To get a RAPTOR or not to get a RAPTOR

[charlie1]

Hi all. Right now I'm using a SONY VAIO laptop with Itunes-all Lossess going to a Headroom Micro Dac via USB to a Headroom Micro Desktop Module amp.(MICRO STACK) RNB audio cables and useing mostly GRADO RS1 but sometimes AKG701s. (GS1000 on the way). My question is do you think it would help much if i got the RAPTOR? I am mostly rock-blues and master acustic,or electric like Chet Atkins.

 

[Ruppin]

The micro with desktop module is quite good at its price, but the Raptor is in another league. My Raptor goes nicely with the GS-1000s (notyetburnedin) and with 701's which can be a little lean, and benefit from the Raptor.

Todd (TTVJ) can be very helpful on tube selection which, can make a difference on the Raptor.

Ray Samuals seems to put a lot of pride and quality into his products.

Note: The power supply on the Raptor is connected via a 2 foot cord. I have often wished it were longer. Note also that both the power supply and the amp get pretty hot. Have a safe, well ventillated, place to put them.

 

[bhd812]

if your going to there are a few for sale in the forsale section now...not a bad time to pull the raptor trigger..


buying a used Raptor is like adopting a child...only your the child..

 

[bhd812]

if your going to there are a few for sale in the forsale section now...not a bad time to pull the raptor trigger..


buying a used Raptor is like adopting a child...only your the child..

 

[edisonwu]

I think so, a good amp is always necessary. RSA the rapter is kind of well-known here. good move.

 

[tkam]

Don't forget to check into the various SinglePower offerings. Also the MAD Ear+ is a great matchup for low impedance phones like your rs-1 and k701.

 

[Thaddy]

If it were my buck, I'd be giving Mikhail a call. He'll be able to taylor any amp to your specific needs, plus I've only heard good thing about them. So good in fact, that I can almost certainly say that I see one in my future

 

[Graz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy If it were my buck, I'd be giving Mikhail a call. He'll be able to taylor any amp to your specific needs, plus I've only heard good thing about them. So good in fact, that I can almost certainly say that I see one in my future

Been using the Raptor for a while with good results, but hard to argue against Mikhail's products.

The Raptor has good synergy with hd650, but fwiw I never much liked it with a pair of ms2i I owned a while back. Not sure if it would match well with the rs1...I'm guessing yes, but the amp really does seem to favor hi impedance cans imo.

Peace,

Graz

 

[Luco]

I think my Raptor sounds nice with my HD 650s, but with some lower impedance phones I've tried the Raptor hasn't worked as well. But I think the Raptor will be able to control the RS1s bass very well.

 

[bhd812]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luco I think my Raptor sounds nice with my HD 650s, but with some lower impedance phones I've tried the Raptor hasn't worked as well. But I think the Raptor will be able to control the RS1s bass very well.

what phones? what tubes?

 

[Graz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhd812 what phones? what tubes?

I've had a similar experience with Luco...
Raptor + 650 = joy
Raptor + ms2i = not as good
But on the other hand...
Gilmore Lite + ms2i = joy
Gilmore Lite + 650 = not as good
Raptor is an OTL amp design...high impedance cans require less turn of the volume knob to reach the same level vs. low impedance cans (exactly the opposite of a SS). Using Raptor + ms2i, I had to crank the Raptor up quite a bit more to reach my desired listening volume...and imo, it just sounded a bit "off"...like there was just too much energy going on...things just sounded congested imo.

Peace,

Graz

 

[Luco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhd812 what phones? what tubes?

The low impedance phones I've tried were Sennheiser HD555 and HD497. Tubes: a pair of JAN Phillips 5687s, a non-clear top RCA 12AU7, RCA black plate 5687s and an RCA clear top 12AU7.

But my Raptor is most probably optimised for 300 ohm headphones.

 

[Ruppin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graz Been using the Raptor for a while with good results, but hard to argue against Mikhail's products. The Raptor has good synergy with hd650, but fwiw I never much liked it with a pair of ms2i I owned a while back. Not sure if it would match well with the rs1...I'm guessing yes, but the amp really does seem to favor hi impedance cans imo. Peace, Graz

I don't want to argue against Singlepower either, but I did like the Raptor better than the Singlepower amps around its price range. Although I loved the Singlepower electrostatic amp/ Orpheus combo, you might say its in a different price range.

I think the Raptor is a more neutral sounding amp than the Singlepower. Although it is clearly a tube amp, I find it to be less syrupy than Singlepower amps. They are both well made.

I know the Raptor better, and it really was built by a quality fanatic.

But its more a question of your taste. I don't think you could really go too far wrong with either.

 

[doctorjuggles]

I recently took delivery of my Raptor and could not be any happier with it.
I really think it will pair well with the MicroDAC too, having used the MicroDAC for a few weeks, I really rate that DAC and my guess would be the Raptor would compliment it very well, although I must stress I had to return the MicroDAC to the friend I borrowed it from before I took delivery of my Raptor and so I haven't tested the combination.

If you have the money, I think you'll be hugely pleased if you buy The Raptor.

I cannot comment on SP amps, having never heard them.