Donald North Audio (DNA)

[Roark]

I will put noise aside for now…

@eric75

how did you feel the A&S amps compared to DNA?

Not even in the same class, one is an American hot rod that can go fast in a straight line (ASS), while the other is German sports car that is able to be driven on the Autobahn at ridiculous speeds while hugging every turn and keeping the car in balance.

Let me ask you this, have you seen the inside of an ASS amp and that of a DNA? Have a peek, you will see the difference in craftsmanship and also parts used. Yes these don’t cover the sound, as to me there is no contest where the ASS give you that power but at a cost of being too overwhelming and losing the essence of what you are listening to. DNA lets you soak it in, provides a balanced presentation where I have laughed or cried at times while listening as tracks are on shuffle.

@eric75

I’ve been wanting to get a DNA amp but I’d have to sell my A&S great to afford it, and I’m afraid I’ll regret it.

I saw in some previous posts you have owned a DNA amp, I believe this was from the last time I raised the issue of noise back in June;

AmpsandSound Amplifiers and Speakers builder

I do agree with you about other tube amps often/mostly being quieter. I’ve owned one DNA amp and have heard two others, and all were super quiet. In talking to Justin about my OG Pendant’s noise issues, he acknowledged his design is a compromise between his ideal sound profile, power output, and noise floor. When I compared my DNA and A&S amps, I personally liked the A&S sound a bit more, and accepted the noise issues. No knock on DNA though, those are some killer amps. I just really like the A&S…

So it seems you already know the answer to the areas your Ovation is lacking?

• Soundstage is wider, but not too wide. Again I will say it is balanced, hate when a piece of gear is over exaggerated to the point where it sounds off.
• Wetter; Yes and know. The ASS comes across as more lush, but with that could be due to the particular tube roll. For example, using KT88 power tubes, with a NOS input tube provided more wetness at the sacrifice of detail. So if you like to listen to AC/DC Highway to Hell, then that is perfect.
• Less Dry Presentation; Definitely not on the DNA, had the EC Studio B and my Stratus for a side by side and I never understood what folks meant when they referred to a tube amp being dry. I did that day, and not my preference at all, I have a decent solid state for that sound profile.

Here is the thing with the DNA, yes there is a long ass wait time for the amps. I personally waited 12 months for my V4, and it was well worth the wait. Resale value on the amps are quite good, so if you don’t care for it you can go back to your previous amp as those are pumped out exponentially faster rate. It is ultimately up to you if you think the juice is worth the squeeze.

So here is one last thing, take your experience with the Sonnet and multiply it by 69 to get a sense of where the Starlett begins and travels via Stratus towards the Stellaris.

I think you already know the answer, if you are second guessing because of the cost that could be telling you something else that is not related to sonics of the two amps.