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

[jlbrach]

the answer to question 1 is yes, the filters were designed to eliminate the adapters which I love,the tubes do indeed run hot

 

[Hiker816]

This is at work? Wow, how do you get any work done? Hope you have some security cameras setup.

How is the temp in the lower racks? If you could get 2" more space by lowering those it might be enough, if no, then a whisper fan on the side of the amp away fro where you listen.

LOL! Yeah, I understand why you say that. Though, for me, for about 70% of my work, I find music to be either neutral or increase productivity. No security cameras, but I built my audio rack to lock my equipment in place (hence it looks like a cage) and I attached a metal tab to which I connected a padlock and security cable to the gear on the top shelf.

Thanks for the suggestions on the heat problem--I did exactly that and also swapped my preamp (which runs a lot cooler than the VM-1a) with the RAAL amp. I will probably still add some insulation to the bottom of the top shelf, but it appears to have done the trick!

 

[bagwell359]

LOL! Yeah, I understand why you say that. Though, for me, for about 70% of my work, I find music to be either neutral or increase productivity. No security cameras, but I built my audio rack to lock my equipment in place (hence it looks like a cage) and I attached a metal tab to which I connected a padlock and security cable to the gear on the top shelf.

Thanks for the suggestions on the heat problem--I did exactly that and also swapped my preamp (which runs a lot cooler than the VM-1a) with the RAAL amp. I will probably still add some insulation to the bottom of the top shelf, but it appears to have done the trick!

It is an amazing stack. Just the construction alone, never mind the equipment. Is it vulnerable to fire suppression?

 

[Hiker816]

It is an amazing stack. Just the construction alone, never mind the equipment. Is it vulnerable to fire suppression?

Thanks! By "vulnerable to fire suppression", do you mean whether it could be damaged by building sprinklers in the event of a fire? Thankfully, no, not where it's positioned.

 

[bagwell359]

Thanks! By "vulnerable to fire suppression", do you mean whether it could be damaged by building sprinklers in the event of a fire? Thankfully, no, not where it's positioned.

Yes. I do have the trait of seeing things and running down a long list of "what if's". But of course you have it covered.

It's a tour de force, I'm not prone to envy, but, in this case... yeah...

 

[Hiker816]

Yes. I do have the trait of seeing things and running down a long list of "what if's". But of course you have it covered.

It's a tour de force, I'm not prone to envy, but, in this case... yeah...

Ha! I'm a lawyer by training so I know all about the "what ifs".

And it's making me blush knowing my system is envied.

 

[bagwell359]

Ha! I'm a lawyer by training so I know all about the "what ifs".

And it's making me blush knowing my system is envied.

I became addicted to ribbon tweeters 40 years ago. The SR1a was great to hear, but out of reach for me. The CA-1a however within reach, so there is hope, so is the BMR Philharmonic Monitor kit w/ Raal tweeters. But the Dave and Raal amps.... not in this life.

 

[jjshin23]

This amp is only able to power Raal headphones based on the plugs in the front?

 

[Hiker816]

This amp is only able to power Raal headphones based on the plugs in the front?

The VM-1a? Yes, that's correct. It's designed to only drive RAAL-requisite HPs.

 

[jjshin23]

The VM-1a? Yes, that's correct. It's designed to only drive RAAL-requisite HPs.

Uggg love the CA-1a but having an amp for each headphone is becoming a pain. Guess I’ll have to make some decisions…

 

[Hiker816]

Uggg love the CA-1a but having an amp for each headphone is becoming a pain. Guess I’ll have to make some decisions…

You could reach out to the manufacturer, Solaja Audio, and see if they have any new amps planned that might be a good fit for you?

 

[jjshin23]

You could reach out to the manufacturer, Solaja Audio, and see if they have any new amps planned that might be a good fit for you?

Sounds good I’ll try that.

 

[Utah dude]

Uggg love the CA-1a but having an amp for each headphone is becoming a pain. Guess I’ll have to make some decisions…

It is possible to connect other headphones via an adapter like the one supplied with the HSA-1b. There was a short discussion about this on the headphones.com forum (https://forum.headphones.com/t/raal-requisite-the-official-vm-1a-thread/17247/3). To be clear, this is not something Raal recommends and they point out that that was not what it was meant for and may result in a higher than acceptable noise floor and the required cable is not available by itself for purchase. I have tried it with a few headphones and thought it sounded lovely. Keep in mind that I do not consider myself the most experienced or discriminating listener and many things that are described by some as great differences are quite subtle to me.

 

[jjshin23]

It is possible to connect other headphones via an adapter like the one supplied with the HSA-1b. There was a short discussion about this on the headphones.com forum (https://forum.headphones.com/t/raal-requisite-the-official-vm-1a-thread/17247/3). To be clear, this is not something Raal recommends and they point out that that was not what it was meant for and may result in a higher than acceptable noise floor and the required cable is not available by itself for purchase. I have tried it with a few headphones and thought it sounded lovely. Keep in mind that I do not consider myself the most experienced or discriminating listener and many things that are described by some as great differences are quite subtle to me.

Thanks! I'll take a look at this. The good news is I heard back from the makers of the VM1a and they said they are in the works of the VM2 which will be able to drive planar, dynamic, Raal, and speakers with around 30W of power. I'm sure it will be a pretty penny but that may be a future solution. For now I'm plugging the converter box to my tube or SS amps. Jot R is ok but it is lacking to say the least.

 

[Buckie]

Nuclear Reactor-1a