Syntax you are one funny man you made my day. |
Matt, so bummed that you won't be doing the Ayre and the Aesthetix in this grouping. Fun keeping up though. Will you be taking pics and sharing those on Twitter? loll |
Update:
Just spoke with John from Audio Connection, he's about 25 min from my house. He will be getting in an Aesthetix Romulus Signature (Same unit as the Pandora Signature DAC, but with a drawer). Once it's fully burned in, I get dibs for a 24h in home audition. So all of you Aesthetix fans can be satiated. :)
The Overdrive SE is arriving tomorrow. If it comes early enough, I'll have opinions by tomorrow night.... |
Oh goody the Aesthetix will be in the house. |
Mattnshilp,
As per my Aesthetix Romulus/Pandora Signature's owner manual, it needs 400 hours of burn in. |
Matt - one thing you should know is that even broken-in components usually need a couple of days break-in after shipping them. I call this the trade-show effect. As hard as we try to break everything in, it still needs a bit on the first day of a trade-show. I believe this is probably due to temperature changes and static charge build-up in the dielectrics.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Yaaaa, this is really shaping up to be fun! I want to be there to listen :-) |
+ 1 on The Aesthetix signature Romulas in the house! |
Update:
The OverDrive SE is in the house. I spent 2 hours listening to the Aeris and the Lampy Big6 before hooking up the OverDrive SE.
Aeris - Wow, what a difference 168 hours has made. It is transformed. I can see that there is still more to attain from this DAC, but it was in diapers when I got it and I think it just passed puberty!!! Musical with a deep, extended soundstage, extended highs (but not bright), wonderful midrange and subatomic lows. I planned on just listening to a few songs since its still only has about 170 hours on it, but I ended up listening to almost my entire playlist!! It's still young, but she is clearly a contender! I will keep you updated on her maturation.
Big6 - Still just as musical and wonderful. I am not certain but I think I detect an air of coloration; call it a warm midrange for lack of a better term. Not a criticism, just an observation. I enjoyed my listening session more with the Aeris this go round, although the differences are more preference then commentary. The Big6 produces the better sense of 3 dimensions. Although this statement is sort of ridiculous to say because it's obvious, but the Big6 is clearly a tubed DAC; with all of the advantages and a very few of the disadvantages that come along with it. The bass is extended and deep, although now the Aeris betters is, and with more control. The midrange is warm and musical; the classic example of a tube midrange. Call it colored, call it musical, call it Herbert…..
What I am realizing is that this task is daunting, to say the least! I essentially have a Bentley Turbo (Lampy), a Ferrari 458 (Aeris) and a Porsche 911 Turbo-S (OverDrive) in my stable. All are awesome!!!! What a wonderful predicament…
OverDrive - Not yet operational. I hooked it up and the Mac does not seam to "see" the OverDrive. I think it's a driver issue. I have contacted Steve and await a response.
I did confirm that the Lampy and Aeris both function flawlessly with the Mac, once I figured out the correct sequence of setting adjustments. I am sure the OverDrive is an easy fix.
Once I listen to the OverDrive later today or tomorrow I will provide my next set of impressions. I will give the OVerDrive a 48h burn in to give it the best opportunity. |
Hi Matt, at 170 hours, Aeris is likely just getting into adolescence... I suspect that you will experience some sonic cycling over the next few weeks, with some harmonic and treble anomalies showing up and fading out periodically. The good news is that performance dips will get progressively shorter and shallower each time, while magic will get correspondingly stronger and longer.
Guido |
This is a lot of fun to read...thanks for taking the time! |
What is the price tag of the Aeris and does it do DSD?
Matt, has your bias shifted towards SS sonics occurred for any particular reason? There is an ocean of difference between Tenor and SS class D.
