[jlbrach]

I am listening to my sr1a with my VM-1a and the new filters with my amp on the CA setting since it doesnt need the baffle compensation and I must say it is very different...more dynamic and fuller....very interesting

 

[adornoWest]

From Mitch...

Re: your question: The SR1a was measured with open baffle compensation in the circuit, so it is not going to look the same as the raw response I measured without the baffle step in the SR1b. So the attached graph is what is added to the SR1a raw measurement versus without open baffle comp of SR1b. If I “convolve” the SR1b measurement with the open baffle compensation, it comes within 1 dB of the original measurement I made of the SR1a’s two years ago. Says a lot about the quality of engineering and manufacturing of the drivers from Raal. Also, the horizontal scale is different in the two measurement charts. So not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison.

I hope that explains it.

Kind regards,
Mitch

Thank you Mitch and Litlgi74 for the answer.

 

[LucyWu]

I don't have Mitch's filters but have been through many iterations of my own filter for the SR1a. With the JotR I have long since bypassed the inbuilt baffle step correction with the same benefits people have found here. Greater clarity, deeper bass and generally better bottom to top tonal balance. It's worth noting that experimentation has shown me that the JotR will clip in the bass long before the ribbons complain when bass heavy music is played.

The bass of the SR1a is very good when correctly compensated, it just lacks the overhang characteristics of traditional cupped headphones. I bought 1266 TCs recently, used them for a couple of months (using my Benchmark AHB2) and I just sold them - they are great fun but I cannot say they gave a compelling performance compared to the Raals. The Raals were easier to wear, the Abyss 1266's required such a specific set up to get a good clean(ish) bass response. I did enjoy the Abyss headphone in isolation and if I didn't have the Raals I'd probably have been very happy with the them, but I stopped choosing them to listen to.

The CA1a is probably going to end up in my hands but I shall replace the resistor box with the transformer one for use with the SR1a first.

 

[Roasty]

guys, try this album with the sr1b/ca1a. simply amazing. lovely vocals and very textured, detailed percussions. nicely recorded album! am enjoying every track!

 

[Kiats]

guys, try this album with the sr1b/ca1a. simply amazing. lovely vocals and very textured, detailed percussions. nicely recorded album! am enjoying every track!

Thanks for the heads up! Listening to it now. For those who also have the Susvara, it sounds excellent on it as well.

 

[paradoxper]

What have your observations been?

Much more open sound, more forward -- you do need a powerful amp and the filters.
It's a real middle ground of CA-1a + SR1a.

 

[Litlgi74]

Much more open sound, more forward -- you do need a powerful amp and the filters.
It's a real middle ground of CA-1a + SR1a.

Really cool... @Aleksandar R. suggested I try holding the CA-1a next to my ears without the pads... I suspect that is more of the sound you are hearing.

 

[paradoxper]

Really cool... @Aleksandar R. suggested I try holding the CA-1a next to my ears without the pads... I suspect that is more of the sound you are hearing.

I want to say without the pads there was quite a bit of diffuse behavior, so I might just suggest holding the regular pads off your ear a bit that may help gleam the sound.

 

[Roasty]

Well, this combo sounds just about perfect. very well controlled highs and superb bass. love the staging on the ca1a; this always seems to surprise me the most. half expecting a narrow stage but the way the Ca1a throws stuff far front and out the side is amazing.

 

[Kiats]

Well, this combo sounds just about perfect. very well controlled highs and superb bass. love the staging on the ca1a; this always seems to surprise me the most. half expecting a narrow stage but the way the Ca1a throws stuff far front and out the side is amazing.

Agree about the CA-1a. It tends to be underrated. I think they did a fantastic job with it. And it is so reasonably priced as well.

Can‘t wait to receive the 10 foot Star8 cable and the HSA-1c in due course. Will also consider the 6 foot Star8 cable thereafter for the TI-1b.

 

[jlbrach]

Well, this combo sounds just about perfect. very well controlled highs and superb bass. love the staging on the ca1a; this always seems to surprise me the most. half expecting a narrow stage but the way the Ca1a throws stuff far front and out the side is amazing.

wow, that is a great cage for the tubes, mine is naked lol.....where did u get it?

 

[Roasty]

wow, that is a great cage for the tubes, mine is naked lol.....where did u get it?

It's a rare piece.. I asked about the tube cage holes on the vm1a and Aleksandr hooked me up with one of their prototypes. not sure if they are intending to make any more cages. it was shipped directly from Dragan @ Solaja Audio.

 

[jlbrach]

thanks for the info,I imagine it is pricey

 

[Litlgi74]

Wow... Even if you don't enjoy classical music... The first track of this album will knock your socks off. It's an exceptional recording.

https://songwhip.com/boston-symphon...s-nos-1-14-and-15-chamber-symphony-in-c-minor

Raal for the win!

 

[Kiats]

Imagine my delight today when Wilson from Jaben Singapore pinged me to tell me that the SR-1b and CA-1a has arrived at the store.

I popped by to help Wilson set up the Schitt Jot R set up as well as the TI-1b set up. So that it is all ready for anyone who wishes to try out the SR-1b and CA-1a. On a direct drive amp like the Jot R as well as off the TI-1b. Exciting times!

Wilson was quite blown away by the RAAL Requisite ribbon HPs, as I had promised he would be.