OTL toob amp to best Singlepower MPX3

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by elmoe, Apr 25, 2019.

  1. m17xr2b

    m17xr2b Friend

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    ^ It's expensive, stock tubes are lacking and it takes time to review input/output/rectifiers to be sure you get what you want from the first try without spending another 50% or more on tubes. Than it's 10K+ just for the amp.
    Should you listen to the crazy people preaching unobtanium and uber expensive tubes?
    The question of balanced input transformers for 2K extra is a biggie, does the dac need upgrading?
    Can you handle the wait time?
    Above everything else Stellaris is neutral but not analytic, what if you like mids etc. coloured or a fun amp above a technical one but don't know it yet so a(insert random amp) would make you happier.
    Can the rest of the chain handle it? Eitr would hold it back if everything else is top notch. Generic cables hold it back.
    Can you say 100% this is my last amp? I though I could but now I see the light and can't really, though it's above 99.7% of setups I've listened to.
    Could you live with the fact you're using it at 70%(or insert random number) potential with only a dream to upgrade the rest of the chain...some day. I hear the improvement my P12 makes if you have crappy power but that's 5K+ extra.

    If you feel confident then by all means, go for the Stellaris or Stellaris special or if you're ballsy and light up cigars with 100$ bills silver Stellaris, you'll be rewarded by the gods with milk and honey, the world is your oyster but be warned...the classifieds are full of high end gear normal people wank off to.
     
  2. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    I've been thinking about this for a few days now. Not sure DNA will be a good fit, as I am not necessarily looking for a neutral sounding amp, I like fun, I like mids, I like coloration. I leave the neutral and bright to my choice of DAC instead.

    I think I will need to think about this one some more. I bought new tubes (new production Tung Sols, gold pin EHs) for the MPX3 and am in love with it again. I also received the Bottlehead Crack kit, will probably get started on that this weekend, and it ought to satisfy the tube urges for awhile longer.

    Anyway, m17xr2b, thanks. I appreciate your overly dramatic input more than you know ;)
     
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I actually felt the Stellaris was bass heavy, slamming, and slightly laid back, while maintaining articulation, fine detail, and exquisite euphony. Hence why I felt the synergy with the Utopia was excellent.

    Neutral to me would be ECAF (ok, slightly warm), McIntosh MH150, or DSHA 3F (amorphous core). It's all relative.

    The Stellaris is a lot of fun. Hot and intimate. I've already said the Stratus is like rubbing soapy suds all over Sofia Vergara tits. The Stellaris is that, but also with her sitting on your face with her curvy ass. Just ask @brencho.

    The last thing I would ever say about the DNA sound is that it's uncolored. DNA is like the American equivalent of some the boutique Japanese outfits. DNA to tube amps is like ZMF to headphones.
     
    Last edited: May 9, 2019
  4. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    That second paragraph is a hell of an endorsement, hahaha. Thanks purr1n, after that I'll have to give DNA some more thought. The amps do look very attractive and have good resale value, if I eventually find a used one in good condition I may pull the trigger.
     
  5. m17xr2b

    m17xr2b Friend

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    It sounds like you're describing the tubes more than the amp itself. The russian input tubes especially are bass heavy and laid back, some more than others.
    With the original 2A3 tubes as in mono plates and a neutral input tube Stellaris as the least coloured amp I've heard yet still rich and engaging. I stopped using 6N1Ps because they're coloured.
     
  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I'm describing the OPTs. Tubes of course can change the sound a little.
     
  7. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Oh man, the Sofia Vergara explanation was epic!
     

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