RSA The Lightning F-35, fully balanced portable amp Review: 35 more F-35 amps at intro price . . .

[MattTCG]

What's the price point on this?
 
thanks..

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

....and a photo or two would be nice......lol

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

I see you also have a 71B.  Would you buy the Lightning over the SR-71B?  I would like to own an RSA amp, but now I'm not sure which should be my first purchase...

The Lightning is only balanced output. So if you are going to go balanced only then why not. It is smaller and excellent sounding. 
 
I will post some images later comparing it in size to the 3rd Anv Hisoundaudio dap, which is also small. They are almost the same size. 

 

[customNuts]

Quote:

The Lightning is only balanced output. So if you are going to go balanced only then why not. It is smaller and excellent sounding. 
 
I will post some images later comparing it in size to the 3rd Anv Hisoundaudio dap, which is also small. They are almost the same size. 

As far as the amp sections, which would you prefer? Is the Lightning on the same level, difference in signatures?

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

As far as the amp sections, which would you prefer? Is the Lightning on the same level, difference in signatures?

I haven't had it long and I am still letting it burn in but it is on the same level as the Intruder. I will have to have more time to compare to see if there are any differences in sound or to what degree. It is very, very transparent. Excellent sound and I love the size. 

 

[wormsdriver]

Looks like almost the same size of the Predator then, maybe a tiny bit longer?.
Looking forward to your pics compared with the HSA Studio.

 

 

[AmberOzL]

Sub'd, interesting.

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

Looks like almost the same size of the Predator then, maybe a tiny bit longer?.
Looking forward to your pics compared with the HSA Studio.
 

Same size but about 4mm longer. Small and very powerful but totally refine. Right and left volume control absolutely matched. 

 

[customNuts]

Quote:

I haven't had it long and I am still letting it burn in but it is on the same level as the Intruder. I will have to have more time to compare to see if there are any differences in sound or to what degree. It is very, very transparent. Excellent sound and I love the size. 

Thats pretty impressive, looks like a very nice little amp - I want one! Paired with something like the C3 or the ak100 would be a killer little setup.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Makes me wish I had more balanced headphones...

 

[kiwirugby]

It would be good to know what are optimal phones/monitors that would work with the Lightning.  Any thoughts?

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

Thats pretty impressive, looks like a very nice little amp - I want one! Paired with something like the C3 or the ak100 would be a killer little setup.

It is almost exactly the same length as the AK100 but narrower by about 6 or 7 mm, approx. 1/2 inch. A great pairing by the way. 
Quote:

It would be good to know what are optimal phones/monitors that would work with the Lightning.  Any thoughts?

With the power it delivers you could use the LCD-3 or 2, many headphones of assorted types, IEM's as it is dead quiet. It is neutral, IMO, so it really is up to what the source puts out and how the headphones are that are used, bright, warm, etc. It drives with authority without question. 

 

[wormsdriver]

sooo....any news on the price?
 
 
 
If we're gonna have to start playing the guessing game, I'd say the price will be $450-$475.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

^^^ Higher

 

[castleofargh]

we need moar!!!! (I don't mail ray samuel because I imagine 300 other people already did asking about this amp and the guy is so polite he will probably answer every single one and lose one week of his life on it)
 
same 3D imaging (good depth) as other balanced RSA?  what about EMI / RFI ? price related will it stand between protector and sr71B? but more important, WHEN?
 
 
 
thx jamato, I'm jealous but grateful