Recommendation for Headphones


My current rig is a Lumin U1 mini feeding a Intona isolation unit feeding a Chord Qutest DAC feeding a Primaluna evo300 integrated amp with tube upgrades.

I use Goldenear Triton 1r speakers.

What would be a good headphone for this setup.  Would like to keep it under 2500 if possible.   Thanks Much

 

mlapenta

Showing 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara

The new circumoral RAAL CA-1a Naked is $2K. The Schitt JR amp specifically made for both the SR1a and CA-1a is $500.A total cost of $2500. Though there is an optional $400 headphone cable that works better than stock with the JR.

Shop • RAAL-requisite (raalrequisite.com)

If you do not want the JR and want to use the Prima Luna (not sure if it has enough power). I have an extra  $500 amp interface box to join your Prima Luna to the headphones. I can sell that to you for $250

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I have moved my RAAL VM-1a amp ($7K) to the same bedroom as my Schitt JR amp. Last night I played some Led Zeppelin on the VM-1a | CA-1a | Benchmark DAC3B DAC. Let me put it this way, $100K+ 2-channel systems are almost as good as this combo for Zeppelin. Read the the following thread if this sounds like BS. These guys on the linked thread do not have the better and cheaper gear I am talking about.

RAAL-requisite SR1a Has Landed - Headphones & Speakers - Audiophile Style

The $500 Schitt amp is good and a gateway drug to the VM-1a amp.

I had my VM-1a amp in my office but that was not ideal because I would get too distracted listening to music and could not work (it is too good). I also have the more 2-channel like RAAL SR1a headphones.

In my office I use 2-channel gear to drive my SR1a. The total cost of the gear (excluding the SR1a) is about $25K. It is NOT as good as the VM-1a amp and it will never be better even if I spent a million dollars. Technical details that can be explained if interested. The Schitt JR is not as good as my 2-channel gear on the SR1a, but it is not terrible either.

I do not have the proper adapter to play the CA-1a on my 2-channel office gear, I can only play the SR1a there.

 

 

 

If you like a warm sound the OLD Meze Empy is a very nice headphone, but it pales in comparison to the RAAL ribbon. The ribbon is likely too bright for someone that likes it toasty.

Used Meze Empy could be going for a nice low price these days since Meze has a new top model. The new model is brighter than the former top dog, Empy.