Ray Samuels "The Hornet" Version 2?

[Borat]

It appears that Ray is offering to change the signature of the Hornet from it's current upfront sound to the more laidback signature of his other amps if you prefer to do so.

Details here.

This is a great gesture to his customers and I applaud Ray for offering this mod free of labor and parts charges. This really demonstrates that Ray cares about his customers' satisfaction and is willing to go the extra mile in order to insure they are all happy.

As a current owner of the original Hornet configuration, I haven't decided yet what to do. For pop/rock, I think the upfront nature of the current Hornet works great. But for jazz, classical, and softer acoustic music, I would probably like for it to sound like the SR-71. I am not sure what the mods will do to my Hornet until I hear it though.

Are any current owners going to send theirs back in?

 

[PFKMan23]

I'm still undecided at this point. If the sound signature creates a more spacious feel to he music (akin to being in the front row of the concert vs a couple rows back), then I might do it, but in my mind, it's kind of wierd changing the amp such that it better resembles the SR-71.

 

[chungsoi]

Now that's customer service for ya!

I'll probably leave my hornet the way it is now, as I enjoy the hornet for it's upfront "aggressive" sound. But it's good to know that there is the option avail. if I ever want to change the sound, free of charge. Currently, I couldn't be happier with the hornet in my setup!

 

[digihead]

Incredible customer service from Ray once again. I'm sending mine in to get the mod done. I'll report back on the sound once it arrives.

 

[PsychoZX]

Does this mean that if I get a hornet later on I will get one that sounds similar to the sr-71?

 

[PFKMan23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychoZX Does this mean that if I get a hornet later on I will get one that sounds similar to the sr-71?

Essenitally, yes. Supposedly the new module makes it sound closer to the SR-71. Similar or just like, only Ray knows that but supposedly the SS is closer to that of the SR-71 and Senns.

 

[chungsoi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by digihead Incredible customer service from Ray once again. I'm sending mine in to get the mod done. I'll report back on the sound once it arrives.

Look forward to your impressions digihead! I wonder if this mod will really make the hornet sound like the sr71...

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFKMan23 Essenitally, yes. Supposedly the new module makes it sound closer to the SR-71. Similar or just like, only Ray knows that but supposedly the SS is closer to that of the SR-71 and Senns.

I wonder if you could still get it with the orginal module. I personally like the slightly upfront sound of the hornet.

 

[LBC]

Interesting... After 60-80 hours of burn-in, I thought the amp was too bright, but after reading Munkong's experience, I let it burn-in another solid week. The sound signature was very different! Much less strident, more neutral. I'll be interested in hearing what people think about the new configuration - but a bit of warning about making the change before you listen to it fully burned-in...

 

[Teerawit]

I'm kinda undecided about changing mine too....

On the one hand, I like the Hornet's sound the way it is. On the other, I'm interested in what the "new" sound is. I'll be eagerly waiting for impressions on the new sound.

Why can't we just opamp roll to get both

 

[vranswer]

Aarggh! I love the SR-71 sound, and only sold mine because it was a little too big for truly portable use. But I'd be in agony without the Hornet for the time it takes to ship, mod, ship back etc.,etc. AArrgggh!!

 

[chungsoi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vranswer Aarggh! I love the SR-71 sound, and only sold mine because it was a little too big for truly portable use. But I'd be in agony without the Hornet for the time it takes to ship, mod, ship back etc.,etc. AArrgggh!!

Take one for the team, vranswer. You still have the PA2v2 to keep you going..

 

[vranswer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chungsoi Take one for the team, vranswer. You still have the PA2v2 to keep you going..

LOL. Actually the PA2v2 is a quite competent amp, and could bridge the gap. Also have been going pretty minimalist at present, what with heavy winter clothing and all (now often toting Shuffle and no amp, or nano/ampless).

Has Ray posted procedural details for the mod?

 

[BRBJackson]

I'm very happy with the way my Hornet works with the UE10's, but would be interested to A-B with a modded unit. Hopefully, one of the So Cal Hornet owners will send theirs to Ray... then it's time for a mini-meet

 

[Borat]

To be clear, nowhere did Ray mention the new mod will make the Hornet sound like the SR-71. I just used that as a point of comparison as its signature is "laidback." But there is much more to an amp than just sounding "forward" or "laidback".

I don't want there to be any confusion. Only Ray knows how the new "The Hornet" sounds. It may be very different from the original Hornet and the SR-71.