RAAL-requisite: The Official VM-1a Discussion Thread

[Roasty]

Well, this amp pairs really well with the Rockna Wavelight. sounds great with Wavelight volume at 90 all the way up to 100. dont think I can hear/notice any clipping or distortion despite the relatively hot outputs via the WL xlr.

vm1a is on triode mode and volume knob is between 13 to 16 and am getting nice ample and punchy low end and superb highs. am listening with WL at 95 and vm1a at 15.

 

[vonBaron]

SR1b +VM1b is amazing experience. Midrange is best i ever heard in headphones, liquid, full, with great resolution and timbre. Soundstage is gigantic! SR can definitely be my second home headphones alongside with 1266 TC. Too bad that VM1b cost so much...

 

[tunes]

I am curious about this amp...I have the 1b and like it a lot...I have just gotten the Tl box and I have been listening to the sr1a out of my bakoon 13r with the converter box and I really like it...it is more tube like sound to my ears...soundstage is even wider....

What do I need to buy to use my SR1a with the

I am curious about this amp...I have the 1b and like it a lot...I have just gotten the Tl box and I have been listening to the sr1a out of my bakoon 13r with the converter box and I really like it...it is more tube like sound to my ears...soundstage is even wider....

I have the HS1b and also the Enleum AMP-23R. What would I need to run the SR1a off the 23R and does the conversion box add any distortion or coloration?

Would you sell your HS1b and just use your Bakoon now that you have both???

 

[jlbrach]

I have been using the CFA3 which has tons of power with my CA-1a and the adapter box and its great..the sr1a I tend to use with my HSA-1b because it requires so much power and the box has me needing to push the volume all the way up...the 13r does a nice job with the same limitations IMHO...I would love to potentially use the VM-1a but it is sadly expensive for me at the moment given its limited resale value due to such a small potential audience but I hear only good things...the box introduces no static or noise that I can hear

 

[tunes]

So I guess what I am asking, which is better the SR1a plus box plus ENLEUM 23R vs SR1a and HSA1b?

 

[jlbrach]

I have the 13r which I assume is pretty good approximation of the 23r....for the sr1a I prefer the hsa-1b...for the CA-1a I prefer my amp with the adapter

 

[jlbrach]

FWIIW I recently received the VM-1a and love it...I have the HSA-1b and the transformer box so I can make a pretty good comparison...I hesitated for a long time because the VM is so expensive and I have no real experience with tubes...I am glad I took the plunge...I love the Sr1a and CA-1a but if I had any issue with them it was that they could sound a bit lean and bass light..with the VM they have an added weight to them and sound far less aggressive and forward to my ears...the bass is enhanced and has more weight,they will never be an abyss 1266 but there is good quality bass now...the imaging and vocals are phenomenal and at times the vocals are almost eerie...I find the VM influences the sound signature of the Sr1a more than the CA-1a but is truly marvelous with both...thus far I have no real issues with the tubes other than the heat they generate...I hear no tube noise and the background is pretty much black which was a concern of mine..I have to say the Raal HP's have become my go to recently and that includes both my susvara and abyss....pricey but worth it if you can swing it

 

[vonBaron]

I was shocked how good SR1b bass was with VM, and i was shocked again how bad they play with my Niimbus via adaptor. VM is a must for them (or maybe speaker amp). Now they are easily my second favorite headphones after 1266. It was really hard returning them...

 

[jlbrach]

I find my CA-1a to be quite good with my CFA3 and interface box...the sr1a however is a bit anemic without turning the volume pot up almost all the way...the VM-1a is really the best option

 

[vonBaron]

Sadly, never heard them. But now I really must try them.

 

[normie610]

Sadly, never heard them. But now I really must try them.

Have a listen to them with Mitch filters and donut pads. They really have no equal.

 

[jlbrach]

listening to them right now with the VM and I honestly think it may be the best HP experience available today along with the Sr1a....I am however a fan of the coffee bean pad

 

[tunes]

listening to them right now with the VM and I honestly think it may be the best HP experience available today along with the Sr1a....I am however a fan of the coffee bean pad

..I am however a fan of the coffee bean pad????

 

[jlbrach]

the different pads for the CA-1a...I like the coffee bean pad...

 

[tunes]

the different pads for the CA-1a...I like the coffee bean pad...