[Jon L]

Ahhh, I just love that Raal SR1 does not touch my face/ears, which is why it gets much more use than Abyss 1266 TC. Three ribbons...but touches face.

 

[Aleksandar R.]

If you don't mind me asking, what was the number of units you made for the first run? I'm guessing 10?

27

 

[Chefguru]

27

This wasn't public right?
Can you tell us anything about the differences between the Magna and Immanis? Is the magna an ear speaker or headphone.

 

[Ciggavelli]

27

27? Damn. When I spoke to Danny like 2 days ago he said there were like 6 preorders. I guess the hype is real

 

[SteveHulk]

April is around the corner.
My Zambuto mirror took 13 months.

So you are an astronomer as wellCool

 

[Axel]

Those already "invested" in Raal, are able to purchase the Immanis for "only" €6470 EUR.
Maybe on the next batch.
Still waiting for my Star8 to try out with the SR1b (still in the "honeymoon" period with it ).

 

[adrianm]

Those already "invested" in Raal, are able to purchase the Immanis for "only" €6470 EUR.
Maybe on the next batch.
Still waiting for my Star8 to try out with the SR1b (still in the "honeymoon" period with it ).

Is that a discount for the package, or the price for the naked headphone?

 

[Axel]

Is that a discount for the package, or the price for the naked headphone?

I assume it's the price for the naked headphone.

 

[Aleksandar R.]

So you are an astronomer as wellCool

Though, bad and lazy one!

 

[yyzSB]

For the folks with the VM-1a, do you remember how many hours were needed with the VM-1a before it sonically settled? I had a prior VM-1a about 2 years ago, but I no longer remember.

I am doing a apples-to-apples comparison of the VM-1a with the Schitt stack I got to replace it. The Schitt stack now replaces the Jotunhiem R that I sold. This new VM-1a, likely with low hours, is only about 10% better than the Schitt stack. This is what I have been saying for a while, but that was only on memory. I am now able to do a hands-on test.

• Schiit Mjolnir preamp https://www.schiit.com/products/mjolnir-3
• Schiit Aegir amp https://www.schiit.com/products/aegir
• Schitt Yggi+ LIM DAC https://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil
• RAAL TI-1b
• RAAL Star8
• RAAL CA-1a

The DAC has 3 live outputs, and the 2 RCA outputs go into the VM-1a and the Mjolnir. I have a Benchmark cable that takes the RCA from the YGGI+ and goes into the XLR input of the VM-1a. I cannot use XLR on the Aegir since I only have 1 single stereo Aegir. I need Aegir monos for XLR. I do not think the RCA-to-XLR conversion is going to be bad, especially from Benchmark.

As I type this (listening to Soundgarden) and more focused on the writing, I cannot tell what I have selected to hook up the CA-1a too. So close sonically, but the VM-1a is a bit better. I will put about 100 hours on this setup before I reach any conclusions. Does the VM-1a go far ahead?

I also have a Benchmark AHB2 that is sitting idle in my office, and I can hook that up to the XLR output of the Mjolnir. I just need to get this cable to make my life easier.
https://raalrequisite.com/product/banana-interconnect-cables/

I expect the AHB2 to be even better than the Class A Aegir.

BTW - I had Danny listen to my modded PeachTree GAN1 recently. The one I rave about. Unfortunately, the GAN1 was sitting idle for a while since I did not have my Star8 cable. When Danny heard it may have needed about a day of playback (not sure). I will give the GAN1 more hours soon and compare. However, Danny thought it sounded like just another amp. I am way more positive, so I want to see if I am wrong. I will compare to the VM. When in doubt go with Danny''s opinion on sound.

That tube cover for the VM-1a is no longer available.

 

[Lokust]

Those already "invested" in Raal, are able to purchase the Immanis for "only" €6470 EUR.
Maybe on the next batch.
Still waiting for my Star8 to try out with the SR1b (still in the "honeymoon" period with it ).

That does sound enticing. Sold my Star8 cable a few months ago. Grrrr.

 

[Ciggavelli]

I have no idea what is wrong with my SR, but something is wrong. I can't tell if it's the cable or the ribbon. I keep getting mixed findings. It's not my hearing, as other headphones don't have this problem. I guess I'll just send everything to Raal. Maybe they can isolate the issue. Sucks I gotta pay shipping for all that, but it is to be expected I guess. Nobody pays for shipping other than Antipodes (which was awesome of them)

 

[gghirardi]

Try with another cable. 80% is a cable issue I think.

 

[yyzSB]

Depends which speakers amp your using and how comfortable it is running in 32 ohms. Most speakers amps are dailed to work their best at 4/8 ohms (sometimes 16 ohms). Therefore, it makes sense to use the 16 ohm input and not the 32 with most speaker amps.

I had forgotten which TI-1b output works best with my Schitt stack, so I had to do testing on that all over again. I found the 16 Ohm connection was noticeably better. A search on this thread shows similar sentiment. Should have just searched first.

As I am trying to work in the VM-1a, I am comparing it to the TI-1b (16 Ohm). It is so close. The VM-1a is a bit more relaxed and cleaner but the slightly rougher sounding Schitt stack maybe preferred on some music. At this early point on the VM-1a, the VM-1a is better but not that much better.

One reason I bought the VM-1a again is that I think it will shine with the new phones, which are said to be like the SR1a and CA-1a mixed together. I shall see.

Of note is how hot the Class A Schitt stack gets. The preamp and amp combine to be almost as hot as the VM-1a.

 

[Litlgi74]

As I am trying to work in the VM-1a, I am comparing it to the TI-1b (16 Ohm). It is so close. The VM-1a is a bit more relaxed and cleaner but the slightly rougher sounding Schitt stack maybe preferred on some music. At this early point on the VM-1a, the VM-1a is better but not that much better.

I agree... This was great of you to say! Especially for those who were on the fence about getting a VM-1a or thought they were missing something. I think most would be hard-pressed to hear the difference between TI-1b and the VM-1a... Especially in ultra linear mode.

... My only wish for the VM-1a... Would be that it had a output for conventional headphones like the HSA.