? I’m trying to understand what your Statement is getting at? Are you inferring that “I”use “mediocre” headphones? Or that I listen at low levels? Also the last question is confusing in that are you trying to ask if the SR1A has poor low level dynamics or are you asking if it is a mediocre device? Also this is me assuming you are referring to my comment about turning it up to harmful levels?
I’m Going to attempt to answer as best I can with the limited understanding for what the questions are. First to be clear, I find the SR1A to be the best “headphones” I’ve heard to date as far as technicality goes, enjoyment wise I tend to grab either my ZMF Verite opens/closed or Aeolus. Another thing to be aware of is that my normal listening levels are usually within the 75-85db range. When imbibing, I can at times get “into” the music and turn the volume up too high, into harmful territory, and with the SR1A I’ve noticed that because I haven’t heard any spikes in treble or elsewhere to my ears, it tends to scale in volume well without sounding “piercing or harsh” hence the comment, and need for a dB reader to keep my ears safe (which I use for all my headphones and listening sessions). I’m not a technicality type listener and tend to just go with what I like, measurements and everything/one be damned lol so as far as the technical (going into measurements, for spl, dynamic range, etc) aspect outside of knowing these are fantastic at critical listening and also showing capabilities in source both the music and equipment (I.e. hearing the difference between different amps, lossless streams, etc, which I’m not, an expert at, nor pretend to be), I couldn’t off the cuff, answer technical questions without doing the research first, which honestly “I don’t have time to explain, why I don’t have time to explain” ~ The Stranger. I’m a, for enjoyment listener, which I’m assuming all of us are. But some like to pick things apart...not my thing really.
I’m driving the SR1A with dual mono Vidars and the RME ADI-2DAC (currently using the Cayin Ha-1a mkii as a preamp to add some tube flavor and volume control). Using Qobuz studio streaming as Spotify can at times sound “wonky” with the SR1A.
Hopefully, that answered your questions or informed on what you were looking for. Not gonna lie, was mildly irked by what your comment implied, but I’m going to be willfully ignorant and assume that was not the intent =) anger management has been engaged
lol *dusts shoulder, goes back to listening to SR1A*
p.s. I still love you