The real problem with with your current paradigm is you cannot "know" a piece until you live with it for an extended period of time. Things that sound spectacular on first blush often end up in the recycle bin. Ideally, you would have all these dacs on loan for a much longer duration. For that reason, I will circle back in a year and see what dac you own. It may not be the one that "wins" the shootout...:/ |
Matt, that's awesome. I'm going to be at Audio Connection Monday late morning I hope as I'm driving to Philly. If you are around, it would be awesome to meet and say hello. Great deal about John letting you play with the Aesthetix. It will be interesting to see if you like how it looks. John's ear leans towards musical and getting lost in the subtleties of the recordings. What a great group you have. Keep on trucking. |
Hi Matt, Thankyou for the up-date, Bring on more! |
Thank you for keeping us updated...Im especially curious how the tube dacs stack against each other, like Lamp against Romulus and then solid state Aeris against Empirical. |
I hate to sound like a broken record, but until you get the National Union VT-99 tubes in the Lampi, you are not even remotely close to hearing its potential. |
Yes indeed thank you for doing this. |
Not a broken record JaFox; I appreciate your input! I appreciate everyone's input!!
Can you point me in the best direction to get my hands on them? And what the cost would be?
--
I heard back from Steve. It is, in fact, a driver issue. I'll upload it in the morning and play some more. I'm dying to hear the OverDrive! It's tiny compared to the Lampy and diminutive next to the Aeris. |
Mattnshilp: I guess the only way is for me to pop out the tube pair from my L6 and send them to you. Send me a note through my member name with your address and I can get them to you. Will be 2-3 days shipping, and a week to play and then 2-3 days back. Time this such that the other units will be "warmed up". If all will be ready for next weekend, I will send them out on Wednesday.
John |
Hi Agear, Rowland Aeris (including external power supply) lists in the US for $9800. World wide dealers are found at:
http://jeffrowlandgroup.com/us/distribution-3.html
Input protocols as follows:
1x USB — accepts up to 24 bit PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sample rates
1x Toslink — accepts up to 24 bit PCM from 11 - 192 kHz sample rates
2x SPDIF — accepts up to 24 bit PCM from 11 - 192 kHz sample rates
Regarding Tenor and class D.... Thankfully, there is a world of difference between the sound of raw ICEpower low-end implementations of old, and the involving musicality yielded by some of the recent implementations of NCore NC1200 like the Merrill Veritas used by Matt. I have not had the opportunity of comparing Veritas with Tenor, but had Veritas in my system for several months, resulting in my more than favorable PFO review:
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue68/merrill_audio.htm
Guido |
Thanks for the data Guido. I did not realize that this dac has been out since 2011. Looks as if it uses some older chipsets which is interesting. Like most digital pieces, images of the internals are underwhelming and scorn was heaped on the it by the DIY crowd. The same thing has happened to Lampi.
I have heard various permutations of digital amplification, including ice module-based amps, various parts of the evolution of the Hypex modules, including in Ncore (not the Veritas though) and they're honestly not my cup of tea. I briefly scanned your review, and it looks like you are biased towards digital application given your long-standing relationship with Rowland. Also, it appears as if there's imprinting going on with Matt here given the similarities of your two systems. |
From AC, "Red Wine Audio RWA-Z1ES-3 Impressions" thread Basically the RWA-Z1ES leve 3 is a sensational sounding source. I have had a lot of DAC/Server combo's in the past and this one is my favorite in sound quality and function. For reference I have owned the Bryston combo, The Lampizator Big 6/mac book, modded Mac Mini/RWA Isabella DAC, Mac Mini/Tranquility DAC SE, Wyred4sound server Mytec DAC, PSA Perfect Wave II server/ DAC and some others. To be fair I know my system better now and may have it optimized better at this time to get the most of what the RWA-Z1ES Level 3 A never ending list of contenders. |
When you're talking about the "Big 5" and Big 6" Lampizators, is that an enhanced Lampizator Level 5 and 6?
Or are all Level 5 and 6 Lampizators always called "Big" ? |
One box = BIG.
Two box is the classic level X. |
Agear,
Having never owned any Rowland gear due to their expensive price tag, I have heard them powering many different speakers and will say that they make the only class D amps that don't sound like that classic "class" D sound. I've always enjoyed their rooms at the audio shows. I don't know they drop inside the amps, but they just sound good to my ears.
I've heard their DACs twice in two different rooms at last year's RMAF and this year at Newport. Great solid accurate sound and I'm not surprised to hear Matt has gravitated towards the Rowland sound. Although I thought an injection of tubes into his system could further heighten what he was hearing in past. It's all about personal taste anyways right?
