RAAL-requisite SR1a Has Landed

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Guys - Here is a new thread for the SR1a, rather than clouding up the Schiit Jotunheim R thread. Mine arrived today, but the temp outside is -2 F, so they are a bit cold from the back of the UPS truck. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I never thought I'd be "mono-blocking" headphones, but such is life for the time being. 

 

Wow, these headphones are amazing. I need to work on the fit a little to get them sitting on my head perfectly and the ribbons angled just right. Much more to come. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

OK, bi-amping with the Vidars doesn't work well. The amps shut down partway through a somewhat dynamic track with drum solo. I switched to single ended RCA cables, which I dislike compared to balanced XLR, and am playing through one Vidar now. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Communicated with Jason at Schiit. He said they have many customers using mono Vidars with the SR1a. I'm back to trying them in mono with balanced interconnects. I can't reproduce the issue now. Not sure what happened.

[Samuel T Cogley]

Very interested to read your impressions Chris!

[The Computer Audiophile]

The speed and detail of these headphones is really something to behold. The bass is better than I expected as well. Perhaps too much reading into specs and opinions about how low a headphone must go with respect to frequency response. 

 

These things are really comfortable. I can wear them with my glasses on without an issue. Really cool. Much more to come. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I really really really wish there was a user manual for these that offered tips for placement on one's head. Specifically the differences that can be expected by moving the ear "flaps" in / out. Sure I can move them and hear for myself, but it's nice to have some guidence from the manufacturer. 

[RickyV]

I am not really a headphone guy but I saw some video’s and read some reviews and people seemed perplexed by the sound quality. The reason I do not really like headphones is that I like the soundstage in front of me and not in my head. I understood that raals image differently is that true?

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 minutes ago, RickyV said:

I am not really a headphone guy but I saw some video’s and read some reviews and people seemed perplexed by the sound quality. The reason I do not really like headphones is that I like the soundstage in front of me and not in my head. I understood that raals image differently is that true?

These are a completely different experience. I'm a bit like you with an aversion to most headphones. Much more to come.

[The Computer Audiophile]

I figured out why these headphones caused the Schiit Vidar amps to go into protection mode. 

 

The ends of the RAAL headphone cables, near the left and right terminations that plug into the headphones, are made of metal. When the headphones are set on the table, the two metal piece touch. This causes the Vidars to protect themselves. Not sure if this is a design oversight by RAAL-requisite or if something else is afoot. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Sorry if I'm getting a bit annoying, but I can't stop listening. What a wonderful hobby we have. 

[Samuel T Cogley]

The best headphones make you put off going to the bathroom.  Just saying.  🙂

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just now, Samuel T Cogley said:

The best headphones make you put off going to the bathroom.  Just saying.  🙂

I didn't want to give too much information to you guys :~)

 

I'm hungry as heck, but don't want to go downstairs to make a sandwich.

[RickyV]

17 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I didn't want to give too much information to you guys :~)

 

I'm hungry as heck, but don't want to go downstairs to make a sandwich.

Chris you sound very enthusiastic  😀, the problem we have to wait for the review.🤧.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Just now, RickyV said:

Chris you sound very enthusiastic  😀, the problem we have to wait for the review.🤧.

It may come sooner rather than later. When I'm this excited, I just have to get writing. 

[Foggie]

Those are replacement ribbon tweeters right?  One doesn't actually listen to music covering their ears with metal thingy's? 😁😜

[The Computer Audiophile]

It's 10PM and I'm still listening. The sound is only getting better. 

[TubeLover]

9 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I really really really wish there was a user manual for these that offered tips for placement on one's head. Specifically the differences that can be expected by moving the ear "flaps" in / out. Sure I can move them and hear for myself, but it's nice to have some guidence from the manufacturer. 

Chris, I read "somewhere" that there is a tutorial available that talks about optimum placement of these headphones on your head. I'm trying to locate where I found it, and will pass it if I can recreate my steps and find it. I did a LOT of research on these, just not sure yet, where I read about that.

