[raffy]

I'm fairly new to head-fi and I normally do not write impressions as I feel not knowledgeable enough to write some but after taking delivery of my Raptor two hours ago, I feel like I have to write this.

I AM ABSOLUTELY FLOORED BY THIS AMP!!!!!

Coming from a Melos SHA-1 to the Raptor is most definitely an upgrade, esp. for my HD600s. I previously thought the the HD600 was waaay too neutral for me in fact, it was so easy to get uninvolved and just put my cans down. With the Raptor, I cannot believe how great the bass reproduction is - deep and creamy but still accurate. The overall presence of the music is much improved too.

Previously, I couldn't see how I can sit down and spend more than an hour and a half without taking off my cans, but I've been glued to my rig since I opened this package!

Anyway, thanks Ray for a great product! My single ended amp journey ends here!

 

[silverrain]

Yep -- a good amp will make the HD580/600/650 all sing like songbirds!
Congrats!

 

[Golden Monkey]

Congrats - glad you found happiness!

 

[Lil' Knight]

The Senns really shine when pairing with powerful amp

Enjoy your new amp.

 

[krmathis]

Congratulations!

Nice to see that you really enjoy the Raptor.

 

[Gollie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by raffy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Anyway, thanks Ray for a great product! My single ended amp journey ends here!

Ya right...

Congrats on your new toy!

 

[mrarroyo]

Raffy, very glad you are enjoying your new Raptor. IMO it is a very nice sounding unit. Not as tubey as some all tube amps but very fast, detailed, and clear. As I recall it has very good extension.

Now, post some pictures.

 

[rapzoo]

Congratulations on your new amp. I picked up a used Raptor a short while back and have been floored by how it has improved the sound of my 650s. Tight, extended bass, smooth highs, natural timbre and much improved PRaT. There is no doubt that a powerful amp can really make the Senns sing.

 

[rapzoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Raffy, Not as tubey as some all tube amps but very fast, detailed, and clear.

Are you implying that the Raptor is not an all tube amp? I agree that it is not as tubey as some other all tube amps, but it is, nonetheless, an OTL tube amp. It was just designed by Ray to exhibit more of the typical solid state features and less of the tube lushness.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rapzoo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are you implying that the Raptor is not an all tube amp? I agree that it is not as tubey as some other all tube amps, but it is, nonetheless, an OTL tube amp. It was just designed by Ray to exhibit more of the typical solid state features and less of the tube lushness.

No, I am actually saying the same thing you just did. You just did it better.

 

[raffy]

True, it does sound a little more SS and less tubey but it takes care of the coldness that SS amps can exhibit.

 

[raffy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif As I recall it has very good extension.

My thoughts exactly! Pics to come later....

 

[Orcin]

Gratz on this fine amp! Waiting for those pics...

 

[SteveM324]

Congratulations! Its a great amp! Also, Ray's service is fantastic.

 

[raffy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveM324 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Congratulations! Its a great amp! Also, Ray's service is fantastic.

It truly is a great amp...BTW, what tubes are you using for your Raptor?