rsa Predator / Hornet first generation.

[Rico67]

I have an Hornet (first generation ) and it's sound great (really GREAT).
So, as i'll be interest with the Predator and the usb imput i just want to know if the quality is the same in term of sound.
I'm sure it's, but if someone have heard the 2, thanks to give your advice.

 

[user18]

Haven't heard the original Hornet, but the Predator and Hornet M sound very close.

 

[Rico67]

Thank you user 18.
need the predator a lot of time for burn in ?
and do you know which opamp is inside the monster ?

 

[-=Germania=-]

Heard both.

I can say that you can easily expect the same qualities in the predator that you have in the hornet, only a bit better IMO. The predator seems a bit more clean to me.

 

[Rico67]

Thank you Germania.
it's great to heard that.
i think, i 'll try the change.
have you some informations to compare Pico / Predator...

 

[-=Germania=-]

Yeah,

I have heard both the pico and predator at the same meet.
The pico seems more analytical and the choice between the two is difficult.

Since you are using Grados, the Predator is a MUCH better fit. The RSA protable stuff seems made for Grados and gives them that rounding that they just need in the treble and bass regions.

The Pico would amplify the Freq issues with Grados. I would say that they are better to be used on already rounded equipment or AKG's.

With my current equipment, it would make more sense for the Pico.

With yours, it would be better with the Predator.

 

[inthecup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Germania=- /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, I have heard both the pico and predator at the same meet. The pico seems more analytical and the choice between the two is difficult. Since you are using Grados, the Predator is a MUCH better fit. The RSA protable stuff seems made for Grados and gives them that rounding that they just need in the treble and bass regions. The Pico would amplify the Freq issues with Grados. I would say that they are better to be used on already rounded equipment or AKG's. With my current equipment, it would make more sense for the Pico. With yours, it would be better with the Predator.

Is the dac better on the pico, I have Grado's but have heard the dac is much better on the Pico. I will using it mostly on my laptop. Thanks for your help.

 

[CMasten]

I had both, could not discern a difference on the DAC between either.

I much prefer the amp section of the Predator.. which is really what I was buying it for.. but the signature of Rays stuff is 2nd to none IMO.. so I kept the Predator and sold off the Pico. Such a gutsy little amp with the quietest noise floor I have heard to date in either portable or desktop amps.

The more it burns the better it gets. I run a variety of cans and IEMS on it. All seem to like the pairing

(RS-1, DT-770pro, 880pro, Senn 600s, 650s,) , (E500s, ER-4p/s, mod'd IM716 at 33ohm)

 

[Rico67]

Great post.
I m thinking seriously to upgrade my hornet with an predator...
If someone want make a deal or sold one..
PM me.
The hornet sound great with the GS1000 but need a lot of burn in time (500 hours on mine) to be exceptional, so it must be the same case with the predator.
I know that there is no caps in the hornet signal path, is it the same for Prédator ?

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by user18 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Haven't heard the original Hornet, but the Predator and Hornet M sound very close.

Agreed. A used Hornet M is half the price which kinda helps make the decision unless you need a DAC.

 

[Rico67]

yes, i 'm looking predator for the possibility of using the dac with my laptop.
but i'm very please with the Hornet sound.

 

[techenvy]

i am going to buy the predator today for that very reason the dac, and i read someone else said that the mustang p51 was the same as the predator only with the usb input,
it was def. between the predator and the p51 mustang, and i think im going with the predator

 

[ZARIM]

There are few more AMPs has better DAC than Predator like iBasso D10, Pico. But predator AMPs part is amazing as Mustang and it has long battery life.