I've had my SR-009s for over 3 weeks now and my amp, the Ray Samuels Audio A-10 Thunderbolt for about 2 months. While I waited for my SR-009s to arrive, I had plenty of time to listen to the A-10 as a preamp in my speaker system that includes a McIntosh MC275 v5 amp, Harbeth SLH-5 speakers with REL Strata III subwoofer, PS Audio PWT/PWD mkII and Linn LP12 turntable with Radikal power supply, Keel subchassis, Ekos SE arm and Akiva cartridge. I replaced my Convergent Audio Technology (CAT) SL-1 Ultimate preamp (I still own this) with the A-10. I've been very happy with the CAT pre and I was hoping that the A-10 would provide equal preamp performance while giving me an amp to drive my forthcoming SR-009s. The A-10 as a preamp is fantastic. I've had several tube preamps in the past besides the CAT including the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A and Modulus 3, and the Conrad Johnson PV11. The A-10 is the most quiet and transparent of all the tube preamps that I've had in my system. Soundstaging is both wide and deep and vocalists are well centered and clearly defined. As a preamp in my system, I think the A-10 is truly sublime.
I'm sure most of you that are reading this are more interested in how the A-10 Thunderbolt performs with the SR-009 than its preamp performance. The A-10 drives the SR-009 better than I expected. Having read some reviews of other SR-009 systems, I was concerned about any brightness at all. In my system, (I say system because it is not just the A-10 but also the PWD mkII responsible for the SQ), the SR-009 doesn't sound bright or fatiguing at all. Not even the slightest bit. The transparency of this system is incredible and that is what I think sets it apart from some of the very best dynamic headphone systems. For me, this transparency allows greater connection to the musical performance. This is my first endeavor into an electrostatic system. For reference, I currently own some very fine dynamic headphones and amps including the HE6, LCD-3, LCD-2 rev1 and rev2, LA7000, and Headphile modded K340s for my headphones. I own the Cavalli Liquid Fire, RSA DarkStar and Luxman SQ-N100 headphone amps. The high frequencies of this system are extremely well extended, more so than any dynamic system I've heard while not being bright or fatiguing. Bass is well extended too and very well defined. Overall the sound quality is very well balanced and nothing distracts me from enjoying the musical event. Obviously, I'm very happy with my first electrostatic system. As far as the A-10 goes, although it is expensive, I think it is a great value if you can take advantage of its preamp capabilities in addition to it being a very impressive electrostatic amp.
I'm sure most of you that are reading this are more interested in how the A-10 Thunderbolt performs with the SR-009 than its preamp performance. The A-10 drives the SR-009 better than I expected. Having read some reviews of other SR-009 systems, I was concerned about any brightness at all. In my system, (I say system because it is not just the A-10 but also the PWD mkII responsible for the SQ), the SR-009 doesn't sound bright or fatiguing at all. Not even the slightest bit. The transparency of this system is incredible and that is what I think sets it apart from some of the very best dynamic headphone systems. For me, this transparency allows greater connection to the musical performance. This is my first endeavor into an electrostatic system. For reference, I currently own some very fine dynamic headphones and amps including the HE6, LCD-3, LCD-2 rev1 and rev2, LA7000, and Headphile modded K340s for my headphones. I own the Cavalli Liquid Fire, RSA DarkStar and Luxman SQ-N100 headphone amps. The high frequencies of this system are extremely well extended, more so than any dynamic system I've heard while not being bright or fatiguing. Bass is well extended too and very well defined. Overall the sound quality is very well balanced and nothing distracts me from enjoying the musical event. Obviously, I'm very happy with my first electrostatic system. As far as the A-10 goes, although it is expensive, I think it is a great value if you can take advantage of its preamp capabilities in addition to it being a very impressive electrostatic amp.
This deserves your own thread once you have some impressions down!
