REVIEW: The DNA Sonett Amplifier - A Musical Discovery for the Westone ES3X Custom IEM, versus... - Page 3

So, is it possible to build up a DNA Sonett with 2 inputs??

Just FYI, and I hope you don't mind me posting this here, but before people go paying big $$$'s for the DR versions for sale on eBay, they need to be aware that the only "real" DR tubes are those manufactured before original production ceased in 1992. The current crop on eBay with date codes of 94 or 98, I'm not sure what the deal is with them, apart from the fact they are not of the same quality as the production from the late 80's. As far as I know, new production 6H30 didn't restart until 1999. Leaving aside the DR designation, it's no great secret that a lot of the tubes made from 1999 through the early 2000's are not of the same quality as the earlier production. Tubes I've bought branded Sovtek or EH from 2004 onwards sound as good as the pre 1990 DR production, once they have been tested to weed out those with a crappy section match. I think people need to understand that all of the remaining original DR production was purchased from the factory by BAT. Those are the "real" DR tubes, where the quality is fantastic, they went through extended testing for military applications, and the tubes that have passed through my hands test very well with a good to very good section match. My advice, buy new production 6H30's from 2004 onwards. Of course, if you find a stash of 6H30 DR's with 86 date codes, at a reasonable price, please make sure I am the first to know. Stay well away from paying big $$$'s for any DR tube where the printing on the tube is black.

Rdr. Seraphim, That's one of the greatest reviews I've read
Have you heard some other, better sources than the Pico?
I'm pretty sure a better source will cause for a greater fidelity.

Conus Audio (the Audiogon "Conus" seller you mention) is one of the more reliable places to buy. You get what they advertise, not some re-branded junk. But $210 a pair is a little steep for me.

My favorite aspect of the Sonett is its good microdynamics.

I only recently discovered the possibility of microdynamics and what the word means. I was listening to a local hi-fi dealer's system---the Wilson Alexandria. I listened to a Mozart piano concerto, and noticed the swelling and ebbing of every phrase. These slight dynamic changes had real emotional impact. I told the dealer this, and he said "Yes, that's called microdynamics."

I realized my headphone system at that time---the ASL MG-Head amp, and the K601 headphones---didn't even approach this Alexanderia system. I figured the flaw was the K601 because I figured that it was the speaker or headphone that was critical to microdynamics, not the amp.

Later I learned that a good amp can be critical to microdynamics, and that in particular single-ended amps. I heard two speakers amps by Audio Note that were single-ended---one was a SE-triode with the 2A3 tube, and another was a single-ended pentode.

I find that the Sonett brings good microdyanmics to the K601. The Sonett is a single-ended triode amp.

@ Donald,

Is it possible, and if so what are the options for converting a balanced Sonett to single ended?

Regards,
Thomas

Hi Thomas,

Yes, it's possible. To convert a balanced output Sonett to 1/4" stereo single ended output requires changing the faceplate, output impedance selector toggle switch, and output transformers. It takes a some time to do - one would need to send it back to me for conversion.

Donald,

Thank you for your reply. Would simply using an adapter be a viable option as well?

You're very welcome to PM me your quote for the full conversion.

The balanced output version grounds the output transformers' secondary center taps for safety. Because the secondaries are not floating, an adapter would only get half the voltage (derived between the + pin and ground). I don't recommend this configuration for best sound.

Donald,

May i know is it possbile to have 4-pin XLR one instead of using 2 stand XLRs??

Thanks

Yes, I offer the option of a single 4-pin XLR balanced output.

And sorry for missing your earlier question - I only offer the Sonett with single pair of RCA inputs.