[Mher6]

Usually I don't make impression threads (as the hardware I buy has been reviewed/criticized/praised a countless number of times on this forum), but since there's not that much information on the Extreme (since it is a relatively new amp) I'd thought I'd make my first impression/review thread.

To begin, I upgraded from my first tube amp, the WooAudio 3 to the SP Extreme. Without burn-in time and about 20 minutes of tube "warm-up", I couldn't resist the urge to try out my new amp.

From Billy Joel to Rush to Transatlantic, I briefly ran my music collection through this amp. The soundstage is GREATLY expanded. The instruments are really surrounding my head, and I feel like I'm actually at a concert (though the WA3's soundstage was excellent also). The punch/aggressiveness of the amp (which I requested from Mikhail to improve on compared to my WA3) is strong, tight, and accurate. The initial hit on the drums and the second the guitars are strung are really accented by the Extreme.

Bass extension is extended and more refined on the Extreme. Mids are clearer and warmer. Highs are more present and less 'veiled'. Really, I couldn't ask for more.

All the hype about Mikhail's service and the quality of his amp(s) is no hoax! Simply amazing, really.

In a few days/weeks I will hook up my WA3 as a preamp to the Extreme and compare my results (vs. my Presonus CS directly to my Extreme).

EDIT:// HOOKED UP THE WA3, IMPRESSIONS IN POST #25.

And finally, the pictures...

 

[sacd lover]

Congratulations

I am using my Extreme with some K1000's of late and this amp just drives anything with ease. I am surprised how versatile the Extreme is at getting the best out of completely different headphones. I remain completely impressed with the Extreme. So far the MS2/ K1000/ K701 and the Senn 580/595/600 have never sounded better.

 

[bdh]

Cool! When did you order it BTW? Mine's been 'done' for three weeks and I'm still waiting.

 

[909]

Congrats!

Thanks for sharing your pics and initial impressions. Nothing quite-like the anticipation and excitement of getting a new toy and getting that positive euphoric first time listening high right out of the box. Enjoy your Extreme!

 

[Thelonious Monk]

she's a beauty. any upgrades? i'm sure it sounds amazing straight out of the box, though. makes me kinda jealous!

enjoy!

 

[Mher6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdh /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cool! When did you order it BTW? Mine's been 'done' for three weeks and I'm still waiting.

Ordered it 2/26/07.

 

[Mher6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thelonious Monk /img/forum/go_quote.gif she's a beauty. any upgrades? i'm sure it sounds amazing straight out of the box, though. makes me kinda jealous! enjoy!

No upgrades yet. Although I will probably only upgrade the tubes in the future.

 

[bdh]

Hmmm. I ordered mine 2/15/07. Hopefully soon.

 

[909]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdh /img/forum/go_quote.gif Mine's been 'done' for three weeks and I'm still waiting.

Sorry to hear that... (sounds like unfulfilled promises?)

Patience

(Mikhail does work hard providing personalized service to each customer, accommodating their particular needs and always trying to please.)

 

[Spareribs]

Congrats on your new amp. Looks like a great one. I am seriously thinking about getting this amp as well sometime this summer. As a tube lover myself, it looks like a great buy. My wallet is happily eager for this amp


New Edit:

Also:
I like the way how you posted the pics of the box before it was opened and then posted pics of the opening of the box process. It's like Christmas morning. Imagine having this amp in a package under a Christmas tree! Yippie!!

 

[KenW]

A bit off topic but what are you using as a rack? I kinda like that. Btw, Singlepower is the cats meow, the orange jelly bean and much more. Congrats on what is no doubt one mighty fine amp. I've only owned the MPX3 slam and now the Supra XLR. So far I've not been anything but supremely impressed.

 

[bdh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spareribs /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am seriously thinking about getting this amp as well sometime this summer.

Well you better order now if you actually want to get it this summer.

 

[Mher6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenW /img/forum/go_quote.gif A bit off topic but what are you using as a rack? I kinda like that. Btw, Singlepower is the cats meow, the orange jelly bean and much more. Congrats on what is no doubt one mighty fine amp. I've only owned the MPX3 slam and now the Supra XLR. So far I've not been anything but supremely impressed.

I'm using a rack I found at Lowe's. I'll search on their site for my model.

edit:// It doesn't seem to be on Lowe's site. Although the brand is "Shelving by Design" and the rack is called "3 tier folding shelf"

 

[Shureman]

Thanks for the impression. I'm tempted.

 

[newguru]

Sweetness! Nice looking setup you have there as well! Welcome to Team Singlepower!