Article: Review | Constellation Audio Inspiration Integrated 1.0 Amplifier

[yyz]

I am also a little nuts with my RAAL SR1a. I should first say that the CODA 07x preamp is incredible with the RAAL. I have tried 2 other preamps with the SR1a (Topping pre90 and Benchmark LA4). The CODA 07x also has dual XLR outputs so I was able to run one set into my SR1a amp and the other to my 2 channel amp for my office floor standers.  I also have the Accurate Sound Convolution filter for the SR1a and my floor standers. However, I no longer use either one. Changes I made to the room and also my RAAL SR1a gear made it not so essential. I will redo the filter for my floor standers in the future. 

 

The RAAL SR1a needs a lot of power. The power meters on one of my amps confirmed this to me. The meters danced more with the RAAL SR1a than with my power hungry floor standers. Here are the amps I have used with the RAAL.

 

- D-Sonic M3a 800s (lot of power, cheap, Class D. Pretty good results)

- LSA Voyager 350 GAN (modded by EVS). (excellent clarity after the mods,, however it sounded a little lean on SR1a)

- Benchmark AHB2 stereo and mono (what the RAAL designer uses, but too bright for me. My favorite amps with speakers)

- CODA #8 (great sound but not as clear as the AHB2 or modded LSA Voyager. Sold the Voyager and kept the better overall #8)

- Parasound A21+ (a surprising result, I love the pairing with the SR1a, I currently use this in the office with the SR1a)

 

The very best amp with the SR1a is none of the above, it is the KRELL K-300i integrated. It is very smooth, very powerful, and has enough detail for the very detailed SR1a. This amp is one that really makes you relax on 2 channel speakers. Thus, this is a great match for the SR1a, which can be bright. I use the KRELL in my bedroom with a Accuphase tuner. My KRELL has the internal DAC and it also supports ROON READY streaming so it is a very clean solution. I prefer the KRELL K-300i to the CODA 07x and Parasound A21+ SR1a combo of my office. though that could be because I am laying in bed and super relaxed when listening to the KRELL. It was suggested to me that I should check out the upcoming RAAL tube amplifier, however, I do like this rolling of amps that I can do with the CODA 07x.

 

My next decision is whether to get the new RAAL SR2a (in 2022) or a second (better sounding) SR1a for my bedroom. The SR1a is not ideal for putting your head on a pillow. Though I do make it work by raising my head up on pillows. The SR2a would be ideal on a pillow but does not have that incredible SR1a 2 channel sound.