Update: I got in touch with Donald North at DNAudio, and may go for a Stratus, although not sure when. Looked like the best bang for the buck, and also love the aesthetic and the personal touch/vision. Really appreciate the input, especially the comprehensive notes from @torq.
That’s great. Really looking forward to your impressions.
Will certainly share them! Long wait … like 6-7 months, but that was better than I’d expected, and I’ve waited longer for things.
I have enjoyed the no-longer-available original MOTH 2A3 (Version 1 and also Version 2 with the external 5AR4 to keep internal heat down). I am fortunate enough to use them with the RCA 2A3 monoplates. Anyone else using this amp?
This amp has not yet met a headphone that it couldn’t appropriately drive, including my Susvaras.
My longest wait time for an item was 24 months.
Wait times seem longer though in a pseudo lockdown situation though.
Yes, it appears to be a true monster. I think it will hit the spot!
And welcome to the forum!!
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Anyone have any experience with LTA’s MZ3? I’ve read good things here and there, just not much out there.
I’m curious too…
I am glad to see the Cayin HA-300 on here. I absolutely love that amp. I am currently waiting for the HA-6A that I order a couple weeks ago to become available again in the states. Not quite as high end as the HA-300, but the HA-6A is meant to be more of a sister product than a downgraded version of the HA-300 according to John from Cayin. I hope he is correct! Enjoy that amp!
Same here. I settled on the Mz2 because I had heard it before and got a great deal from LTA
There’s a Cayin HA-300 online now at Audiogon for $2977 … very tempting,
That’s a pretty sweet ‘placeholder’ til your DNA arrives…
Have you listened to the DNA?
Donald brought over the Stellaris 2A3 over to listen on my Chord Qutest and LCD-3, and at least to my taste and system synergy, it was just too analytical and not enough mid-bass body and bass slam.
It’s accurate but not as musical and fun as my Ha-300.
I’m not really able to audition anything right now. I usually pop into hi-fi shops or visit manufacturers (if they welcome visitors) when I’m traveling, which would usually be at least half the time. It now seems uncertain when I can return to that, so just trying to investigate possibilities before making a decision.
Amazing set-up Joey! I know the HA-300 is pretty heavy. Is it clunky to maneuver/set up? I have limited real estate on my desk, and also try to steer clear of components that might require two people to move around. (My 50-pound turntable is about the limit there). For $3k it looks like a great deal, but it may be biting off more than I can chew. And the DNA appeals to me on several levels. My sense is that if it proves too dry or analytical with my Utopias, I can tube-roll or find a different headphone … But I like a fast, clean sound with lots of transient detail. (And I’m also into kind of hearing everything out there that I can, gear-wise – budget allowing, and the budget has been blown way out already this year, hahaha).
The Ha-300 is definitely heavy, but it is mostly on the transformer, and since it’s two pieces, it’s not horribly heavy. The DNA is also heavy, by the way.
The ha-300 is still fast in transient, and very fast with the Psvane Acme Supreme 300b tubes. And the TT2 takes it to another level!
I would say to check out both the DNA, ha-300,and other 300b tube amps.
I’m really tempted to jump on this Ha-300 that’s up for sale ($2900 and change). I’d definitely upgrade it to the Psvane tubes.
I’m using the DAC in my Bel Canto C7R (an all-in-one) which powered my main system for many years, and has been working great as a desktop headphone amp. It still sounds good.
I think there is no difference in real estate required between the Cayin and the DNA. Both 17 inches across.