Will be very interesting to hear his impressions of the Overdrive DAC... |
Thank you Agear, unfortunately I never heard a high end digital amplifier in my life, so I have no idea how one would sound like.
I have two biases.... Equipment which will not serve as a secondary furnaces... And components that conform to my ideal of music.... A few class D amplifiers do.... Veritas, some Rowland amps, the new Bel Canto Black, possibly the Mola Mola... A few solid states, like Solution....
I also enjoy the sound of a handful of valve based amps, like the VTL 450 and Siegfrieds and the ARC reference series... But am not interested in baby sitting and rolling aging tubes, hence I will not seek tubed components for my system.
G |
Agear:
My previous reference system was very tube-centric.
Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista, Vac Ref Sig pre-amp with phono, Tenor (hydrid, tubed/SS amp). It was stunning. Musical and magical.
When I got back into it I went straight to an inexpensive tubed system I passed through on my way to tubed reference nirvana many years ago; Cary Audio SLP-98p and BAT VK60SE. It was a magic combo and gave performance way above it's cost, so I went straight to it again. Then the upgrade big bit!
I decided to try some solid state gear I had been intrigued by when I started years ago, just to avoid the tube replacement/rolling neurosis I suffered with my first go round. Krell and Levinson were very solid state sounding, I stayed with my tube gear. But I heard a well put together AR and McIntosh system and began to realize that there is SS equipment that can give me the music. I eventually found Jeff Rowland and decided to "upgrade" to a Capri S2 pre-amp. I looked for a solid state amp to try out and brought several in. I like smaller manufacturers as I think you get better quality and more reasonable prices for what you get; so I heard about and started looking into Merrill Audio's Veritas. As first I was skeptical. But the manufacturer happens to live about 10 minutes from my house and he offered me an audition that utterly blew me away. I read up on it, and that's where I found Guido's review and met him. He is a card carrying Rowland lover, and doesn't hide it. But he was as impressed as I was with the Veritas amps and confirmed that the Vertias amps would work well with a Rowland pre-amp. So the tube gear went and I went all solid state.
I don't remember when, but I picked up the PS Audio PW2 in there somewhere to tide me over until the rest of my system was set, and then I would start a crazy thread and upgrade my DAC. ;)
Eventually I decided that I liked the Rowland pre-amp and wanted to move up the line. Guido coincidentally decided to sell his Criterion reference Rowland pre-amp as he decided to run his Aeris direct to his uber expensive Rowland amps. Obviously the Aeris was impressive if he was willing to not only use it, but give up his prized Criterion...
I bought the Criterion from him.
I auditioned 5 pairs of speakers. Guido had suggested I listen to The Music but it was low on my list. I auditioned Revel Salon II's, Kef 207/2, Sonus Faber Amati Futura, TAD Evolution One and Vienna Acoustics The Music. I am happy to give details of this comparison (its a few pages worth), but I decided that the Kef 207/2 was the best value, The Amati was amazing but didn't rock, i didn't like the TAD, the Salon II's were bright and The Music's were staggeringly good in every conceivable way…
It was at that point that I learned that Guido and I have similar taste; hence our similar systems… I don't know if I would call it imprinting (although I'm not sure what, exactly, that means).
The Veritas amps are stunning. Musical and magical (like my Tenor was). and I think my Criterion is equal to, if not better, then my Vac Ren Sig II pre-amp was.
SO, I'm where I was from an emotional standpoint. My The Music speakers are better then my Talon Firebird Diamond's were. My amps and pre-amp get me to the same place, just with SS gear instead of tubes. My system is musical, and warm, and engaging as it was with tubes. I don't think that tube vs SS really excises anymore. I think there are solid state rigs that sound like they have tubes and there are tube rigs that sound like they are all solid state; the designer tubes the gear to the way he thinks it should sound…
I think thats why I'm having such a difficult time with my choices. Many of you are looking at this as the tube gear versus the solid state gear, or tube and tube and solid state against solid state. I'm just listening for the best unit for my system and my ears.
like I said, I'm just typing is like I hear it….
