[jonstatt]

I just received my oBravo Ra C Cu 21 edition. This is a new version with a new tuning worked on jointly between oBravo and Phil Wannell from Audio Concierge in the UK.

I had both old and new versions for a short time and the difference was considerable even without much run in time on the new pair. Physically they look no different except some improvements in the copper PVD coating. Internally the DD has had considerable re-engineering.

My biggest concern with the original Ra was a very modest bass extension despite their large drivers. This has now been vastly improved.


More thoughts to come. But in brief...

Reference sound with extremely well articulated and detailed presentation at all frequencies. Bass is extended and able to excite but remains controlled with bags of texture at all times. Mids are a particularly strong suit of the Ra with vocals brought forward and "live" , both female and male. Highs are delicate and detailed but without being forced, bright or adding sibilance. Soundstage is incredibly wide beyond any other IEM I own but less in a front back aspect.

I was blown away by listening to Buena Vista Social Club s/t, the soundstage was simply stunning where I could place the voices and instruments with precision as if I was there.

More commentary to come!

 

[NYanakiev]

Thank you for starting this thread- I will also add some impressions based on the time I have spent with my new Ra-C 21.
It is, indeed, a massive improvement over the last iteration. I find that it is easier to drive too, which makes it a far more viable option for people with less beefy set ups.

 

[Tawek]

Thank you for starting this thread- I will also add some impressions based on the time I have spent with my new Ra-C 21.
It is, indeed, a massive improvement over the last iteration. I find that it is easier to drive too, which makes it a far more viable option for people with less beefy set ups.

I was wondering is it true that the new Ra-21 is easier to drive?
this is my set from 2019 sp1000ss + Ra-c-cu sounded much better vs Wm1z ...
At the moment I only have Wm1z and here's the question because I would like to buy again, but the aluminum Obravo Ra-c do you think that Ra-c will work well with Wm1z?

 

[NYanakiev]

I think it will work great. I briefly owned the previous Ra and it was super difficult to drive well.

I use my A&K SP2000 and Hugo 2- both sound fantastic. It is a truly fantastic IEM.

 

[NYanakiev]

@Tawek I would check with Phil of Audio Concierge for a potential demo.

@PhilW

 

[Tawek]

what I miss are the high tones from Obravo Ra I usually listen to electronic music and I remember well how the sound "filled half of the room" a one-of-a-kind experience !

 

[NYanakiev]

Yeah. I adore my Thummim- which I would compare to a pair of headphones.

Ra elevates that beyond, which I didn't feel was possible. Not to mention that the tuning of the Ra 21 is far, far better.

 

[NYanakiev]

I actually decided to upgrade to the Copper version.

Liking these so much that I put up my Thummim up for sale! (which is not something I expected to happen any time soon!)

 

[jonstatt]

I actually decided to upgrade to the Copper version.

Liking these so much that I put up my Thummim up for sale! (which is not something I expected to happen any time soon!)

I have the Thummim too and am keeping them. They are different. I equate them to the Abyss 1266 Phi. Hyper realistic with exaggerated bass and treble. Lots of fun but not what I would call reference. I like to use Thunmim depending on my mood. Ra is more reference and are getting most use currently.

 

[Tawek]

I have a question is the actual year of production and impedance on the Obravo Ra 21 -c set?
How can I know that this is a new edition ?
I would like to order a Ra 21-c from a local distributor but I have to be sure that it is actually a Ra-c that is easier to drive with new tunnig

 

[NYanakiev]

I have the Thummim too and am keeping them. They are different. I equate them to the Abyss 1266 Phi. Hyper realistic with exaggerated bass and treble. Lots of fun but not what I would call reference. I like to use Thunmim depending on my mood. Ra is more reference and are getting most use currently.

Agreed- couldn't have said it better myself. Both are unique iems but I feel that the Thummim is somewhat limited by its exaggerated sound signature.

Naturally, this is not a problem when you have other gear for jazz/classical music

 

[jonstatt]

I have a question is the actual year of production and impedance on the Obravo Ra 21 -c set?
How can I know that this is a new edition ?
I would like to order a Ra 21-c from a local distributor but I have to be sure that it is actually a Ra-c that is easier to drive with new tunnig

There is no indication. But the new Ra's only started appearing in February. So if your dealer has had the stock longer then it will probably be the old version.

 

[pumba62]

I actually decided to upgrade to the Copper version.

Liking these so much that I put up my Thummim up for sale! (which is not something I expected to happen any time soon!)

How much you asking for Thummim?

 

[NYanakiev]

I thought I should add some photos, while I still have the Ra-21 C (upgrading to Ra-C-Cu courtesy of Mr Audio Concierge letting me change my mind hehe @PhilW )

 

[Tawek]

could someone compare the current Obravo ra-c vs Sony Ier z1r?
Thanks