[Jaw007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by willisv /img/forum/go_quote.gif I received my reference in the mail today. (Mar 26 order) I installed some panasonic eneloops and hooked it up to my 5.5 imod and Er4p's. Without any break-in it sounds very very nice. Compared to my hornet m, which has about 200 hrs on it - the reference has it beat easily. It is a very warm and smooth sounding amp and much less fatiguing to listen to. The best way to describe the sound is very tight and controlled, it plays the music effortlessly. I will post more impressions once it breaks in.

Was it worth the wait?

 

[Drumonron]

Thanks Willisv...It helps to hear positives reviews.

 

[Drumonron]

...takes a little edge off the pain, you know.

 

[Drumonron]

I am waiting for the Reference that I ordered in Mid Sept and I also have the hornet "m" for the interim so I appreciated the comparison...the RSA Hornet is a nice little amp IMHO.

 

[willisv]

The wait didn't really bother me as much as the lack of communication, and I payed Xin with paypal which is the wrong way to do it. If you order with a credit card and try to forget about it then there's no worries, since he doesn't charge till he ships your amp. This amp is definitely worth the money paid, at $280 plus shipping I don't think you could get a higher quality portable for the price - never mind with free updates. I am listening to it right now through my alien dac, foobar2000, and playing flac files, I can honestly say that this amp is not over hyped... it does sound that good.

 

[willisv]

almost forgot - for those having trouble getting through to Xin, make sure you follow the email format on his website to a T. This was noted by someone a few posts back and it really does help.

 

[Jaw007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by willisv /img/forum/go_quote.gif The wait didn't really bother me as much as the lack of communication, and I payed Xin with paypal which is the wrong way to do it. If you order with a credit card and try to forget about it then there's no worries, since he doesn't charge till he ships your amp. This amp is definitely worth the money paid, at $280 plus shipping I don't think you could get a higher quality portable for the price - never mind with free updates. I am listening to it right now through my alien dac, foobar2000, and playing flac files, I can honestly say that this amp is not over hyped... it does sound that good.

I ordered in Nov 2007,so I have a long wait.
Thanks for the info!

 

[Kabeer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by willisv /img/forum/go_quote.gif almost forgot - for those having trouble getting through to Xin, make sure you follow the email format on his website to a T. This was noted by someone a few posts back and it really does help.

Iv been using Gmail, so im not sure if that casues any time synchronisation issues. But apart from that im sure I followed all other steps (just using a paypal referenc ein header, since I wasnt given a Xin order reference). And am receiving no replies.

 

[willisv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kabeer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Iv been using Gmail, so im not sure if that casues any time synchronisation issues. But apart from that im sure I followed all other steps (just using a paypal referenc ein header, since I wasnt given a Xin order reference). And am receiving no replies.

I used paypal to pay also and on the paypal receipt there should be an invoice ID (there was for me anyways) and this is the number that I put in the header as well as my order date and how many months had passed since I ordered. I also put which amp I ordered in the header. Make sure it is plain text and not html, after I did this I got an email a couple of days later. I think that if you follow this format you will hear from him eventually.

 

[el_monkey]

Well folks, after more than 10 months of waiting my Xin Reference amp has finally arrived. Exterior is nothing to brag about--standard Hammond metal case used for the Mini3. The sound without any break-in is very impressive. I read that it needs 300-400 hours of break-in but it sounds great now! I will be putting my Mini3 up for sale because the Reference blows it away.

 

[Biff Wellington]

Joined the 9 month club last week, so I'm hopeful that I'll soon be getting my prize. Here's the kicker though - I ordered a Supermicro IV. So far, it seems to be all Reference. So here's the 2 part question - do I try to change my order or will that move me to the back of the Reference line? Incidental to that, is the Reference a big improvement over the Supermicro?

 

[jamato8]

It refines the Micro. The Micro for its size is excellent and a wonderful piece of work. It is worth having for its size and great sound quality but the Reference further refines it, adds a huge cap, smoothes the highs even more. Well the Reference is another dimension. Email Xin and ask him if you can change your order and to please not lose your place in line. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[bunsco]

Would someone be so kind as to provide a pic or a link show the size of the reference compared to the RSA Tomahawk - as i've changed my order from the Reference to the Supermicro as i was concern with the size issue.

I have the tomahawk and find it 'quite' easy to stick into my inside jacket pockets - i'd just like to know how much different having to carry a Reference would be to my Tomahawk.

If its not jacket pocket friendly - i'll stick with my supermicro order, if it is - well looks like id have to email Xin again and revert to my original order.

thanx for any help given.

 

[Aaron622]

Just joined the 5 month club today (for the Reference). I had hopes that it wouldn't be this long, but I can't say I'm surprised

 

[kaushama]

The reference is the best portable I have ever listened to. But my upgraded Supermini closely follows the performance of Reference. For its size it is a wonderful amp.