150.00 nos in a box, nice used ones $40.00-50.00 . The signal tube can have as much as 100,000 hrs on it before a change is needed. You don't need the funken' for a quality signal, but it is the "kind" of signal tubes. Amperex are excellent and are half the cost. Many, many options out there. Actually Ray's choice for stock tubes are very good, and cheap! The Raptor is balanced sounding for an OTL, and not the sluggish nature that permeates the breed either. Thanks to its well conceived and executed Power Supply the Raptor will handle any "stock" phone you would care to throw at it. I prefer the closed low impedance variety and it breezes through these with aplomb! It is the quietest tube amp in my memory, not a Hum, whirr, whiz or tick. The Slee is prominent in the midrange and a good match with the thick Senn sound. No veil to be heard! Makes them agile and balanced sounding. And drives the "difficult" 701. If you are a Jazz fan the lack of bottom on the 701 doesn't matter. Fuel for thought. Keep checking the Forum sale pages, one or all show up from time to time.

Thanks Much!

[GordonFreeman]

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