[bigfatpaulie]

 
Saw a similar picture of yours with LCD3 in a different thread. Which headphones to you prefer with the Stratus?

 
The HD800's are better with the Stratus than the 3's.  That doesn't meant that I necessarily prefer them to the LCD's though.  The different sets make a great team.  I am waiting for an amp for the LCD3's.

 

[rydenfan]

a couple of tube questions this morning...
 
I know there is a lot of love for the Ken Rad 5u4, has anyone heard the military version? I was unaware that a version existing but just came across one. It is at a premium compared to the stand so curious.
 
Also, is the 5R4GY a suitable replacement? 

 

[Bigsecret]

   
The HD800's are better with the Stratus than the 3's.  That doesn't meant that I necessarily prefer them to the LCD's though.  The different sets make a great team.  I am waiting for an amp for the LCD3's.

 
Thank you. I need to find a way to hear the HD800's.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

   
Thank you. I need to find a way to hear the HD800's.

 
They are very special headphones.  The Stratus and the HD800's are a near perfect pair.  It's a shame to own one and not the other 

 

 

[drheadphone]

a couple of tube questions this morning...

I know there is a lot of love for the Ken Rad 5u4, has anyone heard the military version? I was unaware that a version existing but just came across one. It is at a premium compared to the stand so curious.

Also, is the 5R4GY a suitable replacement? 

The Ken Rad VT244 - the 5U4G getting all the love - is in fact a military tube with the trait of double pole supports right down the middle. They usually appear on Ebay for about 40-60 USD.

On the Stratus, I'd stick with 5U4G and U52 rectifiers just to be safe. The HD800 sounds best with these tubes anyway.

 

[rydenfan]

thanks!
 
I was originally supposed to get my Stratus in September, then late October and now it is looking like mid-November. I am super bummed as I am really anxious to receive it but nothing I can do. I'm sure it will be worth the wait...

 

[Audioclyde]

While I no longer own the Stratus, I still follow this thread because I loved the Stratus so much. In fact, my time with the Stratus inspired me to have a custom 2A3 amp built to drive my speaker setup.

I started my infatuation with SET amps 5-6 years ago with an inexpensive 300B amp built in China. As much as I like the sound of 2A3's, I somewhat miss the lusher mids of a 300B. So on a whim, I purchased a pair of the Sophia Electric Carbon Princess 300b 2.5v tubes for my 2A3 amp, and even though the tubes aren't completely burned in yet, I have to say I am really really liking their sound! As a bonus, they seem to be even quieter than my various 2A3s (even though the 2A3s are very quiet in my amp).

At any rate, just thought I'd share my experience and see if anyone else has tried the 300B 2.5 tubes?

 

[magiccabbage]

While I no longer own the Stratus, I still follow this thread because I loved the Stratus so much. In fact, my time with the Stratus inspired me to have a custom 2A3 amp built to drive my speaker setup.

I started my infatuation with SET amps 5-6 years ago with an inexpensive 300B amp built in China. As much as I like the sound of 2A3's, I somewhat miss the lusher mids of a 300B. So on a whim, I purchased a pair of the Sophia Electric Carbon Princess 300b 2.5v tubes for my 2A3 amp, and even though the tubes aren't completely burned in yet, I have to say I am really really liking their sound! As a bonus, they seem to be even quieter than my various 2A3s (even though the 2A3s are very quiet in my amp).

At any rate, just thought I'd share my experience and see if anyone else has tried the 300B 2.5 tubes?

Where are the pictures - you should post some

 

[froger]

Just grabbed gsr108's Pearl gold grade plus 6N1P... Will compare with my gold grade 6N1P to see if there is any difference. Anyway, congrats to gsr108 on his new amplifier acquisition!

Just received the gold grade plus 61NP in great condition. I am glad I grabbed it for a spare. It made the sound from my Stratus even better now,as it lowered the noise floor and as a result, improved the clarity. Excellent service from gsr108 too!

 

[Hun7er]

Hi,
 
I bought an DNA Stratus and wants to say which 2A3 sounds the fuller and smoother ?

 

[magiccabbage]

  Hi,
 
I bought an DNA Stratus and wants to say which 2A3 sounds the fuller and smoother ?

did you buy it from the forum here recently? Just wondering? congrats by the way

 

[drheadphone]

Hi,

I bought an DNA Stratus and wants to say which 2A3 sounds the fuller and smoother ?

For a super-smooth sound, try a Sophia Princess Mesh Plate 2A3 paired with a RCA JAN-CRC 5U4G. Some like the black glass Shuguang 2A3C-T as well. I find the 2A3C-T more extended at top and more rounded at the bottom. Your ears may hear different with your setup.

 

[Hun7er]

Thanks !
 
@magiccabbage : I bought it from @Problem. I didn't have it yet. I hope this amp will more focus on tones and texturing than my EC 2A3MKIV
 
Did NOS RCA are better for my taste than modern stuff ?

 

[drheadphone]

The RCA is fine for modern stuff with full bottom-end and smooth top-end. Also try the National Union JAN-CNU 5U4G which sounds similar to the RCA and is probably the same tube. A common structural trait is the two poles down the middle.

I can vouch for this seller currently selling the CNU.

 

[drheadphone]

Thanks !

@magiccabbage
 : I bought it from @Problem
. I didn't have it yet. I hope this amp will more focus on tones and texturing than my EC 2A3MKIV

Did NOS RCA are better for my taste than modern stuff ?

I forgot about the solid plate EML 2A3 which has even more bottom end than the Sophia's and Shuguang. For modern music, I would go EML solid plate over both. I'm assuming you are using Senn HD800 only.

Definitely hear the stock tubes first before deciding to upgrade. The Shuguang 2A3B is a very capable tube on the Stratus.