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RSA Raptor

post #1 of 22
2/23/06 at 3:23am
Thread Starter 
I bought a Raptor about a month ago. To me it's sound is one of the best tube or SS Headphone amp I have owned. I'm not going to tell you which brands. I wouldn't want to name them. I have had Tube amps as much as 5500.00 and SS for 2500 Just for Headphones. Some built for me, most others off the shelf. I can't believe what Ray has done with the Raptor. I rolled tubes and I was off. My PS-1's sounded unreal. I have lots of phones and they all sound better to me with the Raptor. I was real suprized to see a 1175.00 amp to be this great. I'm sure not everyone agrees with me. That's why there are so many others to chose from.
I find myself staying up hours longer hearing notes I have never heard before.
Its nice to see Ray received great reviews from the two big reviewers. That Phono stage is next on my list. The overrated names charge 3 to 10 times more. I don't know how Ray can keep his prices down.
Outstanding Mr Ray Ok to make sure I ask Ray if the tubes needed to be baised. He no just make sure you have matched 5687. Thanks for bring this RnB180.
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post #2 of 22
2/23/06 at 3:51am
Raptor has what I consider a "neutral, clean" tube sound.
It actually sounds not too different from good SS amps, but quite different from very tubey amps like Singlepower PPX.
Of all the exotic amps I have heard at meets, Raptor would be my top choice for a "middle of the road" amp.
It seems to be suitable for a wide variety of cans of different sound signatures, impedance levels and sensitivity.
I am astonished by its low noise and powerful output, which is very difficult to achieve in a tube amp.
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post #3 of 22
2/23/06 at 4:24am
Good to hear from you, carl

Could someone tell whether Raptor and PR5.1 or 6.1 or 7 try to do the same or similar of what tube amps could sound like?
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post #4 of 22
2/23/06 at 11:58am
Versatilety is one of the benefits of the Raptor. It can drive just about anything. I need to do some more tube rolling but I've been happy with the RCA's so far so haven't felt there was a need. If you're looking for a phono stage, give the XR-2 a try, unless your going for the big buck XR-10B.
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post #5 of 22
2/23/06 at 1:30pm
Even though I have not heard the Raptor, I am not surprised you are enjoying yours Carl. I really like Ray's amps and customer service. I am 100% satisfied with the performance of my SR-71 and HR-2, both of which I have owned for over a year now. I really need to get into vinyl to savor some of Ray's phono stages.

Congrats!
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post #6 of 22
2/23/06 at 2:11pm
I listened to the Raptor a couple of meets ago at the so cal meet.
in comparison with the Stealth, The Raptor is definately a worthwhile look when considering a nice amp.

The Raptor is a lot more compact in person its really a cute looking amp.
Definately priced very competitively, IMO
probably one of the best values offered in the tube amp market.
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post #7 of 22
2/23/06 at 5:57pm
Congratulations on your Raptor, its one fine amp. After I got it about a year ago (#8) I have sold all my other amps aside from keeping the SR71 for portable use and Headmaster if only just for its looks. You can make it sound even better by rolling the tubes. I', very happy with it and don't see any need for any upgrades in the near future.
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post #8 of 22
2/23/06 at 7:42pm
Thread Starter 

Too Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by dariusf
Congratulations on your Raptor, its one fine amp. After I got it about a year ago (#8) I have sold all my other amps aside from keeping the SR71 for portable use and Headmaster if only just for its looks. You can make it sound even better by rolling the tubes. I', very happy with it and don't see any need for any upgrades in the near future.
I agree with you. Its fun Tube rolling with the Raptor. I'm doing the same I've been clearing out the rest of my amps. I've kept the SR-71 and two Hornets for portable use. Carl
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post #9 of 22
2/23/06 at 7:55pm

Thanks for Making it Harder

I won't be getting mine until the first week of March. All these positive comments are making it harder and harder
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post #10 of 22
2/23/06 at 8:24pm
The Build quality of the Raptor is outstanding, furthermore it is a beauty.
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post #11 of 22
2/23/06 at 11:21pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Ferbose
Raptor has what I consider a "neutral, clean" tube sound.
It actually sounds not too different from good SS amps, but quite different from very tubey amps like Singlepower PPX.
Of all the exotic amps I have heard at meets, Raptor would be my top choice for a "middle of the road" amp.
It seems to be suitable for a wide variety of cans of different sound signatures, impedance levels and sensitivity.
I am astonished by its low noise and powerful output, which is very difficult to achieve in a tube amp.
I totally agree, mine is great with my RS-1's and leaves me with no listening fatigue whatsoever. Outstanding bass. Solidly built and smaller than I thought before I got it - but it looks great! Glad you like it Carl.
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post #12 of 22
2/24/06 at 1:00am
I'm loving the Raptor. Best amp I've ever owned, and I don't wish for anything more.

Peace,

Graz
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post #13 of 22
2/24/06 at 11:31am
Awaiting my Raptor as well. Gonna use the Spitfire as an external DAC from the computer, and move my headroom unit to my house. I feel the SS will be more cat friendly than a tubed unit. Grats on getting yours up and running.
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post #14 of 22
2/24/06 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 

TELEFUNKEN

I just install a NOS Telefunken 12AU7 ECC82. So far it the best yet. I tried Siemens Mullurds Raytheon and Clear top RCA's. Right now on the out 5687 I'm using Tung-Sol. It sound nice. You got to love it!!
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post #15 of 22
2/24/06 at 10:59pm
I listen to mine 4 hours a day and my hr2 for about 5 on the same day (as of lately).

The Raptor Is amazing for sure! sounds great with MOSTLY everything I tried, but she shines bright with the 600's and 650's the best.
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