Wow, that was way longer then i intended. Sorry. |
Update:
I spent 3 hours listening to the Aeris and the Big6 today. I started with the Big6 this time.
I am waiting to clarify a driver download question with Steve, and then I will get the OverDrive SE up and running.
I have to say that if some think the Big6 is limited on the top end or has any lack of bottom end because of its tube genetics, they are wrong. The highs are extended, complex, detailed and made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight time and time again. The base is deep, full and rich; and left me wanting for nothing. Yes, the Aeris controls the lower end a bit more tightly and it has a tad more punch, but I would say the Big6 is more natural on the bottom end, more "live". In fact, that sums up the biggest difference between the 2; the Big6 persistently gave me a more "live" presentation. The midrange is clearly warmer then the Aeris; but its not colored, it's just music.
I found vocals to shine most on the Big6, while classical passages/movie soundtracks, and rock and roll sounded better on the Aeris. Jazz and Blues were equally engaging on both, just different.
The Aeris is more accurate, more defined. The soundstage of the Big6 is deeper and wider with the Aeris although not by much, but the Aeris does a better job of giving each performer's defined position in that space. The Aeris seamed to highlight the subtle differences between quiet and loud passages with a better sense of dynamics, but again it was not by much.
After hours of going back and forth I came to the thought that the differences were not in live vs recorded or hifi vs warmth, they were more like listening to the music in different venues; or even the same venues with difference acoustic treatments. A jazz club with 50 patrons, or 200…. Carnagie vs Vienna Opera House…
As with any tube rig, I understand that rolling tubes will allow me to fine tune the sound. I also understand, JaFox, that the UN 99 made a dramatic difference to you; and I sincerely appreciate your generous offer. But I don't think the Big6 needs to be improved upon, it's stunning as it is (at least in my system). Rolling tubes will only change the flavor of the magic.
I could keep either and never even think of listening to another DAC. Anyone who is reading this could buy either and live happily ever after. But I need to deiced which to keep of these 2, and I decided to keep the Aeris….
And here's why…
1) I think the Aeris is still young and will offer even more as time goes on
2) The build quality of the Big6 is excellent, but he Aeris is a tank built by Cartier.
3) I liked the tone that the Aeris imparted a bit more then the Big6 in my system. This is totally personal and has no objective foundation. To me, I fell into the music and forgot I was auditioning gear more frequently with the Aeris.
4) Eventually I will either move my gear to a dedicated room, or treat my room with acoustic treatments to control the reflections a bit better. My room will soften up a bit as a result and I am worried that the Big6 will soften too much.
5) Lampy is a brilliant designer and they now have distribution in the US. I expect them to grow and stabilize. But, and I HATE saying this, I am ever concerned about the stability of a small Polish manufacturer is this crazy economy and long term maintenance is a concern.
6) I like buying US when I can. Call me a gun toting, card carrying patriot. But if I can get equal performance and enjoyment out of 2 options I will try to go US built when I can.
So that's it. Step one is compete. I have made my first decision. I am sure many of you are unhappy with it. I think I have given these 2 enough time to make an educated and reasonable decision. I know some think I need weeks to months to truly compare, but I have neither the patience nor the time to do that. I want to get back to just listening and enjoying.
Now I am down to the Aeris, the OverDrive SE (which is the next showdown), the PS Audio DS and the Aesthetix.
All of these are made in the US.
Rowland, PS Audio and Aesthetix are huge companies and are very stable. Empiircal Audio and Steve have been around for a LONG time and even if his company folds (which I highly doubt will happen), he will be around and available to service his gear for a long long time, right here in the US. In this regard, the OverDrive is the only underdog, sort of.
OK, let the comments and complaints fly. |
As with any tube rig, I understand that rolling tubes will allow me to fine tune the sound. I also understand, JaFox, that the UN 99 made a dramatic difference to you; and I sincerely appreciate your generous offer. But I don't think the Big6 needs to be improved upon, it's stunning as it is (at least in my system). Rolling tubes will only change the flavor of the magic. NO NO NO NO NO, trust me. Once you hear the NU VT-99's, the performance will be like going to a L7. Why turn this opportunity down? It's up to you. |
Matt, Lampi has an aerospace engineer living in NJ who does all the US service (I believe) and you will not find better tech support. I understand your concerns, but in this "economy" nothing is really safe. Hi end audio is a fringe business by definition.
