Ray Samuels Audio?

Discussion in 'Leaderboard, Overboard, and Deals' started by electricsheepdreams, Aug 16, 2016.

  1. electricsheepdreams

    electricsheepdreams New

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    Hi guys,

    Was looking at a portable amplifier recently and heard some good things about RSA, as well as the fact that they seem to be uite highly regarded in certain corners of the net. However, the actual website seems a tad dodgy (last official update seems to be from 2015, description of the shadow for instance seems to be more marketing speak than actual details), and I just want to get this community's opinion on what their products are like? My current choices are between the RSA shadow and the headstage arrow (or is that shit as well?) straight out of my plenue D. Thanks.
     
  2. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    Stay away from RSA.

    Also, don't clutter the board with trifling purchase advice questions. If you'd like, feel free to repeat this question here. But not before taking the time to introduce yourself here.

    That's all.
     
  3. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I've always had great communication with Ray. I actually like his amps, though in today's market I find them overpriced.

    I also like he doesn't run away from secondary-market buyers but is happy to help whoever owns his amps.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2016
  4. zachchen1996

    zachchen1996 Friend

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    If you're looking for a portable amp, take a look at Vorzüge and Leckerton as well.
    If you're willing to go with a larger size, Wagnus & Mass Kobo (Japanese brands) are also fantastic but pricey.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2016
  5. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    And don't forget Neco, right @FlySweep ?
     
  6. drfindley

    drfindley Secretly lives in the Analog Room - Friend

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    I know RSA is liked about as much as the plague in some places (sometimes here?), but the B-52 with the HD800s is the best I've ever heard them and it's not even close. The Nighthawk is a great phono pre, one of the best bang for the buck phonos out there.

    That said, some of the low end stuff might not be very good and may be why people have a lower opinion of RSA?
     
  7. Mr.Sneis

    Mr.Sneis Friend

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    IMO I think it was the Darkstar issues that made it worse. I don't even remember what all happened back then. Failed anodizing, poor value for what you paid, and IIRC the response from RSA was not well received.
     
  8. dubiousmike

    dubiousmike Friend

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    His practice of sanding the labeling off of the components in his amps, so users can't tell what parts are used, has also drawn a lot of fire over the years.
     
  9. electricsheepdreams

    electricsheepdreams New

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    Alright so basically avoid rsa's lower tiered stuff? I'll take a look at Vorzuge and leckerton, thanks guys.

    That's all.
     
  10. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    What will you be trying to drive?
     
  11. electricsheepdreams

    electricsheepdreams New

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    Jupiter and es50, as well as amperiors and he-350s, though I intend to get a proper full size like the lcd2 or hd650 at some point
     
  12. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    What about the Pico Power? That is a sweet amp. As far as I remember, it is dead silent with iems and powerful enough for HD650, etc.
     
  13. electricsheepdreams

    electricsheepdreams New

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    Will look at that too, whats your opinion on the headstage arrow? Had the 3g once upon a time, thought it was pretty good.
     
  14. pila405

    pila405 New

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    In this price range you have the Chord Mojo, which to date is the best measured (in real life scenarios) DAC/amp I've seen.
     
  15. M3NTAL

    M3NTAL Friend

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    Headstage Arrow is more flexible and easier to charge than the Pico Power, but the Pico Power wins from the sonic standpoint.
     
  16. electricsheepdreams

    electricsheepdreams New

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    I can't use the chord mojo with my plenue, we'll not until cowon decides to release the firmware at least. Was considering it too...
    Bit confused, there seems to be a pico power and a pico portable, which is the one I should be looking at?
     
  17. pila405

    pila405 New

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    Do you have a smartphone which you can use it with?
    Might save you some pocket space from carrying the Cowon, also
     
  18. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    This seems like a good thread to talk about this.

    Innerfidelity mentioned in an article that Ray Samuels Audio was closing. However I have seen no other places talk about this and there is no mention on the Ray Samuels site. Anyone have a source for this besides Innerfidelity?
     
  19. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    @Cspirou Christmas special started on October 17th. Probably not a great sign...
     
  20. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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    Considering he started Christmas sales in September in 2016, don't think it's a bad sign. You can certainly tell his interest has waned since there has been 0 product introductions and only sales though these few years.
     

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