Hi James and Ron,
Past volume 30 I’m getting some warping and and mid-range rumble when the music gets busy (and by that I mean lotts of instruments playing at the same time). This mid-range rumble is messing with my senses since I’m used to bass giving rumble but not a mid-range driver. Its fine at lower volume which is what we listen to 80% of the time. The unit has 100 hours on it – could that be the issue?
To give the full picture and hope I’m not nauseating you or anyone else… The speakers are 11 year old ARS Aures FI’s (35-20hz, 89db, rated 30-100 watt recommended). And just to paint a complete picture… Audience Au24 speaker cables, Audioquest Blizard power cable (I bought from PS Audio at an very generous price – thank you Joey!!!). Dedicated power line.
I’m not unhappy with it (dont want to leave that impression), some part of me is seeking near-perfection on a low budget (which is not really possible and so are 90% of us out there). PS Audio is good value. So glad I did not have to buy a non-American brand (like Hegel) that if it breaks I’m a little screwed or a Mark Levinson that costs 2.5x times more and does not even have WiFi).
At any rate, I think it would be fun to see how the Stellar Strata acts as a preamplifier for a tube amp. James – you said it could be great in an email I sent. Thought I would post it to the field and see if others have experimented. So cool it can act as a streamer + dac + preamp!