Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018 Official Show Report

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RAAL Requisite is a new undertaking for the venerable maker of true ribbons. Such a quickness to the sound, immediate stops and starts, tremendous dynamic swings with macro punch and a fall back to micro detail. These are designed for mixing and mastering and would make a great uber-'phones for home use. Daft Punk "Get Lucky" never sounded so good, tip top highs to subterranean lows.

The SRH-1A (Studio Reference Headphone), sells for $3500 and comes carrying case, all cables and amplifier interface. Field replaceable ribbons pop easily in and out and are $50.

 

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I darted around the Harman Group room, but what drew me into the listening chair is the new L100 Classic. Nothing classic about the sound, these are new, with tweeter waveguide and deeper port for increased bass extension. Sensitivity is 90 dB. They can be yours for $4k.

 

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The PBN M2!5 is a wonderful example of waveguide technology, no "horn" sound here. The passive network is 900 Hz, 5th order acoustical. "It's a Wonderful Life"!

 

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One of the better rooms here for soundstage and imaging, a huge, front row perspective, male and female voice are bang on.

Wasn't quite able to handle Infected Mushroom at realistic levels, though, and I left just as a USB cable comparison was under way. Moving on...

 

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I did not get to stop at every room and have a good listen, there were many exhibits. I did manage to see almost everything and even had time for a few quick shots.

 

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