RSA Apache Impressions (with nice pic) - Page 7

THX vcoheda, all this thread has done is make me want to sell my Solo and get my K-701's balanced out:-0

I talked for a while with Ray last week and he could not help but tell me about the Apache and the differences in it and the B-52. I'm putting a new system together now to go on my Klipsch LaScalla's.

I was originally going to go with a BAT VK-D5 into a Benchmark DAC feeding a BAT VK-60 but I've been fighting that route ever since my conversation with Ray.

Evil poster you are;-) LOL

He only spoke of a few refinements in the Apache which I did not really register when he told me because my hearts with his B-52 so/and if I go with Ray's pre it's going to be the B-52 because my Klipsch system is to be all tube with exception to the Benchmark;-)

My main rig (see profile) is balanced as far as my current BAT gear so I know running my K-701's balanced will be spot on.

I do remeber him saying outside the obvious tube topology that the Apache delivered 85% of the B-52's sound, don't know if that helps you any and I'm not sure if the B-52 shunts all other inputs to ground when one is activated or not. Gonna make me do a little research I see:-0 My biggest love of the B-52 is in Ray's design on his grounding plane/grid;-)

Indeed for you and how you feel now I too say it was the better choice for you;-)

I will say the only tube gears I've ever had problems with were vintage pieces, all my newer tube purchases are still running as new and my VK-3i and VK-P5 are now both going on 6 years trouble free:-)

Ray's quality and build are worth the price of admission and sound quality is just the icing on the cake IMHO.

I ended up switching to the B-52 when all was said and done. I enjoyed the Apache immensely but really wanted the luscious organic sound only tubes can create. Once I learned of an opportunity to pick up a B-52, I realized I would never be fully happy if I did not go for it.

I have enjoyed the last several weeks listening to both so much, I would say the B-52 is as much art as it is engineering. The Apache is a bit more engineering over art but they are both GREAT in their own category of SS and Tube. From a sound perspective, I would say what came first to my mind is the "air" in my music. With the B-52, the air is velvet-like in texture and is slightly suspended within the velvety canvas, almost palatable. The Apache "air canvas" has impressive blackness to it where each note is threaded together without interpretation of the surrounding canvas. I am not a talented writer and also am relatively new to a focused dedication to 2 channel music but these differences stand out to me FWIW.

I am interested in a nice power cable and take great interest in your choice. Keep us posted.

Levels, smevels. I would say they are both the most prestine branches of two different trees. I definitely heard a significant difference between the Apache and the B-52 relative to tube vs. SS. The differences are not subtle but are also not definitive.

The differences also shift based on music genres for me. I teared up (yes, real men do cry) the first time I heard Diana Krall with the B-52. Other Jazz vocalists like Dakota Stanton, Anita Baker and Nancy Wilson demanded exceptional highs and mids and the B-52 was my clear favorite. The headstage on the B-52 is EXPANSIVE.

On the other hand, rock (Porcupine Tree, Led Zep, Rush, Air) evoked an equal response with both amps--excellent and transparent. The B-52 is an emotional amplifier, so much that I should grab my heart rate monitor off my elliptical machine and see how the music comes alive and is reflected by heart rate! If I were to push any real kudos towards the Apache, it would be in it's shear attack. Dream Theater and Liquid Tension are ready-made Apache shine-artists due to their perpetual attack laden tracks. The Apache is nimble, quick and very thorough. The B-52, in comparison sounded more "live" to me. I think this goes back to the velvet canvas where the B-52 presents a more organic warmth context to the tracks. This may not be for everyone as there is a slight recessed attack as a result for rock. Now, interestingly, I do not hear the same effect with classical music. To me, the B-52 presents classical recordings with precision and grace. It is very forgiving but is very revealing to the tone of the recordings. I really love listening, more than ever.

My experiences are also on minimally broken-in units. As my B-52 breaks in, I notice the bass extending further into the depths, with more precision and control.

Now...I am also breaking in my only set of balanced cans with these comparisons...APS balanced Denon AH-D2000s. These cans could very well be playing a significant role. My Apache has been gone for a few weeks and the Denon break-in has revealed much anticipated rewards. I only wish my HD650's had not arrived with a severed headband. I cannot afford E-9s yet but plan to go that route eventually... I need more cans to get a more full rounded appreciation for the B-52 and also plan to roll some bronze plate RCA's after a couple of months. I hope any of this helps you understand how I compare these two AWESOME amplifiers by RSA. Oh, and wait until you see pics of my B-52 in it's new matching equipment stand. I now want a new desk to match the exquisite style of this beast and it's nest.

Difference between Apache and B-52

Very nice L3000
Anyone here can tell me, for driving MDR-R10. Will B-52 and Apache make a lot of differences???

Audio Addict,

So how are the National Semiconductor chips?

Crazy.. Thats worth 10,000..