Very well. Off I go to find some 6CG7’s. Will report back!
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Any lower gain recommendations that’s compatible Starlett? Been listening to more recent releases which tend to be much louder so it’ll be very helpful.
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None that I’m aware of, unfortunately
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Lol, anyone need a 6bq7a tube for their DNA?! I bidded on this and won Surprisingly for only $19 plus shipping! Hopefully there are some keepers in here that I’ll like. No biggie if not. . Half the tubes are a different type and unneeded as well.
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One of my headphone systems: Holo May > Holo Serene ( > balanced Ferrum Oor ; > SE Stellaris). I typically use ZMF Atrium headphones with the Stellaris. I use the Serene for volume control, and I’ve matched output levels between Oor (no attenuation) and Stellaris (9.5 on the standard pot). Maximum comfortable attenuation level on the Serene is -18dB for my typical modern jazz/modern classical/world fare. I prefer this setup as I can use amp or the other and use the Serene remote without having to reach to the amp for adjustment.
I also own another system with a Stellaris Special, which has a stepped attenuator. Holo Spring 2 KTE DAC. I had plenty of range with the stepped attenuator and balanced input, but I moved to a dual amp configuration with different pre and solid state amp for the same reasons of convenience when switching between amps.
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6CG7 in the house!
Andy of Vintage Tube Services has suggested that Tung Sol is the primo tube for 6CG7 - at least in terms of clarity, extension, and low noise floor (my preferences). Interestingly, it’s Sylvania for 6BQ7A / 6BK7B, but for some reason, Tung Sol nailed this one.
I’ve only had it in for about an hour, but so far, I can confirm it performs incredibly well and is, at the very least, strong competition for my otherwise favorite Sylvania 6BQ7A. It will take some time (and burn in) before I would be willing to pick one or the other, but with most tubes, I can tell right away whether or not it’s a winner. This one’s a winner.
For those of you looking for more headroom, I’m getting about 3 clicks 4 clicks (edited after more rolling) more room on my stepped attenuator vs 6BQ7A (which performs similarly to 6N1P in terms of gain) - it’s about 4 clicks per number. I will come back and edit if further listening shifts that. In any case, it’s not a massive difference, but you definitely get a bit more room.
I may as well also take this time to note that I tried a few more “high end” 6N1P tubes at @ClearWater’s urging, and didn’t think they were competitive at all with the better Western offerings. One pair was Novosibirsk, and another pair was 1959 military spec. Both supposedly true NOS, and measuring well. I truly hoped I just hadn’t been exposed to the “good” 6N1P’s, but no dice. They had clearly higher noise floor (not a hum, but just a sheen or grayness that masks low level detail), not as transparent, and less extension. They seem fine when you listen to them, but when I put my Sylvania 6BQ7A back in, it becomes utterly obvious how much is missing with the 6N1P’s. As always, there can be tube variation, etc, but at least for these, I had them each in for an hour, and back to Sylvania it was.
I appreciate the suggestion to try the 6CG7 @Djnorth! I’m really liking it!
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Never heard of these until tonight and they can be used instead of the 2a3 with an adapter. I wonder if they would work well in a Stratus if at all?
Has anyone heard anything about Donald North building a new DNA headphone amplifier called the Supernaut? I saw a brief mention of it on the SBAF Website regarding a prototype. I wonder if it will be designed for dynamics or planars?
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Yeah, it will be aimed at dynamics like his other amps are. He stated that was his headphone preference, and he had tried it with some planar headphones which worked well. It will have same power output as Stratus and Stellaris, still in prototype phase, and likely available early 2024. No pricing just yet.
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Thanks for the update Roark!
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Interesting! Any word on the design intention? I can only think he’s aiming for a warmer thicker “tubier” sound? I can’t imagine there’s any way to improve on Stellaris.
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This was a comment from a meet they had and the prototype was there.
“The short story is that it sounds like a more resolving Starlett with more power (people with experience with DNA stuff know that the Starlett/Stratus/Stellaris do sound meaningfully different from one another). I have interest in acquiring one for myself if the price is right. Fabulous amp, uses a 5U4G rectifier, KT66 output, and 6CG7 input, so not expensive, exotic, hard-to-find tubes.”
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To me it’s not warm or thick. The KT66 is very linear when operated as a triode and has good clarity, reminding me of a DHT, without the microphonics.
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New Stratus v3 owner. This amp is SICK. Like, please. pinch me, am I dreaming?
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It’s so good, right? I’m still impressed every time I turn my amp on and hit play…
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I fell asleep with HD800s on my head LOL. Here now in my pajamas still listening as I work. I just cannot fathom the zero noise floor (with the Senns). Personally, I find it does really well with the D8K also, a very efficient planar.
I am in line for a Supernaut, so around a year from now I will be able to compare both.
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I hate you both! 
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Sounds like me lol. I can easily fall asleep listening 
Yeah, the D8KP works really well with the DNA.
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Maybe it doesn’t work well with low efficiency planars like Susvara? But the D8K is magical here, no shit. I am today going to experiment with the single ended adjustments vs. balanced. None of the switches seem to make any difference with XLR, but with 1/4 inch, they make a ton of difference. No matter, I have read the Stratus is only good for high impedance dynamics, but I absolutely disagree and the proof is on my head as I write.
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Yeah, it’s pretty good using the 1/4”.
I agree, It’s not just for higher impedance dynamics. Utopia kinda debunked that. And D8KP for planars.
I’ve actually enjoyed the Diana MR off it too.
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