The stepped attenuator seems like a valuable option, I barely get past 2 with the Utopia!
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I’d go attenuator if I were buying. It’s one of the things I cherish on the Allnic stuff. And you get minimal quality loss, if at all.
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I might pick up one of those ZMF Decware collabs whenever they are available again. Could just join the wait for a normal amp from them but I think their amps have a longer wait then DNA
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@Christof I would also look at a Woo Audio WA23 for high end tube amps.
I will start posting more amp comparisons and impressions over the next few weeks since my 465 is expected next week if all goes well and I still have AIC10 and HM1 as @Polygonhell mentioned.
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sounds good, looking forward to your comparison. I didn’t enjoy owning the wa33, not really because of the sound but because of the customer service and the functionality of the amp so am not sure about the wa23 but did enjoy it when I heard it at canjam nyc.
It’s a lot more friendly to tube roll and uses the same tubes as stratus / stellaris so perhaps that could be a good amp to have while I wait for a DNA
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Well went to turn on the amp this evening and heard a click and nothing worked. The little glow from the rectifier when out and I thought it was just the tube. Swapped the rectifier and still nothing. Noticed the light on the power switch wasn’t on either. Pulled out the fuse and I’m pretty sure this is the reason. Hope this is the only reason. If this is the reason, I guess I could try one of those special audiophile fuses haha.
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Let me guess, you put in an Elrog tonight?
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Yep. Speaking to a guy on headphones forum and he had the same issue.
I’ll throw in another fuse once I get one and see what happens. I’ll use another rectifier. If this is an issue, how are some using Elrog with no problems.
You need to use a 2.5A fuse or it will blow every time
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I will do you a solid, here is what Donald suggested I get to work with the Elrog:
Sorry wrong link, hang tight
here it is;
https://a.co/d/bTN1PS4
I was just looking at that. Had it in my cart and was about to say F it haha.
Appreciate it. I hit up Donald to be sure because I didn’t want to do too much but I was certain it was the fuse.
I wanted to make sure the tube worked. Bought it awhile back so didn’t want to wait too long if it was a dud.
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I literally had this conversation with him a year ago when I bought my new Elrog. I sent the first one back, and received a brand new tube and it did the same damn thing. You don’t have to trrust me if you don’t want to, trying to save you some worry.
There is something off with the Elrog which causes this, the last link is a multi-pack and will get you covered. Donald will tell you the same brand and rating, bet you a million dollars.
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No, I’m sure you’re right. I had already sent Donald the email prior to coming here. I’ll buy it and use the 2.5. Can’t hurt.
Just odd I hadn’t read about this on a stellaris thread anywhere. People like the Elrog but no mention of the fuse issue.
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It’s a dirty little secret, I went around and asked and all the Elrog blowhrds feigned ignorance, like I was talking crap about Elrog. It was bizarre, known issue for sure.
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Interesting.
Donald got back to me and sent me this link.
BLUECELL pack of 10 pcs Slow-Blow Fuse 2A 250V Glass Fuses 20 x 5mm Amazon.com
I followed up mentioning the Elrog (again didn’t know this was an issue). I let him know I was recommended the 2.5 due to Elrog.
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Donald said you can try 2.5A but I’m hesitant to recommend trying anything higher than that. It’s a Elrog thing for sure lol.
I may need to start spreading this info on headfi and other places to ensure people understand the hiccups that may arise.
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Seems like that and the wa33 are a no-go for Elrog from what i’ve sifted through in head fi…
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I think someone reported that Thomas Mayer won’t warrantee the 5U4G tubes in a WA33.
He’s accessible via email, I’d just ask him.
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For those interested, i didnt read too much but of ot kt66 i wonder if the el34 family will fit too. But a DNA with the GEC KT66 tubes seems like it would be a super spacious and ethereal sound.
Donald North Audio Supernaut Review and Impressions | Super Best Audio Friends
Also sorry for missing this thread for so long but regarding RCA rectis… I see everyone mentioned their opinions but no mention of year of their RCAs. 40s RCAs were said to be the most balanced but i dont think ive seen one in the wild. 50s is where the bulk of these tubes will be and is where they start getting into the signature RCA sound, generally warmer rounder and more “tube”, 60s is where it starts getting more syrupy and a little “slow”.
@Christof if you look at decwares try before buying. They can be extremely lush and rich. Hot fudge status. Tubes can tilt that but not change it
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