Zähl HM1 - Reference Headphone Amplifier

[adrianm]

This is good to hear. Do you mind sharing how much the filters and Star8 set you back? Additionally, how do the Raals compare to the Stealth without the additions? I might get a pair but may need to decide if I’m getting tge Ca1a or it’s older sibling.

I will say though, Stealth on the HM1 is really special!

Filters are like 200$ and the Star 8 like 1k. Mitch's filters are a revelation. I'm not sure I can go back to most stock tunings lol. And I'm not a fan of EQ. Cable upgrade I initially found essential, didn't do too much testing, but I was underwhelmed initially with the stock one. Can test that again.
I thought the Stealth sounded like "a well treated room", with the best tonal balance i've heard (maybe a bit too much bass), and the Ca-1a's tonality was slightly off compared to it and the D8k Pro Le before the filters. Adding them, the Stealth sounds slightly off and the Raal just leapfrogs everything I've heard.
I didn't do too much in depth testing because there are a lot of variations, but I'm happy do to a test for you with a few tracks you would find relevant.

 

[wazzupi]

Filters are like 200$ and the Star 8 like 1k. Mitch's filters are a revelation. I'm not sure I can go back to most stock tunings lol. And I'm not a fan of EQ. Cable upgrade I initially found essential, didn't do too much testing, but I was underwhelmed initially with the stock one. Can test that again.
I thought the Stealth sounded like "a well treated room", with the best tonal balance i've heard (maybe a bit too much bass), and the Ca-1a's tonality was slightly off compared to it and the D8k Pro Le before the filters. Adding them, the Stealth sounds slightly off and the Raal just leapfrogs everything I've heard.
I didn't do too much in depth testing because there are a lot of variations, but I'm happy do to a test for you with a few tracks you would find relevant.

What's your go to genre(s) of music ?

 

[adrianm]

What's your go to genre(s) of music ?

Good question. According to my fiance, it's funeral music. LOL.
If I didn't have Roon I would say nothing in particular, but apparently it's Alternative/indie Rock, country, folk and since I got the Stealth some pop. Mostly singer songwriter stuff seems to be the overarching theme, with a focus on lyrics. I do tend to go some Roon recommendation rabbit holes, fixate on a genre for a few months and move on.
Last few weeks it was mostly this:

 

[eskamobob1]

According to my fiance, it's funeral music.

I feel this in my soul

 

[adrianm]

What's your go to genre(s) of music ?

In case you're curious, just compared it to the DK8 Pro Le on.

The Raal's are significantly faster, more detailed and spacious. They separate better (but not like the Stealth, which still cram everything in a small space), and feel like they can just throw everything at you at once, if it that makes any sense. The D8k Pro Le just seem to ...run out of breath during busy passages.
I've never heard E-stats, but am curious how the X9k would compare. They Ca-1A also have visceral bass when it's called for, but not sure they have quite the texture of the D8k Le. I didn't do too many A/B's since the gap in performance makes it..no fun. The closed pads bring them closer together in bass and soundstage, but I prefer the more spacious presentation of the coffee beans most of the time.

 

[normie610]

In case you're curious, just compared it to the DK8 Pro Le on.


The Raal's are significantly faster, more detailed and spacious. They separate better (but not like the Stealth, which still cram everything in a small space), and feel like they can just throw everything at you at once, if it that makes any sense. The D8k Pro Le just seem to ...run out of breath during busy passages.
I've never heard E-stats, but am curious how the X9k would compare. They Ca-1A also have visceral bass when it's called for, but not sure they have quite the texture of the D8k Le. I didn't do too many A/B's since the gap in performance makes it..no fun. The closed pads bring them closer together in bass and soundstage, but I prefer the more spacious presentation of the coffee beans most of the time.

