[Frihed89]

My software controls the volume through the Dac.  I find that with a NOS Dac (Wavelength Brick), there is no edginess/hardness at all, no matter where I set the Stratus volume setting. (However, I normally set it about 1/3 - 1/2 up the on the Stratus volume control. That might not be true of some OS Dacs, or at least that is the experience I've had with another speaker power amp with a volume control + Dac only.  Furthermore, I have put 2 different preamps (SS and tube) between the Dac and the Stratus, and I prefer no preamp.

 

[stuart1927]

I just received a pair of Mr Speaker's Ether Flows....will be interesting to hear how it compares with my HD800's and the Stratus. 
 
Too early to tell, but so far, more similarities than differences.....which isn't a bad start, considering I love my stock HD800.
 
 
sbb

 

[stuart1927]

Stratus with the new Sophia 300b 2.5v carbon plates. Superb impressions so far with only 20 hrs or so.

 

[punit]

Stratus with the new Sophia 300b 2.5v carbon plates. Superb impressions so far with only 20 hrs or so.

So the Stratus works with 300B tubes as well ?

 

[stuart1927]

The 2.5v version from Sophia is. It's listed as being suitable for all 2a3 amps.

 

[auricgoldfinger]

  So the Stratus works with 300B tubes as well ?

 
The Sophia 300b 2.5v is made especially for 2a3 amps. Virtually all other 300b tubes are 5v tubes and are not compatible with the Stratus.  No NOS 300b's are compatible with the Stratus.

 

[stuart1927]

Hi folks.......I picked up a NOS Brimar 6BQ7A tube the other day (around $5) and replaced my Westinghouse 6BS8. It may be one of the most notable changes I've heard on this amp since I started rolling. I'm much preferring the Brimar over the Westinghouse. 
 
Don't know if any others have tried this tube?

 

[stuart1927]

And here is a shot of the little beauty!
 
 

 

[stuart1927]

And my other tubes currently in the Stratus
 

 

 

[m17xr2b]

I do have a few Brimar 6BQ7A and they do sound great. I also have a Mullard 6BQ7A I need to test. I do feel that it warms up the sound with a bit more mid bass but at the expense of sub bass control. Clarity is great and I use it sometimes for a more romantic sound as the vocals are a bit thicker. Top end is great.

 

[RAZRr1275]

Does anyone know how a Brimar 5R4GY would sound vs a U52?

 

[stuart1927]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/694525/dubstep-girls-massive-5ar4-5r4-5u4g-rectifier-review-comparison-rectifer-tube-rolling-thread
 
The definitive guide!
 
sbb

 

[RubyTiger]

1940's Sylvania 5U4G VT-244. Priced a bit higher than can be found on the web. Warm bass, natural sounding mid's, not overly extended high's or bass. Ok, for a spare.
 

http://www.tubedepot.com/products/sylvania-5u4g

 

[m17xr2b]

The Stratus has a new mate, a 300B preamp. I have to say I do like what it's doing to the sound, a slightly bigger soundstage, tigher low end and clearer midrange etc.

 
I am now using these with the LCD-3F and I do have to say the synergy is incredible as I prefer this setup to the Abyss and Moon 600i.
On tubes I feel the dual flat plates are the best for the LCD-3 even better than EML solid or KR. KenRad/NU VT244 as rectifier and Tungstram 6BQ7A as input. The 6N1P tubes even the E variant for me are to harsh/aggressive.
I will also get a Sylvania 6BQ7A gold branded. I always like the gold branded line from the first time I listened to the 6080GB on the Bottlehead Crack.
Tomorrow I'm getting the LCD-4. It will be interesting to see if the Stratus is a good match.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

  The Stratus has a new mate, a 300B preamp. I have to say I do like what it's doing to the sound, a slightly bigger soundstage, tigher low end and clearer midrange etc.

 
I am now using these with the LCD-3F and I do have to say the synergy is incredible as I prefer this setup to the Abyss and Moon 600i.
On tubes I feel the dual flat plates are the best for the LCD-3 even better than EML solid or KR. KenRad/NU VT244 as rectifier and Tungstram 6BQ7A as input. The 6N1P tubes even the E variant for me are to harsh/aggressive.
I will also get a Sylvania 6BQ7A gold branded. I always like the gold branded line from the first time I listened to the 6080GB on the Bottlehead Crack.
Tomorrow I'm getting the LCD-4. It will be interesting to see if the Stratus is a good match.

 
Really cool!!  Is that the Kaiju 300B Amplifier Kit?  IE the non LE version?