mrwinick
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2004
- Posts
- 256
- Likes
- 10
When I discovered that Ray's studio is less than 25 miles away I decided to send him an email to see if I could stop by and listen to his amps. He emailed me back with his phone number and asked me to call to set up a time. I suggested immediately
That was this afternoon around 2:30.
I went specifically to listen to the xp7. I also listened to the hr2 and the raptor. Ray told me that I could listen to whatever I wanted, but he suggested that I stay away from the Apache--because I'd go through the rest of my life disappointed if I didn't own one. I also was able to try Grado rs-1 and AKG 701.
I own the headsave classic and senn hd600. I started with the xp7 and then switched to the headsave to compare. My first impression was that the headsave is a better amp than I understood. The xp7, though, offered 'more.' More depth, more bass, more 'warmth.' I wish I could do a better job of explaining. I guess I would say that I felt the music more intimately and comfortably. Suffice it to say that I noticed a difference, but still was (and am) impressed with the headsave.
Then Ray suggested I listen to the Raptor. Wow. Wow. Wow. It was a revelation. So beautiful. I don't have the words to properly convey what this amp delivers. The bottom line is that I want one and I won't be satisfied until I do. (seriously, I might put everything away until I figure out how to buy one)
Finally, I tried the hr2. It was very similar to the raptor. Another stunning example of what Ray creates.
It was also fun to try the 701's and rs-1's. I never appreciated how different headphones can sound. (I've only owned and used the hd600's) I still prefer the sound from the 600's, but I thought the 701's were more comfortable (I have big ears!). It is starting to make sense why people own a number of different headphones. Different music, different mood, different cans.
It was a pleasure to meet Ray. I was able to learn a little about his business and its history. I look forward to meeting with him again and I REALLY look forward to buying the Raptor. Gotta figure out how to make that happen.....
To those of you considering an emmaline--go for it. You will not be disappointed. The quality is amazing and apparent.
I went specifically to listen to the xp7. I also listened to the hr2 and the raptor. Ray told me that I could listen to whatever I wanted, but he suggested that I stay away from the Apache--because I'd go through the rest of my life disappointed if I didn't own one. I also was able to try Grado rs-1 and AKG 701.
I own the headsave classic and senn hd600. I started with the xp7 and then switched to the headsave to compare. My first impression was that the headsave is a better amp than I understood. The xp7, though, offered 'more.' More depth, more bass, more 'warmth.' I wish I could do a better job of explaining. I guess I would say that I felt the music more intimately and comfortably. Suffice it to say that I noticed a difference, but still was (and am) impressed with the headsave.
Then Ray suggested I listen to the Raptor. Wow. Wow. Wow. It was a revelation. So beautiful. I don't have the words to properly convey what this amp delivers. The bottom line is that I want one and I won't be satisfied until I do. (seriously, I might put everything away until I figure out how to buy one)
Finally, I tried the hr2. It was very similar to the raptor. Another stunning example of what Ray creates.
It was also fun to try the 701's and rs-1's. I never appreciated how different headphones can sound. (I've only owned and used the hd600's) I still prefer the sound from the 600's, but I thought the 701's were more comfortable (I have big ears!). It is starting to make sense why people own a number of different headphones. Different music, different mood, different cans.
It was a pleasure to meet Ray. I was able to learn a little about his business and its history. I look forward to meeting with him again and I REALLY look forward to buying the Raptor. Gotta figure out how to make that happen.....
To those of you considering an emmaline--go for it. You will not be disappointed. The quality is amazing and apparent.