Don't bail on the Lampi without hearing those tubes! I am also interested in hearing all the dacs compared in total and not just the Aeris and Lampi. |
Hi Mattnshilp, thanks much for your effort to give an objective evaluation of top tier DACs. I do want to make an observation/suggestion. Regarding the potential impact of tube rolling in the Lampi DAC, you state "Rolling tubes will only change the flavor of the magic".
There are things one knows one knows; those that one knows one doesn't know; but most importantly there are those that one doesn't even know one doesn't know. I have come to be very hesitant to make assumptions when dealing with areas in that last category. I've been surprised many times on what can't matter very much.
Just my friendly input. Thanks again for your efforts. |
Matt, with top end gear it almost always comes down to preference and system/room synergy. I fully understand your first decision and thank you again for bringing us along for your ride.
We can get a pretty good sense of the differences in your rig between these two champion dacs.
I can hardly wait to hear your comments on the EA dac! |
JaFox - I can't put my finger on it, but I think you disagreed with me. lol.
I understand what you are saying, and I sincerely appreciate your offer. But I am going to stick by my decision. I don't doubt that a better tube would improve/change the sound, but I am skeptical that a tube swap can be transcendental. And I am hesitant to so completely rely on a tube that is difficult to find.
I think rolling tubes, including trying the UN VT-99, will be better suited to someone who has made the decision to invest and focus on the Big6 and get the most out of it. As I said, it is an amazing unit and clearly will make any owner a very happy camper.
Maybe its my system, or my ears, but I never found the Big6 wanting for anything and it held its ground against (even besting) the Aeris on many occasions. I believe that the UN VT-99 will just add to that and make it that much better; maybe even adding another layer of resolution, more taught bass and improved imaging. But even with those sonic improvements (which, again, I don't find missing with the OEM tubes), my decision would not change as it is multi-factorial.
Your offer is sincere and very generous. But I would hate to cost you money in shipping and loss of time with your precious tubes if I know now that my decision would not change with sonic improvements. Especially considering that I found it to be sonically exceptional as it is.
To all, I am in no way saying or implying that the Aeris is a better DAC, or that Lampizator DAC's are not well made nor have reliable/stable customer service. They have, in fact, established a much needed US distribution network and are clearly and deservedly growing each year. They are very well made and support is there and available.
I just found that with my needs and my system, the Aeris is a better match. I'm sorry if my logic and reasoning is unacceptable to you. But as my 6 year old say,"It makes sense to me."
There are admittedly, as I said, additional factors involved with the Lampy that don't exist for the remainder of the DAC's I'm trying out. The rest of the comparisons will pretty much be based on performance and usability alone.
I'm just saying it as it pops in my head. Trying to be honest and forthright about what I hear, how easy the units are to sync and use, their build quality and my opinions related to all random other things about the rig and it's manufacturer…. |
I'm not a bit suprised at Guidocorona is useing the Roland Aeris dac straight to his amp, doing straight to amps has always worked good for me, However, Mattnshilp, why don't you do the same if your final decision is the Aeris dac after all this is over? |
Round 1 is ended. I respect your decision...it is YOUR decision after all. But you have also provided lots of color and commentary and genuinely have been complimentary to all DACs, assessing their strengths in your system and to suit your taste. Nicely written. Look forward to more Rounds! |
but I am skeptical that a tube swap can be transcendental. YES, some tube rolls are TRANSCENDENTAL. Based on Jafox sonic priorities, UN VT-99 is probably not for me. I think you should maximize every DACs capabilities before the shootout. Otherwise you are NOT hearing the best each can do so IMO, wasting your time. |
If I follow Matt, and I think I do, he is saying the two dacs are both wonderful to him. Why mess with tubes, tube rolling etc, when he likes another dac just as much and even a little more and it has no tubes? I understand completely. All of us would rather not have to mess with finding the perfect tube, paying for it, having back ups, wondering when the tube is losing some of its greatness with age etc....
