ABruce,
You know, i have never heard a L5 Dac...
Only 3-4-6 and 7. |
From the reports I have read, the Lampi Level & is off the chain.
Those DHT tubes seem to take things to another level, especially DSD. I am dying to hear one. I only have a L4, but with the latest tweaks. My buddy in NYC should get one in the next 2 weeks. |
Typo above, LampizatOr Level 7... |
If you like Tube Dacs, check out the DHT tube Lampi L7:
This Dac is a serious piece of musical equipment.
http://parttimeaudiophile.com/2014/05/09/axpona-2014-vapor-audio-purity-audio-and-lampizator/comment-page-1/#comment-19338 |
Anyone here tried the Lampi tubed SBox transport with a Big 6? I have heard good things about this combo, especially going Ethernet vs Wireless.
Lampis also undergo continuous tweaking, so I suspect the current Big7 may be even better that older demo L7s.
The French TotalDac uses tubes and gets good feedback. I heard one once, but didnt blow me away vs my L4, though it was good. What really impresses me is DSD128 on the Lampi DSD Dac! Pity I only have the equivalent of 13 DSD2x albums. |
The Lampi L7 is the first tube Dac on the market using DHT tubes (since Nov 2013). It is flattering to them that Allnic is comign out with a DHT Dac now. |
Glory's L5, which he replaced with the Phasure? That was a Gen 3 L5 with Ming DSD, not the new Chipless DSD from Lukasz. Not even close to being equivalent to a Gen 4 L5 with Lukasz DSD.
Strange that HiFiAL says that the Meitner beat the Lampi DSD-Dac, when Bruce Brown said it beat his reference MPD5 (Playback Designs). I also concur after listing to both extensively.
Different stokes for different folks. Personal taste is what really matters. |
One box = BIG.
Two box is the classic level X. |
Is this the long overdue upgrade to DSD128? That should have happened more than a year ago. What is the hold up? Or did it happen alredy and I am unaware? |
And GrannyR, its not a knock against Steve Nugent, who makes excellent products. However, personal taste varies a lot and I can see why people can choose one thing over another. One caution I will repeat from AGear is that some equipment you only miss when its gone… I have seen my share of regret sales.
The one thing I dont get from Matt is why would he choose the L6 in this comparison when he has a strong bias to US made equipment (nothing wrong with that). The Polish origins of the Lampizator was known upfront. |
Relax Matt,
I am enjoying your thread and all the posts. People will have different opinions and that is a GOOD thing. Keep on trucking. |
Oh and except for DHTs, (no info on those yet), Dac tubes are run at 20% so they last for like 10 years no problem and consume like 20w, so you can keep them on for long stretches. Turning them on and off often is what shortens their lives. This is very different from tubes in amplifiers, so care and maintenance is minimal and about on par with SS Dacs. In other words NOT and issue. |
ODSE is the Emprical Audio OverDrive DAC SE version, by Steve Nugent....make of the OffRanmp converter (fo example). |
Cstooner, it seems you need to hear the Lampi L7 (using 45 DHT power amp tubes). Feedback so far is that its a barn burner. Check out the thread at CA.
It doesn't even need more than 40 hours/3 days of burn in to announce its intention to the world. The apparently impossible, realized? |
12AU7….is that the ECC82?
If so, I agree the Mullards are great and failing that, get Tungsram, Tesla, or Phillips (not miniwatt). This is what my experienced friend told me…he tried them all for decades. |
If cost was no object, I would be getting a Lampy Big7 with no USB converter as, I hear the straight USB implementation is that good.
The DHT tube design is da bomb and this is coming from my pal who owns a Hugo, Direct Stream, MSB Platinum stack with Galaxy 2 clock upgrade, a Mytek and a GD Master 7. Sez its the best PCM he ever heard and he is DSD freak.
I'm just saying. |
JFox,
Paul Hynes (very, very nice bloke) makes many custom LPSU with multiple rails. indeed, he does have order cancellations from time to time and offer such units for sale with immediate delivery. I just got my SR3 a few months back and have not listened to it yet.
That remainds me, I must give Paul a call to say hello and have a small chat. |
I suspect that all the quality tube Dacs/CDPs sound excellent.
I myself am desperate to hear the DHT based Lampi Big7. From what I am getting as feedback, this is the new DAC standard. The lucky 20 people who own one need to stop keeping this secret to themselves.
Hopefully, I get to hear one next week in NYC. |
Yes, I saw the Bebop post about selling and now he is having 2nd thoughts...
He thought the Vol control could replace his CF pre and since its not better, he was thinking of all CF gear...but CF does not do DSD and B7 DSD is da bomb.... |
Many of those Big5 and Big6 for sale are just owners trading UP. There is now a backlog and commensurate waiting time for Big7s.
