Article: Taking the RAAL-requisite SR1a Headphones To Another Level

[PeterG]

Thanks, Chris; and CONGRATULATIONS, MITCH!

 

I hope that someday you are able to develop a hardware solution to enable your software on systems that are not open access PC-based.  (I use a Naim Uniti Core, just for example, and there are many others)  Perhaps this would sit between the source and the pre-amp?

[PeterG]

On 6/4/2021 at 11:06 AM, Hiker said:

This is all so new to me and so fascinating , I can’t yet wrap my head around this technology,,.Reading other topics here on this great site I’m starting to wonder if I should of spent $9000.00 on a server , ripped CDs sound darn good even better from memory of a EMM Labs sacd player I had though I don’t stream any of my music yet I find other comments by seemingly completely sane people of the Pi2aes streamer incredible ...

 

To this topic here , comments like , I sit across from a $100,000 plus audio system while listening to RAAL headphones , the headphones literally change the game , even though I am self confessed technically disabled I’ll have look into all of this ,

 

 

 

Don't be too hard on yourself, you've put your finger on two big issues here that are easily addressed without technical expertise:

 

On streaming vs ripped CDs--your $9000 server likely sounds better than any streaming source.  Streaming is super convenient, but I don't think I've ever heard anyone assert it sounds as good as ripped CDs on a purpose-built server.  I have "failed" several times in attempts to add streaming at equivalent sound quality.

 

Headphones are an extraordinarily efficient use of audiophile funds, assuming you accept that they are not speakers.  In addition to Chris's RAALs and AD's Susvara's, you might also consider the Stax 009S (my favorite), and Abyss.  Depending on personal taste, one or more of these are likely to knock your socks off for less than $8000, including the (absolutely essential) dedicated amplifier.  If your local dealer does not have demos that you can take home for a few days, you can try these from an online store while only risking a few hundred dollars in restocking fees if you do not love them.

 

Rock on!

 

[PeterG]

11 hours ago, ajay556 said:

I will be demoing the Raal SR1a's this weekend at my local store. Would the SR1a sound change as much as regular speakers with different audio gear? Just wondering if I should request to listen with my equipment at home?

 

Definitely take them home for a few days.  I second Chris's comparison to a microscope, and I will add Ferrari as another metaphor.  You need an extended listen to decide if they should be your daily driver.

 

Enjoy and report back!