If another dac gives all of the same magic with no need to obsess with tubes, sound optimization with all kinds of various tube types and brands, then why not go for the equally great sound with no extra hassles?
He can keep the SS dac on 24/7 with no warm up!
Now if the Lampi was obviously superior in every way, then Matt and most of us would gladly go down the tube obsession route.
Based on my experience I think feeding the Lampi by USB with no Offramp is the real difference maker in this round. The tube is important, but falls behind in order if importance.
Based on Matt's comments and preferences thus far the EA dac will be most interesting to me. I think it will be to his liking. |
There are things one knows one knows; those that one knows one doesn't know; but most importantly there are those that one doesn't even know one doesn't know. I have come to be very hesitant to make assumptions when dealing with areas in that last category. Kernelbob, you are obviously not a true audiophile. We fearlessly make decisions for ourselves and provide counsel to others despite the absence of knowledge.... |
Update:
#1 - The EA OverDrive SE is up and running. Once I got the drivers running, everything worked instantly. I will cook it for 2 solid days before listening.
#2 -I called my Uncle to wish him a happy birthday. This is the uncle who introduced me to high end audio when I was 11. He still has an old old tube system (Audio Research pre and amp, B&W speakers, Nakamichi azimuth correcting tape deck, Linn table/Denon cartridge). He went through a lot of tube gear in his day, but barely listens anymore. We started talking audiophile nervosa and I told him about the Big6 and my DAC shootout. I mentioned the UN VT-99 and he went though his boxes of tubes and actually freakin had a matched pair! He has never sold any of his tube collection and probably never will (I am praying I inherit that some day!). He brought them over 4 hours ago; we let them warm up for 2 hours in the Big6 (which I had already packed up) and he and I sat down for some bonding and nephew/uncle time….
Here, for all those who demanded an audition of the UN VT-99 rolled Lampy Big6, are some impressions of my time with my Uncle (and the UN tubes):
It is amazing how a passion for music and the gear can bring two people of such different ages together!
The Lampy was unquestionably different. The upper levels had more energy, more extension and seamed to be surrounded by a layer of realism that was not there before. Like cleaning a window that you didn't really know had a little dirt on it. The lower frequencies were slightly (if at all) deeper but clearly held control a tad better then with the other tubes. The mid's were, by-in-large unchanged. Equally musical and engaging, but no more so then before the rolling. The soundstage expanded in both width, depth and most interestingly, in height. There was more above me then before. The soundstage opened; but to me it felt a bit artificial whereas the OEM tubes seamed to present a more realistic spacial image. Dynamics were a bit more, well…. more. Subtle transitions between quiet passages and crescendo seamed more meticulous, more defined. Leading and trailing edges were clearly more defined (although that is my interpretation since I have never truly figured out officially what a leading and trailing edge are. lol)
Overall I have to concur that the UN tubes take the Big6 to the next level. I would, now that I HAVE heard them, still say that they are not "transcendental".
Does it change my decision?
No. But it flatly tells me that if someone where looking for a new DAC and had access to these difficult to find (unless your audio uncle happens to blow your mind and have a matched set) tubes, that at about $2K less retail, the Big6 is a MUCH better deal then the Aeris. They are comparable in performance in every conceivable way. With the UN tubes, I liked the Big6 about 40% more then with the OEM tubes; and on certain types of music it clearly bests the Aeris.
But I still need to pick ONE. And I am sticking to my choice. This has nothing to do with tube vs solid state since they both provide SOTA performance and they actually sounded MORE similar with the UN tubes in the Big6 then with the OEM tubes. I guess its true that as you get closer to perfection, the gear starts to sound more and more similar.
I hope that satisfies everyone. Serendipity is a wonderful thing.
As to the thought that the Lampy has an inferior USB port that requires an external USB to SPDIF converter, I made the active decision that I am looking for a one box DAC solution and I don't want to deal with a separate USB to SPDIF converter, another digital cable AND another power cord expense; at least not while deciding on a DAC. Maybe after I have chosen one I will consider it, if it is not the OverDrive (since the overdrive has one built in). |
I personally Respect what you have said between the Lampy and the Aeris dacs, As it turns out, Reading your last post, I feel the same way as you do!,I also believe you are making a wise decision based on all that you have said here, Bravo! |
Another ripple in the equation to consider is mechanical grounding. I like Sistrum products but there are others out there to consider as well. Sistrum has a significant effect particularly on speakers, subs, and tubed gear...