People say the DHT 45 output tubes lend unprecedented ease to the music. Like a Lamborghini cruising around in South Miami Beach....completely unstressed. |
I know how its made and I have many pals who heard one and heard several other Dacs including other Lampis. I also recently heard an anniversary Shandling and a tubed Oppo running through a Big 6.
Big7 and Big6 are completely different animals.
If you are happy with your CDP, more power to you. People like different things and some people are just gear swappers, as that is their thing. |
NSA= national sales academy??? haha.
Talk to Berto and Gopher and they will let you know what the deal is. No need for high tech surveillance, they will tell you...Seven is the new 6. LoL
The Seven says "bring it on". |
TBG, go read the DSD Dac review that Bruce Brown did for Stereomojo. He compared directly to the venerable PBD MPS5
I dont see a Sabre chip beating LPF DSD well implemented. THAT is pure bitstream DSD.
Vapor generally shows with Empirical and sometimes with Lampi. |
Matt,
Enjoy your vacation.
Just to let you know that yesterday I heard the Big7 along with a Chord Hugo, DirectStream and MSB Platinum stach with Galaxy 2 cock upgrade and all I can say is Holeeeee Crap!
If curiousity kills the cat, lets sayou will need the 9 lives of a cat to stand a chance at survival. That beast is one smooth operator. the box is also the same size as the big6, but the 2 big EML 45 triodes to stick out a lot and look very cool.
As a DSD lover, i was shocked how close the PCM was to DSD on the Big7.
The Lampi-man deserves to take bow for his masterpiece. Loved the MSB stack too, but it was a tad bit starker/harder, though a tad bit more detalied too. Also cost about 3.5x as much too. |
I was told the PureDac was updated to play back DSD128..
Many DSD Dacs out ther can handle DSD128...the only prominents one that cant off the top of my head are the Benchmark 2 and the Meitner MA-1. |
Yup, just confirmed it does do DSD128
http://bmc-audio.de/index.php/PureDAC-EN.html
Features:
Top-grade Digital/Analog Converter with Current Injection current-to-voltage (I/V) conversion
High-resolution asynchronous USB interface up to 32bit/384kHz
USB PCM: 16...32bit; 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz.
USB DSD: DSD64, DSD128.
ASIO driver for Windows; Linux and Mac compatible
AES/EBU, coaxial and Toslink digital inputs
Balanced, reference-class headphone amplifier with digital/analog power convertion (DAPC), load-effect free (LEF) technology, a lateral MOSFET, a super-low impedance LEF output stage, and lossless Digital Intelligent Gain Management (DIGM) volume control
Balanced LEF, CI-compatible preamp that optionally operates in B.M.C. Mode, with DIGM and a vertically diffused metal oxide semiconductor (DMOS) and LEF-balanced output stage.
Separate volume controls for the line and headphone sections (the line volume position 59 represents a DAC standard output level)
Second-generation DIGM with optimized gain distribution between power amps and internal and DIGM volume levels
Optical B.M.C. Link for connecting with B.M.C. amps like the PureAmp
Remote Control
Top grade parts like MPP (conductive film polypropylene, non inductive) and balanced current capacitors, precision metal film resistors...
Massive and stylish extruded aluminum chassis
Dimensions: 14.37 x 4.06 x 12.91 inches, W/H/D (365 x 103 x 328 mm)
Weight: 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg)
Related Catalogues:
B.M.C. Audio Complete Catalogue, English (300dpi photos): Download |
Full Spatial setup with Emerald Physics type gear is a game ender!!! No Doubt quality DSP is da bomb.
However, its boring as there is nothing left to tinker with. LoL |
Granny, this is not your Daddy's Lampi!!!
Lukasz took it to another level. i am not joking when I say I am jealous.
Find a way to audition one, even for the fun of it. You will be amused. |
Dang, I HEARD about that stock Pioneer DVD player...da bomb! LoL |
There is only one MTL show, as far as I am aware...I think its in March. MTL is a great city and so any show visit there is like a holiday. |
Hey Grannyring, was it really your wife? If so, kudos to her.
It was a very enjoyable blog! |
"09-09-14: Grannyring
Yes, my wonderful wife. Remember the events are greatly exaggerated :)
Grannyring"
Yes of course, but her literary style is very developed. We have some friends who just moved back to the States and the wife sort of reminds me of my mental imade of the Audiophile's Wife, though the husband has a modest system and is not a crazy audiophile.
