For HD800, I prefer the Shuguang Natural Sound 2A3s to the EML 2A3 Meshplates. The Shuguang 2A3s are more pleasant and relaxing to listen to. The EML 2A3 Meshplates can be a bit fatiguing at times with HD800.

Auditioned them briefly under meeting circumstance. HD800 sounded slightly better, with fuller sound, with Master 8 to me. HE 6 sounded much better with Master 8. 

Quote: An Audio-GD Master 8 would "smashes" the Auralic Taurus. 

Quote: If I had a preferred color other than blue for the Stratus, I would be willing to pay a premium to get my unit in that color. However, I can hardly imagine any alternative (plain) colors that would fit the overall aesthetics of the Stratus better than the default blue when I think...

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

I'm interested in the crossfeed technology. And I'm wondering if it is possible for the Resonessence Labs to design a "crossfeed" filter, or incoporate a crossfeed feature on top on each existing filter.

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

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.

Quote: Now I get what you mean :)   The problem is that I am not able to make sure of this. Because I cannot see the inside of the tubes. The tubes are metal based as showed in the picture below     BTW, has anyone already tried these 5T4s on the Stratus or other amps? These are...

Quote: Thanks, Solude. But could you please explain for me what do you mean by "keep it off the plates"? I just want to make sure it won't do any damage to my amp. 

Quote: I'll chime in here. My current setup is the Invicta (as DAC) and the Stratus combo. I received the Invicta first, and used its integrated amp to drive my HD800 for two months before my Stratus arrived.   The integrated amp of Invicta (in single ended mode) did a fine job driving...

Quote:   Thanks, fejnomit. I also checked their website. Now I get the point. Adhering them denies the purpose of the triple-micropoints design. And, BTW, I've already ordered a set of 3 micropoint footers, along with a maple platform   I'd really like to try the more expensive Magic...

Mine are as follows:         I think yours are the same. Since I am currently in China, I bought it from a local dealer. I thought these were the so called "black treasure" as they are black bottled. I probably got the name (in English) wrong...  

Quote: 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...

Quote: Thank you, budx and fejmomit, for doing a lot of trails and sharing impressions and very helpful suggestions!    I am thinking about trying one of the followings first:   1). A set of three Micropoint heavy footer (not the Triplepoint one). 2). A set of three Isoblock with...

Quote: Thanks, fejnomit. I'm tempted to try ... These micropoint brass footers are not inexpensive though. Which one did you get for the Stratus? They have both micropoint heavy footers and micropoint mega footers. And there are subcatogries.    Look forward to the photos!

I remember Budx talked a little bit about the choice of feet for the Stratus.   I recently order a set of three alternative feet with wooden pads for the Stratus to replace the stock hemisphere shaped rubber feet. They are as shown in the picture.     I bought them for the look. And...

Quote:   Thank you Donald for your input. 

Quote: I'll keep this in mind. Thanks for the tips!

Quote: Thank you, fejnomit, for the helpful input.   I was mainly worried about safety of the equipments, in this case the stratus and the DAC connected to it. I didn't think about personal safety...  Now I am thinking a tube tester is probably in order...   One of the two 5U4G...

I just ordered some 6BQ7As, 6N1P-EVs, and RCA 5U4G ST from eBay. Although these tubes are claimed to be "tested good" by fine rated sellers, I am still somewhat concerned about whether it is safe to try tubes on the Stratus without testing them by myself using a tube tester. However, I don't...

Quote: These don't really help ...    These can actually make the wait even more unbearable, at least for me, when I stared at these pics while waiting for my Stratus 

Quote: I am using the EML 2A3 mesh plates. I am very happy with them. With that being said, I would be EQUALLY happy with some alternative 2A3s that would (still) tame a little bit more edges compared with the EML 2A3 mesh plates.   I have yet to try the EML 2A3 solid plates. But I...

Hi, zodiac 1234. I absolute appreciated you taking the time and effect writing the enthusiastic review, which is well written and informative. I was somewhat joking in my previous reply (by mimicing the tone of your review) 

With the EML 2A3s plugged in, the bass of Stratus is punchy, tight, and not muddy at all. I had the EML 2A3s pre-installed by Donald, so I don't own a pair of stock Shuguang 2A3s. I did audition Donald's demo Stratus with the Shuguang 2A3's (at a quiet hotel room, not in meet conditions). Even...