Then there is electrical grounding and power conditioning. I find these all impact digital. |
Tooooo funny that the miraculous tubes showed up as they did! Great stuff ! |
Matt,
What you really needed to do was change out the rectifier. This will relax the sound and get rid of the artificiality you are hearing with the NU VT-99's, put in those Tung-Sols. 40% improvement by just swapping out the tubes? In my book that is HUGE in the audio world. Some folks spend $$$$ just to get 5-10% improvement and they're more than happy.
Doesn't matter I guess at this point. Even though you chose the Aeris, at least you got a flavor of what the Lamp could offer. On to the next battle!
Have fun man... |
Grannyring - Tya. Too bad I'm not that lucky with my lottery tickets!
Agear - Thats good to know that Lampy has a solid tech in my area if I ever wander down the Lampy path in the future. Dac's, by definition, pretty much have expiration dates as tech continues to pulse forward.
Kernelbob - I love it. And you were right. But I know that I know very little, and prove it every day!!! And my kids remind me of this constantly!
AudioLabyrinth - I have every intention of trying each DAC with volume controls direct to the amps. Steve from EA was generous enough to send me his FInal Drive magic boxes that supposedly make running these DAC's direct a true revelation. Trust me, I'd love to re-acquire the big $$$$$ I put into my pre-amp. But for now, the Criterion does things that no other pre-amp has ever shown me, and I'm not rushing to get rid of it. |
Mattnshilp, I appreciate the effort that you are putting into these comparisons and for your time in sharing your findings with us. Regarding the final paragraph of your last post about the Lampy having an inferior USB port that requires an external USB converter, I would like to mention that the Rowland has a similar limitation in its design. It has been reported on this forum that the Rowland design team themselves has admitted that the Aeris sounds its best through the SPDIF inputs and not via USB. Their USB implementation is also limited to a high of 96kHz sampling frequency with the SPDIF inputs supporting up to 192kHz. Just wanted to point that out if it may impact your decision. I ruled out the Aeris DAC due to that 96kHz limitation via USB as well as its lack of support for DSD file playback, but of course everyone has differing needs and priorities. I also have a fondness for Rowland gear as I currently own their model 625 power amp which I find superb! Best of luck as you continue the evaluation process, and thanks again for taking the time to share your results. |
Bill_K - I agree. I was responding to someone else's comment that the Lampy would sound its best with an external USB to spdif converter. The same can, I'm sure, be said for the Aeris and DS DAC's. The only DAC with a reliably superior USB input is the AE OverDrive SE.
That said, I can not overstate how freakin good both the Aeris and Big6 are fed through the USB!!!!
I am just saying that I don't want to go down the external USB/spdif converter road right now. |
Mattnshilp, I've mentioned the BMC PureDac earlier. You should add it to your list. It is very cheap at $1790 retail. I know of a man who bought one for use in his bedroom system and now uses it in his main system in place of the expensive dCS multiple box dac. |
TBG - my room partner and I used my Overdrive in one system and the BMC in another system in or RMAF room last year. BMC is good at that price point, but not in the same league.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Well Joecasey, if you like a flat 3D presentation with the middle octaves distant, then the Sylvania tubes will be for you. |
I am not here for any agenda on the Lampi or anything else. I simply suggested a tube change that in my system, which excels in 3D presentation, might give the reviewer here another view into the Lampi sound. And with the CAT amps/SoundLab pair, I can compete with all but the very top systems at the frequency extremes as well.
Solid state designers have many amplification devices to chose from. Tube designers are stuck with a few limited choices which are in high supply, sadly poor performers compared to the past tubes. But the consumer can resolve this with a little effort.
If I based any listening sessions to the tube products I have owned over the years with their stock tubes, I likely would never have been satisfied with any of them. The stock tubes barely give even a glimpse of a tube product's potential…..I don't care what any tube product manufacturer says about this.
I will soon try a number of rectifier tubes in the L6 and share those findings in a new upcoming thread. |
