I like the RAAL SR1a (earphone) more than the RAAL CA-1a (headphone). The CA-1a is like 'normal' headphones. I am not a fan of normal headphones, except the CA-1a. The sound of that is exceptional inspite of it being a headphone.
RAAL 1995 headphones, Magna and Immanis
RAAL 1995 headphones, Magna and Immanis | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
These phones are a circumoral design like my current RAAL CA-1a phones (not like the RAAL SR1a/SR1b). I may sell the CA-1a when I upgrade to 1 of the 2 new RAALs.
I re-purchased the RAAL VM-1a 2 weeks ago in anticipation of these new phones. Though my Schitt Mjolnir and Schitt Aegir stack are about 70% as good as the VM-1a. I used to say 90% as good with my old VM-1a. With the second VM-1a (same as the first) I am using a different tube (1 of 6) and that sounds even better than the OEM tube.
Tube change: New Old Stock (1960) General Electric 6SN7
RAAL 1995 will, at first, focus to headphones and later to loudspeakers, with aim to push the limits of True-Ribbon technology in different applications.
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@rlawry I believe you are in close by to Ventura. If so, next week I am going down to Ventura to have a listen to the Magna and Immanis. I will likely take my VM-1a which has 1 tube different from stock. Join me if you are interested. I want to do this quickly, even though I am not buying in the short term. I believe Danny will not have any in stock other than these 2 and they likely are going out to reviewers and Mitch at AccurateSounds.ca What I am reading from people that have heard these is that the Immanis resembles the soundstage of the SR1a/SR1b but sound even better.
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My friend Danny over at RAAL said that I can get the Magna and Immanis for a 24 to 48 hour window to listen. After that they are going to The Absolute Sound for review. I have a whole bunch of gear ready to play them on. I am looking for some advice or help on how to use the XLR1 headphone output on the Holo Serene preamp. If anyone knows, can you tell me what cable to use on the XLR1 output. I have asked Tim at Kitsune but no response yet. I think the Immanis, with its lower power requirements, may be good with the Holo Serene. I of course have the RAAL VM-1a tube headphone amp so that will be what all other gear will be matched against. I will be using the TI-1b interface box with the gear such as the Holo preamp.
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I sold my SR1a and will likely sell the CA-1a. I use them with the RAAL VM-1a tube amp and Star8 cable. So, I have an excellent setup. I took my gear down to Ventura, CA to the RAAL office and heard both the Magna and Immanis. From my limited experience with headphones, it was easily the very best phones I have ever heard. The Immanis was my preference, but both are great. On Head-fi.com there are some very interesting comparisons with the TOTL phones. So far in the limited feedback, the Immanis seems to be coming out as the favorite. I am actively looking for a second job, and one reason is to buy the Immanis. I say this as someone who loves the SR1a and CA-1a. Good thing since it will take me some time to get the funds. |
Reviews are starting to come in. RAAL 1995 Magna & Immanis review | Darko.Audio
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Test RAAL 1995 IMMANIS - Musicalhead
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(10) RAAL 1995 Immanis - Reviews | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org This is an incredibly detailed review. Comparisons are made against all the current TOTL phones, including the $60k Sennheiser HE1. Sennheiser HE-1 Review: $59,000 Summit – In-Ear Fidelity (crinacle.com)
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I sent my Schitt Yggi+ OG to the above show to get some impressions.
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Raal 1995 Immanis - Director’s Garage Exclusive Interview I think I accidently interrupted this interview. |