Wow, I didn't think this forum had so much activity.
It seems the rules are a bit more relaxed here. Personally, I think that's fine. I'm interested in a variety of viewpoints, including negative ones.
I currently own a number of headphones, but being located in Taiwan means there aren't many amps available. I've heard a number of headphones and sources, also speaker systems, but not many headphone amps. My primary headphones were the AD2000, W5000, K701, HD650 etc. for over two years, until recently when I got an R10 and Stax O2+KGSS. I still like the other dynamics, though.
The great sound of the O2+KGSS and the R10+Raptor has changed my mind about the "value" of high-end headphones and amps. Before, I didn't think going up the price ladder was worth it, due to my experience with the L3000. Yes, it sounds good, but I never thought it was worth the price vs. the W5000, K701, HD650, RS-1. Maybe another amp will improve its sound.
I placed an order for an Apache after the National Meet in late April, intending to go balanced with the L3000 and most of the dynamics. The decision was based on the pre-order discount and my good experience with the Raptor. I'm expecting to receive it soon (2nd batch).
Sooner or later, I think I'm going to have to hear a SinglePower amp for myself. You guys in the US are really lucky to be able to attend the meets.
As for bidding, I lost the almost-new R10 auction on eBay, but I don't intend to lose many more (unless lions or "ConUS only" appear).
