DNA Stratus 2A3 amplifier - first impressions - Page 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by drheadphone 

 

Gorgeous faceplate of #0017.

 

Finally got my Q-Audio cable for the HD800.

 

Finally, the HD800 the way it's meant to sound! It's been a long climb. :D

I've been considering a recable on my HD800, any differences with the Q and the stock through the Stratus?

I'm going from single-ended stock to Q-Audio's 4-pin balanced cable. I'm getting smoother treble, slightly more dimensional depth and a hint more warmth on the Q-Audio. Bye, bye, stock cable!
 

New toy syndrome? I have both HD800 stock cable and the Q cable (terminated in 4pin XLR). On the Stratus, I don't notice much difference. I'm fond of both. And it was really pleasant doing business with Steve. Below is my earlier post on this. But of course YMMV.

Originally Posted by econparanoia 

For my HD800, I have both the stock cable and a French Silk balanced (4 pin XLR) cable from Q Audio. I don't hear any noticeable difference between them on the Stratus. ( There could be subtle differences, but I have yet to carefully AB them.) With that being said, the Q cable is lighter, more manageable, and has better build quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by econparanoia 

New toy syndrome? I have both HD800 stock cable and the Q cable (terminated in 4pin XLR). On the Stratus, I don't notice much difference

Placebo effect could come into play as well. It's hard to eliminate the human factor. I'm also not talking a huge difference. Maybe not even a 1 percent difference. A hair-like nudge or tilt. Listening to a CD of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme", the cymbals seem less harsh on Q-Audio cable. I'm getting a hint better articulation and instruments seem fuller, warmer, smoother in sound. It may be because of the slightly tamed HD800 treble on the Q-Audio cable. I'm definitely less bothered by the treble on the Q cable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by drheadphone 

 

Placebo effect could come into play as well. It's hard to eliminate the human factor. I'm also not talking a huge difference. Maybe not even a 1 percent difference. A hair-like nudge or tilt. Listening to a CD of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme", the cymbals seem less harsh on Q-Audio cable. I'm getting a hint better articulation and instruments seem fuller, warmer, smoother in sound. It may be because of the slightly tamed HD800 treble on the Q-Audio cable. I'm definitely less bothered by the treble on the Q cable.

This is fair enough :)  And thanks for the more specific impressions. Enjoy

I won't get into the cable debate - but it sounds like you're hearing a difference so congrats.

And congrats to the new Stratus recipients - you will never look back!!

And +1 on the Stratus/LCD-3 combination - especially for rock and funk...

Now, in terms of rectifiers:  the 5T4 will most likely not work in the Stratus.  Here's part of a private email exchange with Donald (reprinted without his direct permission so I would urge you to contact him with specific questions).  I was asking about the 5V4G/GZ32:

The 5V4G has a separate heater and cathode, with the cathode connected to one of the heater pins, similar to how the 5AR4 is configured. I have the Stratus configured for directly heated rectifiers like the 5U4G and take the output from the center tap of the filament winding. So I don't believe the 5V4G will work properly in the Stratus  without a soldering change.

And since I believe the 5T4 is wired like the 5AR4, I would not use it.  Although Solude is of course right that loose particles inside a tube usually make no difference in sound and are not dangerous...

Quote:

Originally Posted by fejnomit 

And since I believe the 5T4 is wired like the 5AR4, I would not use it.  Although Solude is of course right that loose particles inside a tube usually make no difference in sound and are not dangerous...

Thanks a lot for the tips. I've contacted the Tube Depot for a refund.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fejnomit 

I won't get into the cable debate - but it sounds like you're hearing a difference so congrats.

There's an actual debate? C'mon! I'm listening to my newly received Silver Dragon V3 cable for the LCD2 right now and I feel like I'm being attacked by icicles! Ouchie!

Just ordered some EML tubes. Thanks for the recommendation.

I have many scars from the cable wars, my friend.  I am firmly and forever in the camp of the believers but there are those who will never come around because their heads are too deeply embedded in math and science and not open to the music or their bodies...

Quote:

Originally Posted by fejnomit 

I have many scars from the cable wars, my friend.  I am firmly and forever in the camp of the believers but there are those who will never come around because their heads are too deeply embedded in math and science and not open to the music or their bodies...

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by fejnomit 

I have many scars from the cable wars, my friend.  I am firmly and forever in the camp of the believers but there are those who will never come around because their heads are too deeply embedded in math and science and not open to the music or their bodies...

+2  

I wish I could not hear a difference.....
 

The blessing and the curse of this hobby.

Haha, we have not even got into the benefits of USB cable upgrades yet 

Woohoo!

http://www.audioquest.com/usb-digital-audio/diamond

Better Voodoo! A live chicken in every cable.....