Ray Samuels Audio SR-71B Fully-Balanced Portable Headphone Amp (Playback 60)
Tiny Titan
August 8th, 2012 -- by Chris MartensSource: Playback
SPECS&PRICING
Ray Samuels Audio SR-71B Blackbird Fully Balanced Portable Headphone Amp
Type: Compact, battery powered headphone amplifier with fully balanced circuitry from input to output.
Accessories: As noted under “FEATURES”, above.
Inputs: Two switch selectable stereo analog inputs (one single-ended input via 3.5mm min-jack, one fully balanced input via miniature, square 4-pin connector).
Outputs: Two headphone outputs (one single-ended output via 3.5mm mini-jack, one fully balanced output via miniature, square 4-pin connector).
Other controls: dual (left/right) three-position master gain switches with setting for “Low”, “Medium”, and “High” gain; on/off switch; rotary volume control.
Power output: not specified.
Dimensions (H x W x D): .79” x 2.6” x 4.09” (includes depth of control knobs, switches, etc.).
Weight: Not specified.
Warranty: Li-ion batter pack, 3 years; amplifier, lifetime warranty.
Price: $650
Manufacturer Information
Ray Samuels Audio
(847) 673-8739
www.raysamuelsaudio.com
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Comments
Thanks for a great review Chris. I have owned this amp since November last year. I have an iPod/CLAS using Wav files and connected with silver interconnects. I have been listening with the LCD2's, FAD Heaven S, Etymotic ER4S. Recently I purchased the Final Audio Design Piano Forte IX's and right now I think I have reached the pinnacle of what I am going to experience with this set up. The inclusion of the IX's has really shown me what a capable and musical amp this is. I have found the low gain setting to be perfect for all the headphones I use the highest I have found I have had to dial the knob is to around 2pm for the LCD's but for everything else pretty much noon is all I need to go. In fact I have found that the IX's do not require huge volumes to explore subtleties and dynamics in music.
I think the ALO ( I have had an extended audition of it) and this one are so close as to it being not so much which is better but more the type of musical presentation one likes. Also, after many hundreds of hours of listening I do not find the difference between single ended and balanced output to be that great, especially as you have said, it is more dependent on which headphones your listening through. I get more space and sense of occasion listening single ended though the IX's than I do balanced ( with custom silver/gold toxic cables HP cable) with the LCD's.
If you ever get a chance I really recommend a listen of the IX's, they are not for everyone but if you 'get' what they are about nothing else comes close!