Raal Ribbon Headphones - SRH1A

Oct 25, 2023 at 7:08 PM Post #7,141 of 8,089
So after a few days with both Raals, I like the CA-1a better than the SR1b. It just once again shows the importance of bass for me and my genres. Also, prior to having the Shang Sr, the SR1a was my most resolving pair of headphones I owned, with the largest soundstage. It still has the largest soundstage, but the Shang has a higher resolution. The Sr1b doesn't sound as expansive as I remember the SR1a sounding out of my HSA-1a. Perhaps my memory is wrong of course. With the Shang, the SR1b is redundant in my lineup.

I really want to hear how the CA-1a, and also SR1b to a lesser extent, scales with the VM-1a. I'm very tempted to pick up the amp. I just need to figure out some spacing issues that may or may not be able to be resolved. :thinking:
If you haven't already, be sure to try the SR1b with the Mitch SR1b Neutral + Bass Extension convolution filter (the one that provides the open baffle compensation so you can remove the barrels from the chain). My SR1a took a huge leap forward with that filter.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:18 PM Post #7,142 of 8,089
I see. Thank you. I guess Raal doesn't sell it anymore.

@Aleksandar R. announced some time back that they would focus on the RAAL HPs and accessories. In any event, you can reach out to Dragan at SAEQ for the HSA-1C. :)
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:26 PM Post #7,143 of 8,089
If you haven't already, be sure to try the SR1b with the Mitch SR1b Neutral + Bass Extension convolution filter (the one that provides the open baffle compensation so you can remove the barrels from the chain). My SR1a took a huge leap forward with that filter.
Yeah, I’ve been listening with the Mitch filters since day 1. I really don’t like the idea of compensation barrels, but I need to give them a go before a final judgment. I remember loving Mitch’s filters on my first SR1a, so I immediately bought his sr1b filters right after purchasing the headphones.
 
Oct 25, 2023 at 7:54 PM Post #7,145 of 8,089
Yeah, I’ve been listening with the Mitch filters since day 1. I really don’t like the idea of compensation barrels, but I need to give them a go before a final judgment. I remember loving Mitch’s filters on my first SR1a, so I immediately bought his sr1b filters right after purchasing the headphones.

Lol.. give them a go! i am definitely in the minority when it comes to barrel vs filters. but I think we have similar sound preferences, so who knows, u might be in the minority too. but if not, well, at least u gave it a shot.

The vm1a essentially does the barrel compensation, and any extra is from the tubes. I prefer the sound of the sr1b with just the bass boost, and most of the rest of the FR uncorrected. keeps the lushness of the mids and engaging highs untouched.
 
Oct 26, 2023 at 6:16 PM Post #7,146 of 8,089
Agreed--and I will add that I found the Mitch SR1b filters with the compensation built in (so you can remove the barrels from the chain) to be substantially better than the Mitch filters that still require using the barrels (or Roon parametric filters).
I concur. The newest filters with built-in comp are more convenient than the barrels and also I was hard pressed to notice a sonic difference between software and hardware compensation.
 
Oct 27, 2023 at 6:59 PM Post #7,149 of 8,089
I just bought the VM-1a. We'll see how the CA and SR scale. I'm excited to hear. Now, I just gotta figure out the spacing issue :beyersmile:
 
Oct 27, 2023 at 7:35 PM Post #7,150 of 8,089
I just bought the VM-1a. We'll see how the CA and SR scale. I'm excited to hear. Now, I just gotta figure out the spacing issue :beyersmile:
I predict you'll be very happy!
 
Oct 27, 2023 at 7:38 PM Post #7,151 of 8,089
you will like it, I have the CFA3 and I had the HSA-1b which I liked...the VM-1a is IMHO a big step up...just makes everything bigger with more authority while maintaining the incredible detail and imagining...I am curious to hear what you think
 
Oct 27, 2023 at 11:14 PM Post #7,152 of 8,089
you will like it, I have the CFA3 and I had the HSA-1b which I liked...the VM-1a is IMHO a big step up...just makes everything bigger with more authority while maintaining the incredible detail and imagining...I am curious to hear what you think
The CFA3 way is good, but I feel like it's missing some of the expansiveness that I remember the HSA-1b bringing. I just remember the SR sounding much more expansive off the HSa-1b. I'm hoping the VM-1a brings back that expansiveness. Then people are saying the CA scales really well with the VM-1a. I can't wait to hear it. The CA-1a is damn impressive. If it could sound even better, then I'm going to be a happy listener. :L3000:
 
Oct 28, 2023 at 12:22 AM Post #7,153 of 8,089
Lets put it this way, I find myself reaching for my CA-1a with the VM-1a more than my 1266 TC or susvara
 
Oct 28, 2023 at 12:41 AM Post #7,154 of 8,089
The CFA3 way is good, but I feel like it's missing some of the expansiveness that I remember the HSA-1b bringing. I just remember the SR sounding much more expansive off the HSa-1b. I'm hoping the VM-1a brings back that expansiveness. Then people are saying the CA scales really well with the VM-1a. I can't wait to hear it. The CA-1a is damn impressive. If it could sound even better, then I'm going to be a happy listener. :L3000:

put in a Ken Rad VT-231 smoke glass and some NOS EL34!
 
Oct 28, 2023 at 11:15 AM Post #7,155 of 8,089
The CFA3 way is good, but I feel like it's missing some of the expansiveness that I remember the HSA-1b bringing. I just remember the SR sounding much more expansive off the HSa-1b. I'm hoping the VM-1a brings back that expansiveness. Then people are saying the CA scales really well with the VM-1a. I can't wait to hear it. The CA-1a is damn impressive. If it could sound even better, then I'm going to be a happy listener. :L3000:
Do you want to borrow the HSA-1b for comparison purposes instead of auditory memory? We can meet up and I can lend for a few days. PM me if interested.
 

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