No one has posted more useful info. here than KG. In fact, most negative posts are simply BS; however, Dr. G's posts always provide useful information. Headfiers are lucky they can turn to him for guidance and even for repair. Kudos.
However;......
The bottom line remains:
1) It is not known how many SP amps are out there--it is safe to say hundreds worldwide over 7 years (a guess would be 500-1,000). Only a very small percentage (a handful) of the amps have been shown to have inferior build quality. Most of these so far were non-stock amps.
2) A variety of DIY-ers have worked on the SP amps since the release of the MPX3 'Toaster' and PPX3 , and until very recently,
NO SIGNIFICANT ISSUES emerged from any of the experienced DIY-ers regarding build quality--for over seven years. There would have been ample opportunity to joke about the 'Toaster'; yet, EVERYONE admired Single Power amps for years and years, until recently. The five SP amps I have owned were all of outstanding build quality, components and excellent soldering.
3) Transformers on all Extremes should be upgraded. Once accomplished and with other components inspected, as would be done for any repair of any amp at any shop, the Extreme should be a keeper for a long time as a
REFERENCE GRADE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER. Even those who have seen the worst in a handful of amps remain 'proud extreme owners'. There is a reason for this.
4) It is simply not possible to buy a better amp. for the price of upgrading ($175-$300 according to those who have done so, I paid $175 complete). The transformer upgrade is an expense, but not out of line with repair costs for tube amps in general. I have paid more for a pair of tubes.
5) The posts on this thread--and on the bogus exploding cap thread--have reduced resale value by 30% or so. The ongoing negative posts ensure depressed resale value, which does no one any good, except for repair revenues.
6) As last pointed out, this thread is meant for negativity, so it's fine to have a negative bias here--or at the 'explode like a grenade thread'.
Moreover, Halloween is around the corner. Boo!
7) Soon, there will be a SinglePower Appreciation Thread, because the style here (one negative post--several nay sayers chiming in in support, positive comments ignored or countered) seems quite boring.
8) I do not care 'who taught Mikhail how to solder', which is getting very old, but I would love to know where he learned how to design. Clearly, he was a leader in this field for many years--unless--everyone will admit they are easy to fool in audiphilia, and most of this hobby is phychology, not physics.
9) Had MR charged retail what others do for amps, of lesser build quality, and not accommodated custom work so readily, he might still be in business. The retail price of the PPX3 and MPX3 originally were $499, as I recall, compared to a Raptor for $1200. On used markets, the stock PPX3, MPX3 got (in the past) $450-$550. I know of no amp sounding that good for $500 used, but even they were bested by the Extreme at $650 used--or $900 or so when it first came out.
10) Since Singlepower is dead, bashing the name is OK (no one will get sued), and bashing feels good to a handful, apparently. However, it does not explain how for so many years, EVERYONE loved EVERYTHING about SinglePower, including the soldering, component choices, build quality and most of all--sound.
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