REVIEW: Ray Samuels Audio “Apache” balanced headphone amp/preamp

[swt61]

Your reviews are always a pleasure to read Skylab. I like your writing style and your enthusiasm for the hobby certainly shows. Great job once again.


Oh and BTW "Beelly Don't scratch the finish."

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swt61 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your reviews are always a pleasure to read Skylab. I like your writing style and your enthusiasm for the hobby certainly shows. Great job once again.

Thanks! I sure appreciate that. Now if I was only good at woodworking like you are

 

[Dan the man]

So the SS amp sounds almos as good as the tube amp in balanced mode??

What about the depth and width of the sound stage? Everyone says that tubes give a more holographic expansive sound stage compared to SS.

The Rudistor amps are SS and have a tube-like quality according to some reviews. Is this true for the Apache?

 

[bhd812]

sorry for off topic..well its sort of on the topic..

swt61 I made your Sig! thats so awesome, as my future wife would say "thats hot"



thanks man..hehe

 

[Fafner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan the man /img/forum/go_quote.gif So the SS amp sounds almos as good as the tube amp in balanced mode?? What about the depth and width of the sound stage? Everyone says that tubes give a more holographic expansive sound stage compared to SS. The Rudistor amps are SS and have a tube-like quality according to some reviews. Is this true for the Apache?

Ray's SS amps usually sound quite "tube-like", but a comparison between the Apache and the B-52, for example, would be very welcome. Maybe Ray himself could give a hint?

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan the man /img/forum/go_quote.gif So the SS amp sounds almos as good as the tube amp in balanced mode?? What about the depth and width of the sound stage? Everyone says that tubes give a more holographic expansive sound stage compared to SS. The Rudistor amps are SS and have a tube-like quality according to some reviews. Is this true for the Apache?

IMO, this is what the Apache does so VERY well.

 

[Vangelis]

NIce review. I was wondering how the Apache faired directly aganist the Krell KSA pre amp driving your Sunfire amp and B&W speakers?

 

[clc220]

great read, went through the whole thing non-stop.

sounds too good but at a price too far.

 

[itsborken]

Skylab, I used to think you were a great guy but I've just realized you are really the Devil

 

[Blueiz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vangelis /img/forum/go_quote.gif NIce review. I was wondering how the Apache faired directly aganist the Krell KSA pre amp driving your Sunfire amp and B&W speakers?

Skylab... also interested on your thought on this...

 

[Mindless]

A pleasure reading the review. Nice that you compared it to the Opera as I will be getting it next month. Can't wait now that I've read this.

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vangelis /img/forum/go_quote.gif NIce review. I was wondering how the Apache faired directly aganist the Krell KSA pre amp driving your Sunfire amp and B&W speakers?

The Apache was just a touch warmer, but the Krell was just a little more detailed, and has the slightly more extended extreme bass and treble. The Apache was certainly very competitive, but it was a bit of a toss up.

But the Apache offers more value since it includes the awesome headphone amp

 

[swt61]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhd812 /img/forum/go_quote.gif sorry for off topic..well its sort of on the topic.. swt61 I made your Sig! thats so awesome, as my future wife would say "thats hot" thanks man..hehe

LOL! Just now seeing this. Glad you like it. Have fun tomorrow at the meet. Some of my favorite Head-Fiers are from Chicago...you, Skylab and Matt (khbaur330162) are always a must read for me.

 

[Skylab]

Thanks! Looking forward to it. I'm finally going to get to hear a pair of L3000's - that might be very bad for my wallet...

 

[Vangelis]

I lam looking for a great pre amp as well as cutting edge headphone amp. Was the Apache was really competitive or a toss up when the Krell was more detailed and more extended extreme bass and treble. This the Apache a compromise compared to a pre amp such as the Krell