 

JC

[The Computer Audiophile]

4 hours ago, TubeLover said:

Chris, I read "somewhere" that there is a tutorial available that talks about optimum placement of these headphones on your head. I'm trying to locate where I found it, and will pass it if I can recreate my steps and find it. I did a LOT of research on these, just not sure yet, where I read about that.

 

JC

That would be terrific. 
 

I’m still experimenting with placement and have them dialed in pretty well. But, would be nice to get some education. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Of course I've been back at it since 8 this morning. Listening to Joni Mitchell's Hits. Just another day in paradise for me. 

[davide256]

Chris, two things that I hope will show up in your review

1. Dynamic range capability, loved the sound of Stax when I had them years ago but they couldn't handle "loud"

2.Value competitiveness vs something like Dan Clark Voce with an LTA Z10E

[The Computer Audiophile]

38 minutes ago, davide256 said:

Chris, two things that I hope will show up in your review

1. Dynamic range capability, loved the sound of Stax when I had them years ago but they couldn't handle "loud"

2.Value competitiveness vs something like Dan Clark Voce with an LTA Z10E

This will be a difficult one for me for a coupe reasons, but also should illuminate more about the SR1a.

 

1. I'm traditionally not a big fan of headphones, especially when I can turn my office chair and listen to my main system. Not suggesting one's system is better or worse than mine, but it's just what I'm used to and fortunate enough to have in my house. 

 

2. These headphones are unlike anything else on the market with respect to design and unlike 99.999% of headphones with respect to how they work on one's head. 

 

 

So far I believe these headphones have zero problems playing dynamic material at loud levels. They can make my ears hurt if I turn up the volume, yet still reproduce the impact, drum head detail, and air around instruments without fault.

 

Competitiveness compared to other headphones is tricky. For these I only had to purchase the cans and the interface box. I already had DACs and amps that I could connect. If I went with something like the Stax 009, which was my other frontrunner, I'd have had to purchase the cans and a very good electrostatic amp. For the money and my situation, these are a no brainer. 

 

Much more to come. Keep the feedback coming as well. 

 

P.S. I forgot to address my 1. above. These headphones aren't like headphones at all. I'm not averse to these and have worn them for probably 13 hours since yesterday. I've only turned my big system on once in that time. These are the non-headphone guys' headphones, as well as the traditional headphone guys' headphones. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I just listened to this track with a DR score of 25.9 and incredible detail throughout. Absolutely stunning through the SR1a.

 

[davide256]

40 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

This will be a difficult one for me for a coupe reasons, but also should illuminate more about the SR1a.

 

1. I'm traditionally not a big fan of headphones, especially when I can turn my office chair and listen to my main system. Not suggesting one's system is better or worse than mine, but it's just what I'm used to and fortunate enough to have in my house. 

 

2. These headphones are unlike anything else on the market with respect to design and unlike 99.999% of headphones with respect to how they work on one's head. 

 

 

So far I believe these headphones have zero problems playing dynamic material at loud levels. They can make my ears hurt if I turn up the volume, yet still reproduce the impact, drum head detail, and air around instruments without fault.

 

Competitiveness compared to other headphones is tricky. For these I only had to purchase the cans and the interface box. I already had DACs and amps that I could connect. If I went with something like the Stax 009, which was my other frontrunner, I'd have had to purchase the cans and a very good electrostatic amp. For the money and my situation, these are a no brainer. 

 

Much more to come. Keep the feedback coming as well. 

 

P.S. I forgot to address my 1. above. These headphones aren't like headphones at all. I'm not averse to these and have worn them for probably 13 hours since yesterday. I've only turned my big system on once in that time. These are the non-headphone guys' headphones, as well as the traditional headphone guys' headphones. 

 

These days $10K for a high end headphone and headphone amp is pretty typical.... that would have shocked 4 years ago.

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

It’s 11:11PM and I’ve pretty much been listening all day and night again. I don’t want to stop. 
 

I’ve never heard a headphone this good. I can’t wait to amp roll a bit. There’s just no way I’m lugging the Pass XA160 monoblocks upstairs.