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. |
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. |
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! |
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? |
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…. |
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! |
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, 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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,
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... |
One box = BIG.
Two box is the classic level X. |
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" ? |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. |
Yes indeed thank you for doing this. |
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. |
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. |
Hi Matt, Thankyou for the up-date, Bring on more! |
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. |
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...:/ |
This is a lot of fun to read...thanks for taking the time! |
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 |
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. |
+ 1 on The Aesthetix signature Romulas in the house! |
Yaaaa, this is really shaping up to be fun! I want to be there to listen :-) |
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 |
Mattnshilp,
As per my Aesthetix Romulus/Pandora Signature's owner manual, it needs 400 hours of burn in. |
Oh goody the Aesthetix will be in the house. |
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.... |
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 |
Syntax you are one funny man you made my day. |
I got your drift Jafox. Congrats on finding the tube that brings the best out of the Big Six in your system! If the National Unions can improve Matt's system like it did yours, then those other DACs have an uphill battle ahead of them.
Matt - if one of the other DACs rises above the Lamp, let me know and I will send you the NU's to try out. Jafox might be on to something here...
I do agree that the Lamp DACs aren't quite as extended and bass strong as some SS DACs, for me it's all about getting connected to the music emotionally and the Lamp DACs so that with aplomb... |
The focus of my system has always been to achieve decays and harmonic structures. Sacrificing things like the ultimate in resolution and bass extension were done to get the 3D magic. That's the shizzle and what's missing from most digital... So I'm not sure what it is about my system that makes the NU significantly outperform the Sylvania. But in my system, relative to the NU, the Sylvania is horribly flat and way too distant. Had I only had the Sylvania and this was used in a multi-DAC shoot out, I doubt I would end up picking the L6 as a top-performer relative to it's competition. Very good point. I am certain Lampi's get dumped by folks who do not do their due diligence. A common theme in audio....:/ |
Shawbrows3: yes, "trash" is very harsh. And that's how it was in my system relative to the NU's. I have started with components full of stock tubes and the designer is clearly proud of the sound in stock form. But experience already told me about the benefits of replacing certain tube types and brands. And with some effort to try a handful of tubes, the component can take on a level of performance that likely the designer never experienced.
A past L6 owner told me to listen to both of these VT-99 tube sets. He was very nice to send me the NU pair to do a compare. He said one was the Lampi tube and he said the other was the one he liked. After I listened to both, I sent him my report and he replied that his experiences matched with mine. But I don't know of the degree of the differences for me vs. him.
The focus of my system has always been to achieve decays and harmonic structures. Sacrificing things like the ultimate in resolution and bass extension were done to get the 3D magic. Bringing on the Aria preamp, Jade Ref cables and now the Lampi took the 3D to a new level and brought on many refinements previously needing much attention. And lots of effort of tube rolling throughout majorly brought on accumulative benefits. I still feel there is clarity and resolution to achieve by replacing the Sound Lab speakers' backplate components with all the latest changes. This could Be huge. And would probably show even greater tube differences.
So I'm not sure what it is about my system that makes the NU significantly outperform the Sylvania. But in my system, relative to the NU, the Sylvania is horribly flat and way too distant. Had I only had the Sylvania and this was used in a multi-DAC shoot out, I doubt I would end up picking the L6 as a top-performer relative to it's competition. |
The best DAC? Always the next one. |
Can't wait. Looking forward to trying out the other gear as well. Thanks!
As much as I love my preamp, I'd love to go DAC direct to amps. But my preamp gives me magic I have yet to beat with a direct run. |
Al
I'm in middle America with big5 remote preamp, you would be welcome to listen
It sounds great...I assume your are est |
Actually I was able to save you some money and do 3-day. I thought I had missed the UPS driver, but he appeared really late. It should be there on Friday.
Steve N. |
I just got tracking #'s and confirmation from Steve at Empirical Audio that my OverDrive SE and other goodies are in route via 2-day air!
Yay!!!! |
Al,
No hard feelings, man. Clearly a two-way misunderstanding. Yes, both the first DAC you enjoyed at Father Richard's home AND the one you borrowed were prototypes (and the one Bruce Brown evaluated for that matter).
Things have only gotten better since :) As for the caps they weren't ever stock but a failed experiment for technical rather than sonic testing.
Matt,
No problem, man. I just wanted to clear that up. Keep on rocking with your Big 6, its a fantastic DAC.
Peace to all,
Fred |
Sorry Matt. I just saw your request. DONE. |
Gary, thanks for your reply and understanding. But again prior to my postings I was never informed that the DSD DAC I had was a prototype. If I had been informed of that I would have not even bothered to try it, either at the Club meeting or anywhere else. What would be the point. And I sure as hell would have mentioned it on my postings if I had known it was a prototype.
Yes, you did mention that it had base caps and that the better caps would sound better but this was after the meeting not before. There was no mention that it was a prototype and we discussed that maybe it had an issue and you would check on it. I even dropped it off at your repair center for you. I said I would still like an opportunity if you could find one with what I needed for my system (PCM/DSD/preamp/Balanced). I never heard back from you. THIS is the FIRST time I am hearing all this. And it EXPLAINS a lot, possible, I hope. I would have NEVER wrote about what I had heard if I was TOLD it was a PROTOTYPE. What would be the point. The reason for you sending your DAC was the issue about the lack of a preamp section. That was the mix up.
Maybe you thought you mentioned it, but no you did not. Remember you were very busy because of CES so you might have planed to mention it but never got to me about it.
Lets just agree that there was miscommunication and leave it like that.
But I must add to that the EMM LABS was an older model I have since been informed.
I will have an opportunity to hear a Lampi against a current Meitner sometime soon. So the Lampi will have a chance to redeem its self in my ears. And I have high hopes for it seeing NOW I know the other one was a prototype.
|
05-28-14: Audioengr
Shaw - I have not heard the new Directstream, but I have heard the Vivaldi in two different rooms at RMAF. The Overdrive beats it IMO. The Analog DAC was compared in the latest Overdrive review. The Overdrive beat it according to the reviewer. I have heard the Wavelength, Berkeley, Ayre, Chord Qute, and Bryston. Overdrive beats all of these. My roommate used the Lampi7 in his room in Chicago Axpona. He says the Overdrive beats it too. I have not heard the top of line Resonessence or the Bricasti yet. Audioengr, Bravo! |
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