Yes, another audiophile at a crossroads story and request for advice

Hi OP,

I have been retired for five years. Before retirement, I went through the same kind of thinking. I upgraded so I would no longer have to make any more purchases. After retirement for a couple years I realized I could afford another upgrade and did. You can see my systems under my userID.

I am fortunate to have both a very good headphone system and main system. I use them both. I listen to my main system about three hours a day and my headphone system about half the time for an hour a day. But unless you are really unusual, having just a headphone system will not fulfilling and comfortable as a main system. Obviously both would be preferred. Assembling an ideal system is about equally difficult for headphone or main system.

As far as the sound quality… I completely understand. Happily my system has the kind of detail, midrange bloom, and rhythm and pace you describe. A system that sucks you in through the upright bass line or the vibrations of low notes from a sax.

I think it would be really helpful to start by hearing the sound you are after. I recommend going and listening to an Audio Research I-50 with some good quality speakers. I remember the first time I heard this unit 6 years ago (?)… I was just shocked how warm and wonderful it sounded. I realize because of the really low sensitivity of your speakers this unit will not drive your speakers. But the purpose is to answer the question is this what you are going for. If this has got the stuff, then you want to be looking at used ARC, Conrad Johnson, Cary, or VAC. Rogue uses tubes, but does not get the sound these other companies do.

Some of this tube stuff would pair well with Quads.. which would really send your system towards where you want it to be.

+1 @inna I had Mystere integrated and replacing original tubes made a big improvement.

@ezstreams I have been working too full-time jobs in 2023 and I am working very late hours while the family sleeps. The SR1a and CA1a are life savers for me and have made me money. I cannot imagine working so much without the RAALs.

The SR1a can be used for long hours without any discomfort. Only issue with them is that you cannot lay in bed with them on. That is the reason I also got the CA-1a phone.

I have been contacted by people that have sold systems at the level and cost of Magico to go just with the SR1a. The quality of the sound from the RAAL ribbons is incredible and I think hard for other headphones to touch, especially if you come from a 2-channel background. Main complaint I hear from headphone people on the SR1a is that it does not sound like headphones. For 2-channel people that should be a great feature.

The chances of you getting great sound with the SR1a is 100% with a decent amp while with speakers the room and other factors can lead to a higher chance of things being somewhat less than perfect.

BTW - I have an office and Livingroom system that I think are perfect. I threw out all my boxes so this gear is not going anywhere. My RAALs are good as my office system (Magnepan based) and almost as good as my Livingroom, Yamaha NS5000 based. I listen for at least 10 hours M-F (usually 15 hours).

@zlone Thank you for those recommended checks:

- The only other DACs i’ve had in my system were an Oppo Sonica DAC (many years ago) and more recently the onboard DAC in the Lumin D2 (which eventually led to my search for a better/separate DAC leading me to the well reviewed and “adjustable” RME i have currently. 
- The Primaluna CD player sounds good using its internal DAC but better to my 67 year old/cant hear above ~ 10KHz ears using the RME. 
- internet is 100% hardwired from street through entire system. No optical isolation though. 
- SPDIF cable is not high or mid end based on recommendation of the customer technical support person i purchased from. He said it was a waste of money to spend more  there. 
@ghdprentice i was surprised about the real-life-apparent efficiency of the Perspectives. I never had to move the 70 wpch Primaluna volume knob above 9;00 to meet my volume needs (not loud, but really at a comfortable listening level) leaving tons of amp headroom.

I would first try some tube rolling in the integrated. You can completely change the sound of an amplifier by experimenting with different tube combinations.