Just an idea but it would be best to let people know not to plug Ethernet straight into a router.
I’m thinking something like this DO NOT PLUG ETHERNET INTO ROUTER - USE A SWITCH
Another beta tester was very unhappy with the sound of his strata till I told him to unplug from his router and go WiFi. With ethernet going to his router directly, he had no bass whatsoever.
I must be the only person that never powers off my Strata. I either mute or stop the source but I never power the amp off. The blue light stays on ready to go. No heat build-up is one of the really nice things about these. Up to this point I’ve not had a hiccup but I don’t use a sub or headphones.
This week since all we’ve had is rainrainrain I’ve had some time to play a bit more. Comparing analog and digital inputs with the native streaming via wifi. I have a Sonos connect and a CD player both connected via RCA. The Sonos is also connected via optical and the CD player is on the coax. Switching back and forth between source and inputs is kinda fun. The only issue I have had is with Qobuz not letting me stream higher than MP3 quality. To me the Spotify premium is a better sound and that’s what I’ve been listening to.
At the moment I feel that the CD analog in is the better sounding. But the difference is slight vs the digital in. The Sonos sounds kinda flat on the digital in the virtually equals the CD player on analog in. However…Spotify streaming through the Strata vs the CD generally depends on the CD and music. I’m still waiting on the Rega Aria so I can compare analog to digital source material.
To get higher rez on Qobuz you have to change its default selection. Using the PS Connect app, when you first select Qobuz you will see a little green menu box on the upper left corner. Go there and adjust the streaming settings to your hi rez choice. Worth it.
I did try that. But it still defaults to the lowest resolution. And the album graphics disappear as well. Like it’s lacking bandwidth but I don’t have issues anywhere else. It’s not a Strata problem more likely something I’m missing.
Check you Qobuz settings through the desktop app. You can set the individual device settings lower than what’s set in the desktop app but not higher.
Rebooted the app and reconnected the Strata seems to have sorted it out.
Good morning everyone! I’ve been spending time listening to the Strata without concern for feature testing, manual review etc. I have to say that with all types of music, the sonic performance is very good in all respects. Holly Cole, Daft Punk, Guthrie Trapp, Cheryl Bentyne, Ronnie Earl, Peter Cincotti, Johnny Cash, Robben Ford, Ed Sherrin. Primary sources are CD via coax and Qobuz via Wifi. With such an assortment of music, I would expect to hear aspects of the sound now and then that I pick up as not being handled well- a harshness on this track, and lack of low bass on that track. But in reality, the Strata never offends, never has a demonstrable failing. The Strata’s strong points, in my opinion, are it’s spectral smoothness, imaging/localization and mid bass clarity. What I wish the Strata or this simple system did better? High end extension and dynamics.
I’ll keep listening and passing on my impressions.
Has anyone received feedback from James or Paul regarding work being done on issues reported? For example, is anything going to be done about the volume control attenuation? I read about a possible software update but I’m not clear on what that will address. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Enjoy your long weekend. Phil.
Phil - are those your records in your Avatar?
Yes, there will be a software update next week. We’re testing it now with some of the beta testers and next week we’ll launch it and let you all know. The vast majority of bugs have been fixed. This was an extremely helpful beta test.
Stay tuned.
I have had problems with Qobuz 192/24 files as well. Settings are correct but they stutter when playing. No problem with 192/24 files from the NAS drive. As Paul noted above, TJ told me they are aware of this and a fix is in the works. I hope that is included in the update.
Also, should the Bridge be able to play DSD64 files from the NAS drive? I can do so with my Auralic Aries G1, but not the Strata. Both are WiFi.
Bugs aside, Strata does sound glorious! A nice addition to the family room. One box solution for instant music at a SQ level that far exceeds other options. And nice to have the optical input for TV. I am not into home theatre and did not want a soundbar. Strata + monitors is the perfect solution without taking up any more space.
Good afternoon. Sorry, I’m not familiar with a listing of records or my Avatar. Are those features of signing in to this site? Thanks for any info on this. I’d be happy to share the recordings I’ve used so far in any way you recommend. Phil.
Good afternoon, Paul. That’s good to hear. If there are any specific features or functions that you’d like us to exercise, just let us know. Phil.
He means the photo of (presumably) you that appears next to your posts, where you are standing in front of framed records.
What kzk said. Wondering if that is you and your trophies : )
Oh! Thanks.
Yes, that is me in front of other peoples trophies at the Village Recording studio in LA.
Thanks! Barry’s in charge of that and I’ll ask pass that along to him. He escaped for the Memorial Day weekend and is an Moab with his bike.
Yes, in the good ole days.
Rock star back then. Probably still is! Glad you’re here.
