Magna EVO I: New generation headphones from RAAL 1995

RAAL 1995 is a high-end headphone brand from Serbia, with products focusing almost entirely on True-Ribbon technology developed by designer Aleksandar Radisavljevic. If Immanis holds the flagship position with three ribbons on each ear, Magna EVO I uses a two-ribbon configuration and aims for a somewhat more accessible performance, especially in the bass and midrange. According to RAAL 1995, this is not simply a version of Magna with changed appearance. The company has revised both the driver structure, the way to control the ribbon's journey, and the way the two ribbons interact with the listener's ears.

Two True-Ribbons but processed in two different ways

Magna EVO I uses the Dual True-Ribbon system, including two pure aluminum ribbons on each ear. The total area of ​​the two ribbons reaches 16.8cm², travel ±4mm and maximum sound level 118dB. The driver's impedance is only 0.038Ω, increasing to about 0.27Ω when including the dedicated headphone cable. More interesting than the numbers, however, is the way RAAL handles the two ribbons: instead of having them operate in exactly the same conditions, the company adjusted each ribbon based on its position relative to the ear lobe.

Specifically, the rear ribbon driver is supplemented with absorbing material to control the amount of energy in the mid-high region reflected between the driver and the ear structure. Meanwhile, the ribbon in front and closer to the ear canal is kept clear to take on the high-frequency energy. In other words, the two ribbons play the same music but are not supposed to work the same way. RAAL takes advantage of the position of each ribbon to adjust the response of the entire headphone.

The sound is fuller and easier to hear

According to Aleksandar Radisavljevic, Magna EVO I has been refined quite a lot compared to the previous Magna, especially in the way of balancing frequency bands. The subwoofer is expanded and has more energy so the bass sounds deeper, more powerful and fuller. The mid-bass range is also slightly added, making vocals and instruments feel thicker and more natural. On the contrary, the mid-high region is toned down to reduce the feeling of brightness or harshness on recordings that already have a lot of energy in this area. According to RAAL, the new tuning helps the Magna EVO I have a warmer, smoother and easier-to-listen sound, while maintaining the response speed and typical detail of the True-Ribbon driver. This tuning direction also helps Magna EVO I have its own personality instead of just becoming a simpler version of Immanis. If the Immanis leans towards neutrality, openness and spatial reproduction, the Magna EVO I is oriented towards a fuller and more intimate sound.

Why does Magna EVO I still need an RCD Interface?

Similar to Immanis, Magna EVO I cannot be plugged directly into a regular headphone amplifier. The True-Ribbon driver's impedance of only 0.038Ω is too low compared to the load level that most amplifiers are designed to work with. RAAL therefore uses the RCD Interface to place between the amplifier and headphones.

New finish, lighter weight than Immanis

Magna EVO I still retains the familiar design language of the 1995 RAAL line but has a more restrained appearance than the Immanis. The earcup uses a composite structure from fiberglass and aluminum, combined with walnut wood details. The headphone frame is made of multi-processed stainless steel, while the earpad uses suede, memory foam and sheepskin.

With a weight of 515g, the Magna EVO I is significantly lighter than the Immanis, although still in the group of relatively large full-size headphones.

Suggested combination: RAAL 1995 Magna EVO I & Feliks Audio Euforia EVO

A configuration worth considering for the RAAL 1995 Magna EVO I is the Feliks Audio Euforia EVO tube amplifier from Poland. When used with Magna EVO I, the system will need RAAL's RCD Interface to connect the headphones to the amplifier.

Euforia EVO uses OTL light circuit, equipped with Psvane CV-181 Mk2 driver bulb and 6N13S NOS power bulb. This is an amplifier model developed by Feliks Audio for full-size headphones, aiming to bring natural and musical sound quality. The combination of Magna EVO I's True-Ribbon driver and Euforia EVO tube amplifier will create an interesting configuration for high-end headphone players who want to experience ribbon sound in a softer and easier-to-listen way.