Vocal on the neutral side, the Crack speedball definitely warmer perhaps due to the smaller soundstage making it having a more forward presentation. Stratus is very smooth especially with the HD800 is to the point sounds smoother than the HD650 making it better for long hours listening, not to mention HD800 have no clamp force as oppose to my HD650 which I own for 10 years still clamp my ears hard. Stratus extract microdetails from my album that I haven't heard before like hitting the cymbal and the loudness gets progressively louder as oppose the to same loudness on the Crack speedball. Not sure if I am using the correct term, but the transient response is fast when the sound of the instrument begin to end then shift to next instrument I don't heard any delay in that term. Which also making the presentation less intimate or warm and due to the expand soundstage acoustic music sounds amazing especially string instruments, I don't really listen to classical or orchestral music but for those who do this amp will do wonders. Upon further listening in a few words describing this amp are huge soundstage, instrument separation, effortless smooth, details/layering and refining.įirst thing strikes me is the huge soundstage the HD650 on the Stratus sounds larger than the HD800 on the Crack Speedball amp. When I first received the Stratus I thought it would be steroid amp with that much power it should boost everything. Just my impression on the DNA Stratus and my setup:įoobar -> Schiit Yggdrasil A2 Unison usb -> DNA Stratus/Bottlehead Crack Speedball -> Sennheiser HD650/800 RCA mono plates, best dynamics and extension so far, neutral, fast, microdynamics are easy to pick up, musical.įivre mono plate, same as RCA mono plates but with additional warmth without sounding veiled.ĪVVT 2A3, neutral as can be, best dynamics and extension, no warmth. KR 2A3, one of the good originals, rivals RCA mono plates in technicality, highly musical, fantastic low end and treble.ĮML Solid plate, dynamics were flat compared to the best, very neutral tone but not exitingįivre S Plate, fantastic tone and extension one of the best, no the largest soundstage, too bad it's rare and expensive Sylvania dual flat plates, bass is a bit lean but fantastic mid range and treble, relaxed and detailed, mini mono plate sound. Psvane WR275, fantastic tone, good extension, lacks dynamics, found it a bit flat but great for the price(250$ for pair). Ken-Rad smoked glass, fantastic extension, super bass punch with control, very neutral, no grain or harshness but lacks ultimate air and soundstage is intimate. Lacks microdynamics and air, slightly warm and muffled.
#BOTTLEHEAD AMP REVIEW 2A3 UPGRADE#
Sylvania S plate fishing-pole, great tube overall and an upgrade over stock. Might as well share my thoughts on 2A3 valves: