[mysticstryk]

I have honestly no idea where to start looking for tubes without overpaying and/or being scammed/sold crap. ^^

Upscale audio & tube depot is where I usually buy my tubes unless they are super rare.

 

[m17xr2b]

Sold my Yggy and got a level 2 Pavane. I'm happy to report the Stratus is transparent enough that the differences are easily spotted. Can't wait until next year when the Stellaris arrives.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

Congrats on a great DAC and the upgrade!!

 

[claud W]

OK, I'll bite. How long from ordering a DNA Stratus until it is delivered?

 

[Thenewguy007]

OK, I'll bite. How long from ordering a DNA Stratus until it is delivered?

The wait time is one year.

 

[claud W]

Emailed Mr. North. Nice guy and helpful. I think a Stratus will give me a different flavor for my Ragg /Yiggy system. I just have to get through Dec and Jan which is estimated tax time. I may get a wild hair and send him the initial fee. We will see.

 

[DMck2000]

Emailed Mr. North. Nice guy and helpful. I think a Stratus will give me a different flavor for my Ragg /Yiggy system. I just have to get through Dec and Jan which is estimated tax time. I may get a wild hair and send him the initial fee. We will see.

The wait is extremely painful, but also extremely worth it! Just have patience and you will be rewarded.

 

[claud W]

I have Ethers, but wonder if Senn HD 800S and Focal Utopia might match well with a Stratus?

 

[DMck2000]

I have Ethers, but wonder if Senn HD 800S and Focal Utopia might match well with a Stratus?

I’ve heard the HD800(S) are the best pair with the Stratus, but I’m holding out for my Focal Utopias as well because these just sound ridiculously good. When I actually get the Stratus I’ll give you an opinion on how it sounds with my Focal Utopias and my Sennheiser HD800.

 

[claud W]

I actually like the year wait. Gives me time to purchase NOS tubes for it. I will order Nov or Dec. That will give me a nice Christmas gift for 2018.

 

[claud W]

Any recomendations for NOS tubes for Stratus? What about current available 2A3 and 5U4G tubes??

 

[Frihed89]

Any recomendations for NOS tubes for Stratus? What about current available 2A3 and 5U4G tubes??

Look, the Stratus sounds very good with the tubes Donald sends. I recommend you wait until you hear your Stratus for a while and then ease into new tubes, once you become familiar the sound. You will make better choices this way and probably save yourself some buyers remorse for hasty purchases.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

I agree with @Frihed89 . Tubes can get very expensive, very quickly. The Stratus is no slouch with the stock tubes at all. Get a feel for the amp, let it settle in THEN start rolling if you still feel the need.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

I’ve heard the HD800(S) are the best pair with the Stratus, but I’m holding out for my Focal Utopias as well because these just sound ridiculously good. When I actually get the Stratus I’ll give you an opinion on how it sounds with my Focal Utopias and my Sennheiser HD800.

I think it is a bit of a matter of preference. I have/had both with mine. The Utopia's have a funny unnatural papery quality that irked me but many love them so, there you go. When I first got the Utopia's my socks were blown clean off, but after the honey moon was over my love for them faded. They definitely have a lot of wow factor when you first pick them up and put them on, especially versus the HD800's but long term they weren't for me. It took about a year for the shine to wear off for me.

 

[Thenewguy007]

I think it is a bit of a matter of preference. I have/had both with mine. The Utopia's have a funny unnatural papery quality that irked me but many love them so, there you go. When I first got the Utopia's my socks were blown clean off, but after the honey moon was over my love for them faded. They definitely have a lot of wow factor when you first pick them up and put them on, especially versus the HD800's but long term they weren't for me. It took about a year for the shine to wear off for me.

Outside the soundstage, what made you keep the HD800 over the Utopia?