[bsn]

This is my first post at Head-fi. I am new to the Hi-Fi headphone world.

I am quite excited!

I just got off the telephone with Ray Samuels. I just placed an order for my first headphone amp. I ordered the Ray Samuels Audio, Emmeline XP-7 with AD797 OP-AMP upgrade. I'm assuming that this is a good choice for newbies first headphone amp?

The only hard part now is that I have to mail Ray a check for payment and wait 3-4 weeks for him to build the amp and ship it.

Waiting is going to be very difficult.

 

[bhd812]

Welcome to headfi sorry about your wallet..

Whats your source you will be using with the xp7?

planning on upgrading your cans? the 125's and the xp7 go nicely with eachother. you should like the combo.

congrats man!

 

[bsn]

For now, the source will be an iPod 80GB with Apple Lossless format , using the iPod's dock connector line-out. I will probably purchase a quality CD player in the future.

I may also get the Grado RS1s or Senn HD650 as a future upgrade.

I live about 15 miles from Audio Advisor, so I will probably purchase the CD player and cans from them.

 

[Jaska]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsn /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm assuming that this is a good choice for newbies first headphone amp?

For a first amp, that's one heck of a nice choice! If I had that, it would likely be my last amp...

Are you going to be running it with batteries, or did you get the power supply?

 

[bsn]

For right now, I am going to use just the batteries. I may get the power supply later on as funding permits.

 

[musicmaker]

I suggest you also try the LT1028 in the XP-7. Its a terrific opamp and I preferred it to the AD797.

 

[bsn]

I might give the LT1028 a try. Right now, I'm just impatiently waiting to get the unit. I was torn between getting the Hornet, which RSA could have shipped to me the same day (Instant Gratification) or waiting 3 weeks for the XP-7. I think I made the correct choice?

 

[musicmaker]

The XP-7 is worth the wait. Its a super amp !

 

[earwicker7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsn /img/forum/go_quote.gif The only hard part now is that I have to mail Ray a check for payment and wait 3-4 weeks for him to build the amp and ship it. Waiting is going to be very difficult.

Dude, that's going at light speed compared to 90% of the amp builders out there. The norm is waiting for months... in extreme cases, some people have waited for a couple of years.

 

[bsn]

I'm still wondering if I would be just as happy with an amp like the Predator or Hornet? I know the XP-7 is better, but being a newbie and never having heard any of the amps, I'm not sure how much better we are talking here. I was not able to find many reviews on the Predator or XP-7.
So, I'm making decisions based solely on a few reviews.

 

[helperTcell]

I have both the XP7 & Hornet. To my ears, with a decent source & phones, the XP7 is in a class above the Hornet. Eats batteries though so I'd invest in 2 sets of high capacity 9V rechargeables. The dedicated PSU looks nice but is pricey. Congratulations on an excellent first amp...

 

[Spiritboxer]

Yeah, I have both as well though I rarely use the Hornet since I bought Musicmaker's XP-7 with the LT1028 opamp. Sound's great with my SR225's so I'd assume it will be the same with the SR125 as well. Anyway, congrats on scoring a topnotch amp. Ray's products and customer service are second to none.

 

[bsn]

Thanks for the info, as of today, I'm committed to the XP-7. I sent Ray the payment. I am very excited and I am eagerly looking forward to receiving this very fine amp.

 

[dezafinado]

Hey gang,

The XP-7 is also on my list. But I have the K701 and undecided which to get: XP-7 or Heed CanAmp? Anyone can shed light on this?

 

[jeffreyj900]

Very nice choice! Owned one myself. Only sold it because I upgraded to the Raptor. Sorry about your wallet, and welcome to head-fi!