Well … they arrived yesterday … just in time for me to set them up, make sure they worked, play a couple of tracks … and then head out to a charity fundraiser for the night …
I’ll take a few, basic, pictures in a bit.
Running these out of my reference-chain (RME ADI-2 DAC, SPL Phonitor X) for now, in conjunction with a modestly priced ($600) speaker amp (150w into 8Ω/225w into 4Ω, toroidal transformer based linear PSU, solid-state analog class A/B, THX-certified* - with decent measurements - so likely a fair amount of negative-feedback).
Initial impressions are, well … striking …
The SR1a are doing things that I’ve not heard from a headphone before.
The build and aesthetics are awesome … the best way I can describe it is as high-tech, high-end tooling. Adjustment is easy, and driver-angle has very audible effects on sound and stage.
There is actual stage depth.
Resolution, speed and impact are remarkable - even off this comparatively inexpensive amp.
And they really are neutral.
Interface box is running cool (79℉) even after several hours of, shall we say, “spirited” listening.
Didn’t expect this off such a, comparatively entry-level, amplifier.
I don’t think anything productive is getting done today.