DNA Stratus 2A3 amplifier - first impressions
May 18, 2015 at 7:51 PM Post #2,296 of 4,353
  You don't want to do that: it will change (ruin) the sound of the Stratus. But you can try and find out. 

Thanks for your advice.
 
I'm trying to do the most research I can, so I'm just wondering if many people have paired this with LCD3F's? Doesn't seem to be many impressions with this combo, a lot of HD800 though. On the other hand the WA22 seems to be a good combo with LCD3's, so maybe that's a better match?
 
May 19, 2015 at 1:07 AM Post #2,298 of 4,353
  Thanks for your advice.
 
I'm trying to do the most research I can, so I'm just wondering if many people have paired this with LCD3F's? Doesn't seem to be many impressions with this combo, a lot of HD800 though. On the other hand the WA22 seems to be a good combo with LCD3's, so maybe that's a better match?

You're talking to the wrong person when it comes to flagship headphones.  My experience has not been all that hot.  I suggest you work your way up the headphone money chain, if and when a Stratus arrives at your place. Buying expensive headphones based on rave reviews,without actually trying them in your system, can lead to a lot of regret.
 
May 19, 2015 at 1:52 AM Post #2,299 of 4,353
  You're talking to the wrong person when it comes to flagship headphones.  My experience has not been all that hot.  I suggest you work your way up the headphone money chain, if and when a Stratus arrives at your place. Buying expensive headphones based on rave reviews,without actually trying them in your system, can lead to a lot of regret.

Haha, very sound advice, but that latter part wasn't specifically posed tu you :p. I already have them and wonder if they pair well with the amp.
 
May 21, 2015 at 7:55 AM Post #2,302 of 4,353
Slightly off topic. Donald being interviewed on his bluetooth speakers.

https://youtu.be/tk3mA7ynV1I

They must sound great.

 

 
 
this turbo X bluetooth speaker is definitely on my radar.. impressions from Last CES  was stellar ! I'm even more interested in the Turbo S now
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May 21, 2015 at 12:12 PM Post #2,303 of 4,353
   

 
 
this turbo X bluetooth speaker is definitely on my radar.. impressions from Last CES  was stellar ! I'm even more interested in the Turbo S now
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I purchased one for my wife for Christmas. She loves it. I love it and listen to it instead of larger system much of the time. Amazing value and a very natural and musical sound for a speaker so small. Surprisingly satisfying. I know that sounds odd but I expected it to sound like a 'compromise for convenience' and, in reality, I never feel that way when listening.  
 
May 27, 2015 at 3:54 AM Post #2,304 of 4,353
I thought I'd share a recent exchange I had with a headfier regarding the 5U4G and other Stratus rectifiers.
The cheapest tube upgrade you can make that will make an immediate difference is the 5U4G. Unfortunately (or fortunately for your wallet), the selection of good 5U4G is rather narrow. The best is probably the EML mesh plate which is also the most expensive. The second best to my ears are the 1940s Ken Rad CKR and Raytheon CRP which can occasionally be had dirt cheap at $30-50. There is currently a CKR posted on eBay in that range. If you're not biting on that, I probably will. wink.gif They punch way above their weight with great detailed sound. The third best is a mix of 1940s military tubes: JAN RCA CRC, National Union CNU and Sylvania CHS. The key to NOS 5U4G is the double pole structure in the middle which is normally characteristic of an early to mid-40s tube, sometimes referred to as VT-244. Not all JAN VT-244 tubes were made in the 40s. I would look to pay at most $50 for these tubes in prime condition. Nice smooth, layered sound that's only a step behind the above tubes in terms of refinement. Outside of the 5U4G you have the dirt cheap 5U4GB and the crazy rich U52. A good condition Raytheon or Japan-made 5U4GB would be an upgrade over stock tube, while the U52 excels in detail and soundstage like no other rectifier I've heard but at the expense of a bit of lowend.
 
May 27, 2015 at 11:02 AM Post #2,305 of 4,353
Very useful and wise review! The Ken Rad CKR is still my favorite compared to GEC U52, EML5U4G and RCA5U4G in my system, like it so much that I just had to buy an extra one for backup.
 
May 27, 2015 at 2:57 PM Post #2,306 of 4,353
   

 
 
this turbo X bluetooth speaker is definitely on my radar.. impressions from Last CES  was stellar ! I'm even more interested in the Turbo S now
blink.gif
 



ah ah ah ah ! DNA one day...DNA all day !
 
May 27, 2015 at 7:42 PM Post #2,308 of 4,353
More of my thoughts on the characteristics of a VT244 5U4G....

The poles are the two wire things that go straight down the center in between the two flat plates.



The CNU is the same as the RCA CRC. Just a step behind the CKR in terms of clarity but nice general tube to have. Certainly better than stock.

The only 5U4G I've neglected to mention is the Tung Sol VT244 with poles. This tube is so rare I never even bother mentioning it.
 
May 28, 2015 at 1:02 PM Post #2,309 of 4,353
I thought I'd share a recent exchange I had with a headfier regarding the 5U4G and other Stratus rectifiers.


My experience with rectifiers in the Stratus is - EML Mesh 5U4G is fullest and deepest of all but lacks a little clarity but embodies most of what I like about tubes. The Ken Rad CKR is a nice substitute - not as full but with a bit more clarity. The U52 is the most natural and also most detailed. Though it may be a little thinner on the bottom end than the EML, this tube has a special magic.  And, though U52 bass is lighter it is still very rich and natural - makes the EML sound a little overdone on some recordings (to me). I go back and forth between the EML 5U4G and U52 as they each do something the other doesn't and are the most enjoyable listening experience for me. Note - I am listening with Audeze LCD3(f mod), EML mesh 2A3s and Cryo Pearl Protektor 6N1P.
 
By the way - I have heard that the U52's with a Z in the label are a bit faster - this is what I have.
 

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