How close are these ribbons to your ear and how large are they? Not sure you need, or want, 150 watts pumping into what are essentially headphones. I didn't see anything like what you're referring to on the Raal site.
Best Amp With Some Warmth and Midrange Magic - Need 150wpc solid state, 100wpc Tube
I just ordered a pair of the ground breaking RAAL ear speakers after hearing them fairly extensively in a couple systems. They are a new type of sound reproducing device that sits on your head, like headphones, but it never touches your ears, and the ribbon speakers are set at varying distances off of your ears. This amazing product has absolutely incredible speed, detail and clarity, very surprising bass, and brilliant soundstaging. I'm not sure you could equal those qualities in a speaker at 20 times the price. The trick is, they require an amplifier that would be used for speakers. I think they are capable of moving from amazing to absolutely magical when paired with the right amp. That would be one, which brings some warmth and midrange magic to the party.
Normally this would clearly mean a good tube amplifier.However, the numbers of tube amps that would fill the bill are greatly narrowed due to the fact that, to perform optimally, the RAAL's require 150wpc solid state, and 100wpc tubed. And there are no shortcuts. As one reviewer experienced, as also did my friend and I, even the excellent ARC Reference 75 tube amp (with a rock solid 75wpc) came up a bit short in our listening. As did a very respected solid state amp rated at 100wpc.
I would appreciate any recommendations of warmer solid state amps of the necessary wattage, or any potential tube amps that come to mind. My finances would great appreciate limiting the cost to $2500.00 or under, used. Older amps are fine unless they are at a point where they would need to be recapped/refurbished at significant expense.
Any recommendations, thoughts or expertise is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Normally this would clearly mean a good tube amplifier.However, the numbers of tube amps that would fill the bill are greatly narrowed due to the fact that, to perform optimally, the RAAL's require 150wpc solid state, and 100wpc tubed. And there are no shortcuts. As one reviewer experienced, as also did my friend and I, even the excellent ARC Reference 75 tube amp (with a rock solid 75wpc) came up a bit short in our listening. As did a very respected solid state amp rated at 100wpc.
I would appreciate any recommendations of warmer solid state amps of the necessary wattage, or any potential tube amps that come to mind. My finances would great appreciate limiting the cost to $2500.00 or under, used. Older amps are fine unless they are at a point where they would need to be recapped/refurbished at significant expense.
Any recommendations, thoughts or expertise is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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