it's been a while since I've been on the forum, but thought I would drop in with a question for Steve and anyone else who might be familiar with the topic. The RAAL Requisite SR1a is a relatively new headphone that is an all-ribbon design. It sounds amazing. But it presents a, shall we say, difficult load to amplifiers of .2Ω.It is sold with an amplifier interface buffer that creates a 6Ω load for any amp of 100W or more. Users report it being driven successfully with as little as 60W. I am currently driving it with a Schiit Vidar that I have. I have also connected it to Merrill Veritas mono blocks with success, I repeat, it sounds amazing. It is the first headphone I have experienced that sounds as good as, maybe better than, my Stax SR-009/T2 combo.

Recently, on Head-Fi, European members have reported success driving the headphone directly with a VIVA Solista SET integrated amp of 22WPC, with no amp buffer. FWIW, Schiit is also working on a direct drive amplifier for the headphone code-named the Jotunheim R; its beta testers have reported excellent results. It is reportedly due for sale this month.

So, I am here because Decware has an enviable history of adapting its SET amps for specific headphone use with remarkably high value products. My Taboo mkIII was one of my favorite headphone amps, though I no longer own it. Any chance Decware could be a giant-killer again?

P.S. If you're a headphone fan, try to hear the SR1a at a meet. It is something special. Weird headgear, but once you get it fitted, it's very lightweight, and the music is just amazing. I am admittedly a sucker for ribbons, and have been ever since my near full-range Strathearn ribbon system in the 80s. Still, it is something else.