According to 6moons: "With Jotunheim R and VM-1a no more, it in fact seems that for direct-drive options only the solid-state SAEQ HSA-1c remains which Alex feels isn't yet refined enough for his 1995 lot." Would be interesting to hear more from Alex about which amplifiers he recommends.

Great buyer - would happily do business with again

Thanks for sharing. I am having the same problem. How annoying.

Thank you Mitch and Litlgi74 for the answer.

I am confused. How can the SR1a / b have such drastically different FR, according to Mitch's graphs, above 3K? The diferences between the SR1 a/b (different grill, a little silver wire) seem too mild to produce such a dramatically difference? What am I missing?

I have used this Zen Stream for one year. I recently purchased speakers with a streamer built in and no longer need this Zen Stream, which has otherwise worked great. I have been very satisfied with it. Price: $279 + $25 shipping. Paypal fees included in price. Sold as is. Comes with original...

Excellent buyer. He decided quickly on the purchase, paid promptly, and was straightforward and transparent throughout. Highly recommended.

I've used the DAC for perhaps 20 hours of music. I've used the amp for perhaps 2 hours. I purchased the RME new in Nov 2022 (it uses the ESS ES9028Q2M chip). I am selling it because I recently purchased active speakers and no longer need a DAC. $825 includes shipping and Paypal fees. Sold as is.

I agree. My point wasn't that he disliked it--obviously quite the opposite--but that the improvements he reports vs the Jot R are (as I read him) noticeable but subtle/incremental. You can also find other reports from people on there who didn't see a huge difference between the HSA-1b and the...

I am curious too what other amps people prefer. I tried the HSA-1b, but found the differences rather subtle, and not worth (for me) the extra $4,000. I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way: I've seen a number of people say the same on forum posts, and my impression from Torq's review...

Looks like Schiit is no longer making Jot R's... They have them on closeout ($300). I guess the TI killed the market for Jot R's? Unfortunately, that makes the entry level for owning a Raal product higher for those without other amps (maybe a small minority of purchasers?) since you now have to...

Is it? I am not sure after reading the forum comments! I will listen to their breathing and enjoy it! I just loved the way he sharply inhaled in that movement; I just wish his exhales had a little more mucus. I appreciate your comment, however. And no, its not the SR1a's fault. And you are...

Thanks for the suggestions Catharus. I love all sorts of things about the SR1a, including their resolution--except on those recordings where the details are distractions from the music. Last night was an interesting experience. I heard a pianist live who is a noisy breather on recordings with...

I get that. In general, I find it much less distracting in vocal than solo instrumental. I also consider it somewhat artificial. I mean, of course breathing isn't artificial, but I rarely am distracted by it (or even hear it at all) in the concert hall, even when I am sitting close. In that...

Hearing performers breathe? What is pleasing or music enhancing about that? If you mean the resolution in general, I totally agree. But the breathing I find just distracting for solo piano, violin, etc.