My own wife is far and away satisfied with a boombox listening to MP3 and rolls her eyes at audio-tomfoolery. LoL |
I think TBG heard the L5 NOT the L7. |
You guys actually didnt know about the Trinity Dac? Where have you been hibernating? LoL |
Alex, I totally agree about the DSD, especially as I have Tbs worth and listen with this:
http://parttimeaudiophile.com/2014/07/04/lampizator-dsd-dac/ |
Stereotimes review conclusion on the PureDac:
Conclusion
The PureDAC deviates slightly from neutral with a sweet and richer midrange presentation. It has good bass and treble. Soundstaging, imaging and resolution were above average in absolute terms. In context of its asking price, the PureDAC has outstanding performance and it's shortcomings are only obvious when directly compared to the much more expensive equipment I had on hand. Evaluated in isolation, it is immensely likable.
Consider also that the PureDAC is not just a DAC - it is a capable preamp and balanced headphone amp. De-clutter your system by removing two additional boxes, two power cords, two interconnects, and two shelves ! Add a modest price tag (S$ 2,200 in Singapore) to that, and you have an absolute winner. |
Alex,
The Big7 with Cunningham 345s is very fast!
Tube Dacs are infinitely tunable. ;-) |
I like the 7 better than the 6, but its a matter of taste. The 6 does not offer DSD.
Not sure what the PCM chip is, but the DSD is Dac-chip-less. LPF only.
Tube rectified with either twin 6x5 FW rectifiers, or lately 5u4g / 274b/GZ34 class single recti.
Output tubes can be a pair of either 45 triodes/101d/2A3s. The 2A3 requires throwing a switch. infiniute fun rolling tubes here and so easy as they are exposed on top.
There are now tube rolling threads at the Circle for people who want to indulge. Lots of hunting on the Bay and here for NOS tubes to try. Debates already over what sounds best. I got my Cunninghams in anticipation! |
LoL,
Correct J,...I was giving the generic answer without confusing nuances and yes, there are many nuances as you rightly pointed out.
I heard the 6 in Europe and the 7 in the US, so not side by side. I think the 6 I heard was tube tricked out, but will confirm later, but the 7 was stock, in terms of tube complement. The 6 was lovely and perhaps more RBCD capable at the moment, but I am all over the place with RBCD, Hirez and DSD.
As a standard,the 6 does NOT have DSD, but as the units are hand built, I think as a special it can be done. My pal will look into adding a DSD module to his 6.
J, have you yet gotten to try an RCA VT-99 in your Dac yet? if so, what was the outcome? |
Yes J, somehow I forgot that. |
tube rolling in a Lampi is not that hard…simple change 2 output tubes (matched) and 1 or 2 rectis, depending on the model.
The permutations are limited. |
Audiolabyrinth, why not start a thread here or at audiocirclce dealig with this?
I recently got some tube experience about this, for the 12xxx tubes, try the european ecc equivalents...ie phillips/ siemens/mullards/brimar/ Marconi/Tungsram(white labels) . Not Telefunken, which are clean but are dull.
Not electro harmonix, not JJ unless very old. Not any chinese either.
Unfortunately, some of the recommended tubes are expensive online, so be patient.
US tubes rule the roost for rectifiers and 45 triodes. PM me if you need more of my 2nd hand info. I learned all thus only this week doing a deep dive. |
Matt,
Tube rolling is not the beez kneez, but a useful tweak for gear. For the Big 7, you only have a few parameters to change. You can rioll the rectis, but the stock stuff ia already very performant. Then you can roll the output tubes with vintage RCA/Cunningham 45 triodes globes (circa$150 pair), PSVANE WE Replica 101d-L, or 45 triode ST shape ($100 a pair). For the 2A3 lovers they have many rolling options, but some thing they are microphonic.
The consensus is that the 274b will be the best recti and that vintage RCA globe 45s will give the best result, and that the Psvane WE replica sounds very, very decent but YMMV.
Remember this a DHT Dac, so no small tubes allowed! |
I have heard that Telefunken tubes are clean and quite but quite "dead" sounding!
Phillips/Siemens/Mullard/Brimar/Valvo/certain Teslas might be better options. In general for the small tubes, I have heard that the W. Europeans are the best choice and for rectifiers, the vintage Americans are the best. This I get from a pal with 25 years experience in tube rolling and he is based in Eastern europe. |
Run, dont walk and get this pair. LoL |
Sigh, OK go buy Amperex. You need to find out the hard way. |
Tungram ecc82
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCHED-PAIR-TUNGSRAM-ECC82-12AU7-UNUSED-NOS-TUBES-TESTED-ON-AMPLITREX-/151396831739?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item233ff451fb |
Audiolab, how do you know if you would like what Matt likes?This is not a shootout, its a demo report by Matt. You may likely find you font share quite the same opinion if you demoed together. |
Audiolaby, The Job 225 power amp and the upcoming monoblocs are DC coupled. I am hoping to audition the monoblocs at the factory in a few weeks if their invitatation still holds. |
which album is that and where to download?
Audiolab, send me that tube email! |
