Damn, honestly I have alittle buyers remorse for not going Stratus but I think getting the Starlett for now will make happy and I will be satisfied once I hear it. Its always just that thing of what if
2 Likes
I’m fully enjoying the Starlett and as others in this thread or even Jason at Schiit have mentioned, the differences are small if even noticeable. For me, it’s more a design philosophy thing and opting for a 2A3 based amp, as well as building in some headroom (that may never be tapped into). The Starlett is a marvel, especially considering what Donald was able to hand-construct and deliver at its selling price.
2 Likes
Unfortunately, there’s always going to be a what if. I still wonder about a Stratus, but it doesnt work for me for a couple of reason. Knowing what the Starlett sounds like, if I were to upgrade, assuming I figure out the logistics that made a Stratus a no go, it would be to a top tier level like a Stellaris or equivalent and I would do it with the understanding of what I am getting in to.
I just think about my recent 12 month journey: went from entry level Senns with an AK70 to an Auteur/BF2/Starlett combo with a VO incoming, a black label on the side and a magni 3 sitting somewhere in my office. So I really havent reason to think about what ifs… but still.
5 Likes
Your past year sounds like my past year too 
are we the same person 
2 Likes
Has your front lawn been destroyed by chinch bugs? If so, then maybe.
2 Likes
I gave up on the logical and fell straight into the sensory/emotional after the first night. The pull was too hard to resist, I haven’t had that kind of experience in a long time, probably since I was able to get my 2 channel set up to an ideal spot.
2 Likes
So my front lawn was not destroyed by conch bugs, so we are not the same person. With that said, 12 months ago I had my hybrid amp, Mojo, and Aeon Flow Closed. All purchased the previous year, since April I added the Verite, ordered the Stratus, and now have the Woo OTL. One more thing to add is my next DAC, unfortunately I really need to maintain my blown audio line item. Unless we get another stimulus check, then all bets are off. 
3 Likes
Nice and I hear you. Ultimately, the sensory/emotional and being moved (rocking my world) will influence my decision the most. Congrats on your 2-channel ideal spot.
In order to share both pros and cons observed, I do notice that on high gain and no music playing, I hear a slight buzz when my fingers turn the volume knob. This isn’t audible when listening to music and adjusting the volume.
2 Likes
Oh I got my 2-channel set up completed about 10 years ago, took me longer as I was younger and spending more money going out to happy hours and clubs. Plus, 2-channel seemed a lot easier to audition.
I wonder what is causing the buzz you are experiencing, I didn’t notice that at all. Maybe an interconnect issue? How do you have it plugged in, wall outlet or surge/filter strip? I plugged straight into the wall.
2 Likes
I think I saw on the SBAF thread that someone had this problem maybe and it had something to do with their RCA cable or some upstream gear. They mentioned when touching the RCA cable that they didn’t have that buzz so might be worth checking out.
3 Likes
I recall something along that line as well.
I got dead silence throughout the volume pot range, no matter the settings, so while I am not doubting your experience I would look at cabling or power source issues as a more likely culprit. You can mention it to Donald when you return it and have him check, just in case it is something internal. He prides his amps on being silent.
3 Likes
All else equal between the Asgard 3 and Starlett - same chain, interconnects, and both plugged into same Tripp Lite surge protector.
Interesting, I hadn’t seen it mentioned on SBAF.
I’ll seek to troubleshoot, but the buzz isn’t bothersome.
I plan on mentioning it to Donald in order to inform him so he can address as appropriate.
4 Likes
Tube amps are generally considered more sensitive to outside elements of interference than other amps so the Asgard having no audible hum may not tell you much. Fiddle around and see if you can find a source, there are online recording about what mains humming sounds like, I think, so you can always seek those out and see if thats the issue.
But if it doesnt bother you than 
.
Personally I can’t tolerate hum. One of the reasons I went DNA.
3 Likes
I believe its mentioned on page 2 but could also be page 3 can’t remember. But yea I would say just talk to Donald about it. Glad it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment though
3 Likes
+1 on not tolerating the hum. Dealbreaker for me.
3 Likes
You sure your front lawn is OK?
2 Likes
I should also point out that the tubes can make noise as well, which could be sign of a bum tube or at least a microphonic one. I got one cranky tube like that, really finicky on socket placement.
I can get some little minor noises for a little bit upon initial start up of the Starlett but it fades quick. I dont put music through it until the tubes feel like they may be hot enough to burn me, a few minutes.
4 Likes
True about tube amps being more sensitive so a comparison with the Asgard is not conclusive.
Yesterday, it wasn’t a constant hum. It was a barely audible buzz that occurred only when my hand made contact with the pot and no music playing.
If it was constant, it would be a showstopper.
I’ll check out p. 2/3, thanks, will mention to the Don (ok, I’ll see myself out jk).
I re-situated the Starlett power cord to run separately and not make contact with other cords/cables. No issues at the moment, and I’m unable to repeat the buzz (favorable).
I believe I may also be experiencing minor noises upon initial startup, that then go away. I’ll be better about allowing for a sufficient warm-up. Thanks all.
2 Likes
Exact same issue posted on SBAF. Not sure if it was solved but they didn’t think it amp related. Post 22 is where it starts. DNA Starlett Impressions | Page 2 | Super Best Audio Friends
3 Likes
Interesting, thanks. In my case, the buzz occurred even with no RCAs plugged in. I’ll continue to monitor, but no issues at the moment.
2 Likes