Finally ready for the big home amp splurge... decisions

[Covenant]

Okay, i've been asking "what to get" questions on a hypothetical basis for the last couple of months, always short of the pocket change to actually make the plunge. Now, that is finally at an end, and i'm equipped to impoverish myself on sinfully self-indulgent audio.

So, the question, one last time - which amp would be reccomended?

My expectations of the amp: It needs to be detailed, very dynamic, good extension into the very highs and very lows, and on the warm side of the fence of neutrality, without crossing into overly euphonic territory. Imaging and soundstage ability are also important, and it needs to have that analogue, "organic" feel to it.

Under $1,200, which amp would best suit these criteria?

Thanks for the input all

 

[overlunge]

Hi Covenant,

Didn't I just read somewhere you are getting the Raptor?

Come on, be the first OZ/Kiwi to be the proud owner of RSA's Raptor... and I might fly to Sydney to attend the meet.

Anyway, from what I have read (reviews, meet impressions) Raptor should fit the bill quite well. I have to admit that at one stage I sort of considered between that and a PPX Slam.


Just my two cents,
Overlunge

 

[Covenant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlunge Hi Covenant, Didn't I just read somewhere you are getting the Raptor?

Yup, Raptor's at the top of my shortlist ATM, just throught i'd throw a last line out there for alternate options before i drop the $$$ into it

That and the fact that Ray's being uncharacteristically slow in responding to my emails, so i thought i'd give my options a last look-over.

And i'm deliberately not looking at Raptor pics atm - or i may just be seduced by looks more than anything else

Edit: Oh, and you simply *have* to attend the Sydney meet. I'll give you as much Raptor (or insert-other-choice-here) time as you like, for a taste of that Qualia

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Covenant And i'm deliberately not looking at Raptor pics atm - or i may just be seduced by looks more than anything else

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[Covenant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion Sorry, I couldn't resist.

You're a cruel man, tyrion

At least give me some impressions on your experiences with the Raptor to help guide my decision. Have you used it with lower-impedance phones, like Grados and Sony's?

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Covenant You're a cruel man, tyrion At least give me some impressions on your experiences with the Raptor to help guide my decision. Have you used it with lower-impedance phones, like Grados and Sony's?

This is the best I can do: My impressions using the SA5K
An even better review of the Raptor: recstar24's Raptor review

 

[n_maher]

I'd suggest having a look at what 6-moons had to say about the MPX3 . That site seems to be fairly objective when it comes to reviews. Also I recently had the opportunity to listen to the Slam at the Boston meet and was pretty amazed at what I heard. And I'm not trying to say Ray's stuff isn't worthy of your $$$ either, I just happen to prefer the single box approach. And with the Slam you'd have money left to tube roll.

My 2¢,

Nate

P.s. There really isn't a bad choice to be made here, just keep that in mind.

 

[Covenant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion This is the best I can do: My impressions using the SA5K

Jeez mate, so little information? Really, you need to lengthen your responses, such monosyllabism scarce becomes you

Actually, i read that not too long ago, was just fishing for more

*goes to reread*

 

[renesis_au]

Whatever you get Convenant, make sure you bring it to the Sydney meet, you have just over a week or so

 

[tyrion]

I posted a link to recstar24's excellent review as well.

The MPX3 is an excellent amp as well. You certainly should give it consideration as well. As said above all your choices are good ones.

 

[grandenigma1]

is it ok to have the Raptor on with no load (no headphones pluged in)

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandenigma1 is it ok to have the Raptor on with no load (no headphones pluged in)

Yes, it is ok. I thought that was the case but confirmed it with Ray before posting.

 

[Teerawit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandenigma1 is it ok to have the Raptor on with no load (no headphones pluged in)

Is it bad for certain amps to not have headphones plugged in?

 

[grawk]

I absolutely love my mpx3 (old silver chassis) with RS1s and PS1s...one day I'll try em with my etys just for grins.

The MPX manual says not to turn it on without headphones plugged in...

 

[carlosgp]

Any photograph of the old silver mpx3?