[mingde10467]

Does anyone out there regularly use the K-1000 with the Raptor?

In reviewing the Raptor, 6Moons mentioned that Ray Samuels sent his XLR to 1/4" adaptor so the reviewer could try the K-1000s out. The combination worked but wasn't ideal. Nevertheless, it would be nice to use all my phones with one amp.

Thanks!

 

[tintin47]

Being as the raptor is an OTL amp, I can't imagine that it would put out enough current into 100 ohms to run the K1K like it should be. It would work, but a higher current, higher power amp would drive your K1K better.

 

[aRRR]

What about a Woo Audio WA5 for all of your phones.

 

[jpelg]

The Raptor on its own cannot properly drive the K1000's.

You could get a speaker power amp, and run a cable from the Raptor's headphone jack to the speaker amp's RCA inputs. Connect the K1000's to the speaker amp's speaker taps. Use the Raptor's volume control to attenuate your source(s).

 

[SteveM324]

I tried driving the K1000 with the Raptor several years ago. I had a 1/4" plug adapter made so that I could plug K1000 into the Raptor. The Raptor did not have trouble reaching satisfying volume levels (if my memory is correct about 1:00 it was quite loud) however, the sound was cold and lean. I tried several NOS tubes to warm it up a bit but overall I don't think the Raptor is up to the task. I also tried my speaker amp at that time, a Mark Levinson No 383 integrated amp 100W/Ch @8 ohms & 200W/Ch @ 4 ohms, and results were very good. With the ML amp, the sound was much warmer and the bass was deeper and tighter and the brightness was gone. I no longer have the K1000 or the Raptor. If you want a good amp for the K1000, I think you need to get a high quality speaker amp.

 

[mingde10467]

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

I've had two speaker amps for the K-1000s - - a Creek 4330 integrated (40 watts/channel) and a Sugden 25-watt/per channel class A integrated. Both were purchased around 2002/3 before I became acquainted with Head-fi.

The Sugden broke once and I had it repaired. It broke again rather quickly. Probably a minor problem but it weighs a ton and I haven't had the energy to send it back to the importer yet once again.

The Creek works nicely with the K-1000s and back then it was only $600 (the model is now discontinued).

My cd player (an Arcam FMJ CD-23) has two outputs so I can connect both the Raptor and the Creek at the same time. I did that a few days ago. There were just too many wires and stuff in the limited space of my dresser top so I put away everything except the cdp and the Raptor.

Maybe I'll try it again. . .

 

[Uncle Erik]

You might want to try the K-1000 with a tubed power amp. I'll run mine from a Conrad-Johnson MV-52 (push-pull, EL34) and a Moth Si2A3 (single-ended, 2A3), and much prefer them to solid state.

I don't know how much you're looking to spend, but the Eddit Current ZDT might fit your needs. It drives headphones, but it will also put 8W into an 8 Ohm load - about perfect for the K-1000.

 

[mrarroyo]

I am currently using the line stage of a Monarchy Audio NM24 to drive a Red Wine Audio Signature 30.2 power amp (no volume control). If you go to Audiogon you can find used specimens of each and spend under $2,000 including S&H for both. I am very happy with the combo although I am hoping to get an Isabella w/ the DAC and HPA options when my wallet recovers.

Note, you can use the DAC outs (2) of the NM24 to drive additional amps.

 

[mingde10467]

Thanks Uncle Erik and Mr. Arroyo. Much food for thought.