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Ray Samuels : The Apache

post #1 of 113
5/7/07 at 9:35pm
Thread Starter 
This looked really interesting from the meet pictures. Does anyone have any thoughts/feedback from the meet?

I hope to get an idea on the sound characteristics of this beauty relative to the Raptor (or any other amps from Singelpower).

Thanks in advance.
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post #2 of 113
5/8/07 at 12:36am
pics?
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post #3 of 113
5/8/07 at 12:55am
Tough for me to say anything really definitive because I listened to it at the National Meet where the conditions were anything but ideal. So, I'll keep my comments general until I get a chance to have a more critical listen.

I found Ray's balanced HD600's out of the Apache an incredibly satisfying listening experience. Unlike pretty much anything I've personally heard from a solid state amp (didn't get the chance to listen to sleestacks custom Single Power unfortunately).

It had a warm tube like feel to it. In fact, the Apache, paired with Jahn's Darth Grado's (single ended) is the first time I've really enjoyed listening to a pair of Grado's. I mean, I really enjoyed it!

Also, it looks really sharp. Now, I know that it's all about the sound. But, if I'm paying 3 grand for a piece of audio gear, it better look pretty hot too. And the Apache is smokin' hot!
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post #4 of 113
5/8/07 at 2:23am
Relative to the Raptor? And amps from Single Power? You know the Apache is solid-state, right?

Ray did say the Apache uses AD797 as op-amp, and so does the HR-2, so they might not sound too dissimilar. That's just a completely uneducated guess though. But sound aside, the Apache beats the HR-2 by a landslide on features alone. You're not going to find two balanced and two single-ended inputs on any other two-chassis solid-state amp, you just aren't.
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post #5 of 113
5/8/07 at 2:24am
Well, when I saw the pictures a couple weeks ago, it did at least remind me of the HR-2 (though x 2, plus all the I/O stuff) *shrug*. I haven't examined it up close in person, though -_-. Case is definitely snappy.
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post #6 of 113
5/8/07 at 3:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asr View Post
Relative to the Raptor? And amps from Single Power? You know the Apache is solid-state, right?

For sure. The reason for the comparison request was to get a feel for the sound relative to other amps that I am familiar with.

The amp looks really great and the option for both balanced and single-ended will ensure that my headphones get some air time.

Keep the thoughts and info coming!
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post #7 of 113
5/8/07 at 10:24am
if you browse through the Int'l meet thread, you should find some impresssions.
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post #8 of 113
5/8/07 at 1:03pm

Apache vs RPK-100

Looking at the feature set and pricing, the Apache will compete headson with Rudistor RPK-100. Both are now finalist of my target balanced amps.

Anyone who can share any insight about the similarities and differences would be great.

F. Lo
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post #9 of 113
5/8/07 at 1:18pm
Hey, fkclo, how about you go for one and I go for the other?

I see a lot of duplication in our profiles.
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post #10 of 113
5/8/07 at 3:44pm
Aside from the "offended nations" talk I can say that the RSA Apache sounds AMAZING. It sounds very analog with some nice tube-like sound. It is also very detailed. The looks are sexy. I played some of my demo recordings and the Apache made them sound beyond Demo. It has speed, detail and a looks damn sexy. Yes, I know I am repeating myself a bit but I was extremely impressed by it. Nuff said for now.
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post #11 of 113
5/8/07 at 4:16pm
Can anyone put up a link to some pics? TIA.
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post #12 of 113
5/8/07 at 5:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elephas View Post
Hey, fkclo, how about you go for one and I go for the other?

I see a lot of duplication in our profiles.
Yes, we have quite some duplicated acquistions

Well, I am more inclined towards the RPX-100. But since no one has really heard it I am a bit held back, but I might bite the bullet soon Afterall, Rudi's philosophy to go for natural and transparent presentation appeals to me. I have heard the Raptor and the Hornet, and may be it is time to try something else. My balanced K701 and HD650 won't arrive until late June I may have some time before draining my wallet.

It seems that the Apache is not a discrete amp. Can someone verify this ?

F. LO
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post #13 of 113
5/8/07 at 6:03pm
All political and off-topic posts related to the political posts have been removed due to the fact that political discussion is not allowed on Head-fi.
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post #14 of 113
5/8/07 at 8:55pm
OT, where did you get that avatar from????!!
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post #15 of 113
5/8/07 at 9:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by immtbiker View Post
All political and off-topic posts related to the political posts have been removed due to the fact that political discussion is not allowed on Head-fi.
Good idea. Unfortunately, a few crept back in again.

I would rather read about the amp anyway.
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