May and Stellaris Special both have SE inputs and outputs.
It uses Audio Note input transformers for the XLR to SE conversion. This is because conversion normally is detrimental to the audio. The transformers don’t enhance audio, it rather brings balanced to the same level as single ended, so unless you really need balanced, it probably would be best to SE and use that cash elsewhere in your chain
Balanced upgrade. Audio gear at this level is so extravagant that I would not consider it if I had to worry about fractions of its overall cost.
I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread and answered my questions. It greatly helped me with my decision. I ended up with the May KTE and a LTA MZ3, and have Stellaris on order.
I’m still burning them in, but am super happy with the result already.
Thanks again!
– Henrik
Very nice looking stack! I own a Holo Spring 3 KTE and the wonders of listening to digital without the convoluted filtering is marvelous. People have probably shared with you the 500 hours needed to break-in the DAC. It’s real and does actually take that long.
OTOH, there’s a whole additional set of dimensions when you use HQPlayer to upsample/modulate for the May and presumably for the Spring 3 
I’ve been curious about HQplayer and your encouragement may have just push me over to jump in. I’ll try it this weekend when I have a chance. Appreciate the encouragement.
perogie
Nov '21
Spring 3 will be close enough to the May
Stratus will be close enough to the Stellaris (wait times for both are 6-12 months).
Utopia and VC are two different beasts.
Donald suggested the upgraded potentiometer for me. That is what I’m going to get once I financially can upgrade my stratus.
OTOH, there’s a whole additional set of dimensions when you use HQPlayer to upsample/modulate for the May and presumably for the Spring 3 like Eldfall Chronicles
Does anyone have experience with the Utopia & Ampsandsound Red October (or Nautilus) tube ampifiers?
(Or general opinions on using powerful 300B tube amps like WA33/etc. with the Utopias?)
I’m concerned that the Red October might have too much gain for the Utopia. The input tube can be rolled to reduce gain, but even using a low gain tube like the 12au7 (gain factor: 20), I’m not sure if it’s too much gain.
Ideally, I’d like to be able to calculate the input signal Vrms to achieve a desired volume, with a specific input tube gain factor (assuming no volume control in the amp).
Not sure about the red October but I currently have an Eddie Current Studio B with 300b and find it’s a nice match.
The WA33 is 2A3 not 300b and I didn’t have my utopia when I had the WA33. If I had to guess, I’d say the OG Utopia wouldn’t be the best pairing for my taste with the WA33 (too sterile and dry for me). The Utopia 22 might work a little better but I’d still aim for something different.
I had the Feliks Envy (300b) and found it to pair well with the Utopia as well but if I had to pick a amp pairing for the Utopia, from what I’ve tested personally, I’d go DNA or Eddie Current. You’re paying for the extra power of the envy and if you don’t need it to drive something like a Susvara then there’s other options that are a little more affordable.
If you’re looking for a pairing for the Utopia, and want a tube, the DNA line is a great option too.
And I feel different 300b tubes change a lot of the characteristics of the amp. I felt the Elrog 300Bs took the Envy and Eddie Current to another level.
Thanks! Mine is the Utopia 2022. I’ve considered all the options you mention, but the problem with DNA (& I think also Eddie C.) is the long waiting time to order. I tried to get the SNA Stellaris, only to be asked to wait 15 months.
The ampsandsound products (Red October, Nautilus) seem nice, except that I’m concerned they may have too much power for the Utopia, even with a lower gain input tube.
Ok cool. Yeah I have the 22 too. I had the OG here as well and ran it off some of the amps in house at the time. 22 isn’t as picky IMO.
I’m selling a EC Studio B (comes with 300B tubes and some additional input tubes). It’s listed on another forum atm and may list it here too. My DNA should be coming in the next few months (hopefully).
Hey! OG Utopia works well with both wa33 and nautilus (havent tried redoctober with it). Neutopia works well with wa33 but not naut as much imo (ends up too warm). That said, I personaly find utopia tends to work best with fast amps with more sweetness than warmth for my personal tastes (lta, dna, wa23, etc). In terms og gain, both those amps have plenty of volyme play on utopia for me and i listen pretty quiet.
Thanks! I ordered an LTA UltraLinear+ for my Utopia 2022.
Please tag me when you post impressions! Thats specific combo is one i expect will slay but i havent heard it yet
For some reason I saw your post just today. But indeed, the combination (Utopia22 & LTA UL+) does slay, at least with some tube rolling.
I started with some new production tubes, experimented with NOS tubes, and am back to new production, specifically Apos Ray Select tubes.
The preamp 12AU7 pair on the UL+ Integrated is the most critical, and also plays a role in balanced input → unbalanced conversion. I’ve heard nothing better than the Ray Select 12AU7s in this spot: it just gives me more clarity and “bite” than any other tube I’ve tried.
Also using Ray Select 12AX7s in the 12AX7 slots, and they are excellent. However some NOS options (I’ve tried Tungsram, Tung-sol) are also great there.
