[Clsmooth391]

Has anyone compared the BA to the Stratus? The few people who have heard both on the Stratus thread prefer the Stratus by quite a margin. I'm curious as to how the sound stage compares as the BA really excels in this area.

 

[chengka7]

really? I never thought Stratus can compete with BA, Stratus is just too colored and slow for me. I own BA and just sold my Stratus. I can imagine people will love Stratus and HD800 combo, but that is not for me. I can also understand some people might prefer Stratus to BA, but by large margin???? I really dont think so...

 

[Clsmooth391]

Interesting. Couldn't find a comparison on this thread so good to hear a different perspective. How does the BA compare to the 445 and why did you sell the 2A3mk4 and keep the BA if you thought the former was a lot better? I can only assume the 2A3mk4 has similarities to the 445. Sorry for all the questions but so curious.

On a side note, does anyone know where to buy different colored light caps for the BA?

 

[ericfarrell85]

Finally found my optimal HD800 setup and boy has it taken time and effort. Swapped the Mullard ECC35 for a Sophia Electric 6sl7 and using EML 300B's, CSP2+ as preamp with Gold Lions. The magic is there, as it is with the Zana, but more resolved and taut with better tone and dimensionality. The mullard veiled the sig, dulled and drained the presentation. Not sure if its the Sophia or the Decware pre, but damn, this combo gets out of the way no less than my SR009 now.

 

[Clsmooth391]

If anyone is interested, I am selling the Stefan Audio Art umbilical cord for a very fair price in the classifieds.
 
See page 63 (posts 941 and 942) of this thread.

 

[setamp]

  If anyone is interested, I am selling the Stefan Audio Art umbilical cord for a very good price in the classifieds.
 
See page 63 (posts 941 and 942) of this thread.

This is a very worthwhile upgrade.

 

[bmichels]

Interesting. Couldn't find a comparison on this thread so good to hear a different perspective. How does the BA compare to the 445 and why did you sell the 2A3mk4 and keep the BA if you thought the former was a lot better?

 very good questions...  Interested also to hear the answer

 

[Clsmooth391]

I have heard both the 2A3mk4 and have the BA (307a version). I feel the 2A3mk4 definitely has a larger sound stage with better imaging but I prefer my BA as I listen more to vocals and they have a lot more body to them. I also prefer the bass on the BA. 

 

[bmichels]

  I have heard both the 2A3mk4 and have the BA (307a version). I feel the 2A3mk4 definitely has a larger sound stage with better imaging but I prefer my BA as I listen more to vocals and they have a lot more body to them. I also prefer the bass on the BA. 

 
May be the new ED 4-45 will offer the best of booth world ( 2A3mk4 &  BA ) in one single amp ? 

 

[purrin]

The BA with the Electraprint transformers is bit more organic and warm sounding compared to the 2A3mk4 and especially the 4-45. One way to bring the sound closer may be to roll tubes on the 2A3mk4. (not as much tube selection for the 4-45)

 

[bmichels]

  The BA with the Electraprint transformers is bit more organic and warm sounding compared to the 2A3mk4 and especially the 4-45. One way to bring the sound closer may be to roll tubes on the 2A3mk4. (not as much tube selection for the 4-45)

 
does this mean that, in your opinion, the sound of the BA is better than the 4-45 ? or... the reverse ? 

 

[chengka7]

Interesting. Couldn't find a comparison on this thread so good to hear a different perspective. How does the BA compare to the 445 and why did you sell the 2A3mk4 and keep the BA if you thought the former was a lot better? I can only assume the 2A3mk4 has similarities to the 445. Sorry for all the questions but so curious.

On a side note, does anyone know where to buy different colored light caps for the BA?

Lol, let me explain the truth here, sorry did not see your question here. I give my BA to my nephew as a gift, so i cant sell it. And i am wondering what tubes are you using on 2A3MKIV and BA. So with WE417a and EML2a3 mesh, i really cant imagin it is worse than BA in bass response and also has less body for vocals? My BA has the PX4 and mullard ecc35. Maybe your BA is different. Also mine has the old transformer like yours. I think people might have different tastes. And at this price range all the difference might be subtle or depends on personal preference. Just like lots of people like Stratus on HD800, but i think it is just meh. Reason selling my 2A3mkiv is too complicated to say here, has nothing to do with its performance, lol

 

[purrin]

   
does this mean that, in your opinion, the sound of the BA is better than the 4-45 ? or... the reverse ? 

 
Slightly different tonal characteristics, although I feel the 4-45 is technically better. A can definitely see people preferring the BA with the Electraprints because of its more organic sound. The 4-45 is one of the leaner (relative sense, not absolute) EC amps. As chengka said, it's a matter of taste.

 

[Clsmooth391]

Lol, let me explain the truth here, sorry did not see your question here. I give my BA to my nephew as a gift, so i cant sell it. And i am wondering what tubes are you using on 2A3MKIV and BA. So with WE417a and EML2a3 mesh, i really cant imagin it is worse than BA in bass response and also has less body for vocals? My BA has the PX4 and mullard ecc35. Maybe your BA is different. Also mine has the old transformer like yours. I think people might have different tastes. And at this price range all the difference might be subtle or depends on personal preference. Just like lots of people like Stratus on HD800, but i think it is just meh. Reason selling my 2A3mkiv is too complicated to say here, has nothing to do with its performance, lol

 
I have the 307a version of the BA. I tried a friend's 2A3mk4 and not sure what tubes he was using (messaged him and will update this post). I find the BA sound more upfront and the bass seems fuller as opposed to deeper. I really think too that it's a matter of tastes at this level. Btw, gave up my Stax 009/717 setup for the BA/HD800 and have no regrets at all. I do however miss the sound of the 717/007 combo which I used to have,  

 

[bmichels]

   
....Btw, gave up my Stax 009/717 setup for the BA/HD800 and have no regrets at all. I do however miss the sound of the 717/007 combo which I used to have,  

 
Do you mean that you prefer the 717/007 combo better than the 717/009 combo  ! ?