[HeadAmpTeam]

Introducing the RAAL-requisite CA-1a Circum-Aural Ribbon Headphone!
Avaiable all by-itself or bundled with the TI-1a transformer interface, the CA-1a combines the ultra-high resolution and natural sound of RAAL-requisite’s ribbon drivers with a more traditional over-ear comfort & fit!

Secure yours today for immediate shipment as soon as they're ready!

​

 

[VandyMan]

That is a prototype, right? It can't be the actual design of a 2K headphone, can it?

 

[Unseen Aura]

That is a prototype, right? It can't be the actual design of a 2K headphone, can it?

Why not? It's very much what you see. Evolve your expectations, mate. Don't be so resistant to change.

 

[Polypterus]

Why not? It's very much what you see. Evolve your expectations, mate. Don't be so resistant to change.

Change isn't synonymous with improvement...

 

[VandyMan]

Why not? It's very much what you see. Evolve your expectations, mate. Don't be so resistant to change.

But it just has foam instead of pads? It looks like it came out of a 3D printer and not in a good way. Ugly as sin.

 

[protoss]

But it just has foam instead of pads? It looks like it came out of a 3D printer and not in a good way. Ugly as sin.

RAAL truly makes some of the ugliest headphones ever. It's sad. Makes Hifiman looks good.

Next year we will get a paper cup with ribbon drivers hanging off of it.

 

[Beagle]

THAT is $2000???

 

[genefruit]

But it just has foam instead of pads? It looks like it came out of a 3D printer and not in a good way. Ugly as sin.

Per the design team, these were choices made on sound, durability, and cost. Discuss and details can be further found here, starting around page 340 - post Munich show - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/raal-ribbon-headphones-srh1a.890603/page-340

 

[Polypterus]

Per the design team, these were choices made on sound, durability, and cost. Discuss and details can be further found here, starting around page 340 - post Munich show - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/raal-ribbon-headphones-srh1a.890603/page-340

Implying that adding removable leather pads would cost significantly more for the consumer?

 

[genefruit]

Implying that adding removable leather pads would cost significantly more for the consumer?

It was stated that adding leather pads impacted the sound in an unfavorable manner. I don't think the pad choice was a financial decision.

 

[Sajid Amit]

Excited about this!

 

[Makiah S]

So I had a chance to spend quite a few hours with these two and yes the X 9000 on BHSE is the better system and headphone, but CA-1a on VM1a is astonishingly close in terms of overall resolution, naturalness and presentation

My point is these guys have focused on creating what they felt was the highest performing headphone at a cost that is the most accessible and I think they absolutely nailed it, the earpads are comfortable over long periods of time the cups themselves are quite strong and the whole thing is relatively a lightweight at least on my neck and shoulders

So stylistic choices aside for those of you who’s first concern is the very best sound this should be on your list, It sounds fantastic and as per the course with RAAL-requisite each individual part is replaceable so in the event that something happens, which it won’t because it’s built rocksolid, it’s pretty easy to service it yourself

I’ve been in this hobby for 10 years an the term “giant killer” gets tossed around a lot I think this is the first time that it’s actually applicable…

 

[genefruit]

So I had a chance to spend quite a few hours with these two and yes the X 9000 on BHSE is the better system and headphone, but CA1a on VM1a is astonishingly close in terms of overall resolution, naturalness and presentation

My point is these guys have focused on creating what they felt was the highest performing headphone at a cost that is the most accessible and I think they absolutely nailed it, the earpads are comfortable over long periods of time the cups themselves are quite strong and the whole thing is relatively a lightweight at least on my neck and shoulders

So stylistic choices aside for those of you who’s first concern is the very best sound this should be on your list, It sounds fantastic and as per the course with RAAL-requisite each individual part is replaceable so in the event that something happens, which it won’t because it’s built rocksolid, it’s pretty easy to service it yourself

I’ve been in this hobby for 10 years an the term “giant killer” gets tossed around a lot I think this is the first time that it’s actually applicable…

I weighed mine this morning and they come in at 444 grams.

The "new" pads that will come with them, I've been told and expect, will be structurally stronger than the early adopter set. The cutout in the center front will not be present going forward. On my set, I've rotated the pads so the cutout is in the back. This has increased the comfort and I found it favorable to the sound. Specifically staging is better but the caveats of YMMV and user break in apply. Regardless, this won't be a factor for future owners as the provided pads won't have the center front cutout.

 

[Makiah S]

I weighed mine this morning and they come in at 444 grams.

The "new" pads that will come with them, I've been told and expect, will be structurally stronger than the early adopter set. The cutout in the center front will not be present going forward. On my set, I've rotated the pads so the cutout is in the back. This has increased the comfort and I found it favorable to the sound. Specifically staging is better but the caveats of YMMV and user break in apply. Regardless, this won't be a factor for future owners as the provided pads won't have the center front cutout.

Yep I got the same information regarding the removal of one of the cut outs as well as some updates to the pads.

I’ll try flipping them around and see how I like the difference

 

[Reputator]

I've seen plenty of stuff that looks expensive but is cheap, but this is a rare example of the inverse.