I agree that the CA1a with filters & Star-8 cable is really up there as one of the best. And now the new (or updated) SR1a/b filters that‘s been gathering praise from everyone are making me want to jump back to owning the SR1a again. It’s gonna be very hard to find an equal of the ribbon duo, the biggest strength to me is the super realistic and natural timbre and tonality. Plus, in the case of CA1a, a very satisfying low end rumble and punch.

 

[HONEYBOY]

Filters are like 200$ and the Star 8 like 1k. Mitch's filters are a revelation. I'm not sure I can go back to most stock tunings lol. And I'm not a fan of EQ. Cable upgrade I initially found essential, didn't do too much testing, but I was underwhelmed initially with the stock one. Can test that again.
I thought the Stealth sounded like "a well treated room", with the best tonal balance i've heard (maybe a bit too much bass), and the Ca-1a's tonality was slightly off compared to it and the D8k Pro Le before the filters. Adding them, the Stealth sounds slightly off and the Raal just leapfrogs everything I've heard.
I didn't do too much in depth testing because there are a lot of variations, but I'm happy do to a test for you with a few tracks you would find relevant.

Wow this is sounding pretty good. Thanks for the insights. Certainly if you can provide input on any of the tracks below it'd be very welcomed! Don't feel obligated to do all. Any 3 should suffice. I've added for each track the attribute that shines through with the Stealth.




I've added what I index for in each track, a brief comment would suffice
1. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap (refinement in vocals and drums, decays)
2. Tundra (Interlude) - Amber Rubarth (drum impact and speed, imaging/space, resolution)
3. Go With It - TOKiMONSTA, MNDR (separation, layering, vocals, micro details)
4. Blood - The Middle East (coherency, micro detail, layering/ separation, vocals)
5. Fratres for violin - Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa ... (imaging, resolution, timbre, clarity)
6. Just Like Heaven - The Cure (detail, layering and separation)

 

[adrianm]

Wow this is sounding pretty good. Thanks for the insights. Certainly if you can provide input on any of the tracks below it'd be very welcomed! Don't feel obligated to do all. Any 3 should suffice. I've added for each track the attribute that shines through with the Stealth.




I've added what I index for in each track, a brief comment would suffice
1. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap (refinement in vocals and drums, decays)
2. Tundra (Interlude) - Amber Rubarth (drum impact and speed, imaging/space, resolution)
3. Go With It - TOKiMONSTA, MNDR (separation, layering, vocals, micro details)
4. Blood - The Middle East (coherency, micro detail, layering/ separation, vocals)
5. Fratres for violin - Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa ... (imaging, resolution, timbre, clarity)
6. Just Like Heaven - The Cure (detail, layering and separation)

Will check and reply on the Ca-1a thread to keep this on track . Love Amber Rubarth.

 

[GoldenSound]

I filmed a video today with Michael Zahl opening and talking through some of the internal design aspects of the HM1.

Video soon!

 

[Da1go]

This headphone amplifier is something special. I am not a big fan of "studio equipment" and had low expectations, but it really shines. Level of detail, soundstage, precision, everything sounds on point. And the biggest surprise for me personally, it is musical! No boring/clean sound at all.

The Stealth + HM1 have such great synergy, it was very enjoyable listening to this combo. That being said, I think the price tag is still a bit too much. Between 5-6k would have be a perfect price, but that does not mean it's not worth the price.

Everyone who is into solid state amps should give it a try before making a final decision. Absolutely worth it.

 

[GoldenSound]

Video is coming tomorrow so make sure you're subscribed to The Headphone Show!
Anyone who was expecting it to be empty is going to be surprised.

Here's a sneak peek:

 

[adrianm]

Video is coming tomorrow so make sure you're subscribed to The Headphone Show!
Anyone who was expecting it to be empty is going to be surprised.

Here's a sneak peek:

 

[wazzupi]

It needs to stop being delayed

 

[GoldenSound]

 

[Nomax]

Nice talking to Michael again in Munich
(See, I told you what last year?.....that almost everyone will like stage one on the knob )

NOMAX

Ps.lol