Oops, you are absolutely correct Matt: the RCA input I have used is input 5. Guido |
@ Mattnshilp, you still Have my attention, back a few post, I said that this is the most profound thread for digital in a long time, after that, nearly the whole community poured on this thread, they also agree with my statement, like I said, It's not everyday you see this kind of comparisions with so many top dacs!, I am also very pleased you will make your impressions the way you hear it, good or bad, nothing to be nervous about, Happy listening. |
For those interested. Branislav just posted a comparison between the Lampy Big 6 and the Concert Fidelity DAC-040 (without battery option):
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rdgtl&1317969445&openflup&143&4#143
Summary: "Concert Fidelity slightly more impressive, for what its worth, with electronic music but Lamp more musical with most everything else...wish I could keep both and maybe I will but I might have to let Concert Fidelity go in the future."
Thought that comparison belongs in this thread. It certainly fits the thread title. |
Guido. Thank you.
RCA are #5 and #6.
When you say rca1 do you mean RCA #5? |
Agear, ya can't use the OffRamp with my Romulus CD player. If I were using a computer, the OR would be a must have. I know that. :/ Your system link vaporized....??? I'm actually starting to get nervous about posting my results. ;) I'll just say it like I hear it. I cannot wait to ridicule your findings! Lampi versus turntable? |
Hey Mat, just in case you connect multiple DACs to your darling Rowland Criterion... XLR inputs 1 and 2 have been exercised the longest. XLR 3 is also well broken in. RCA 1 has also had good use. I have not exercised any other inputs. Saluti, G. |
Agear, ya can't use the OffRamp with my Romulus CD player. If I were using a computer, the OR would be a must have. |
"I'll just say it like I hear it". That's all anyone can expect, reading your posts I'd say you express yourself clearly. I suspect that these comparisons will be informative and much fun to follow.
Charles, |
I went with the brand new unit. Not the kit.
Fortunately for me, the Aeris, Big6 and OverDrive SE are all pre-owned or demo units so they are well broken in. The DS will be the only one that will require a week or 2 of break in (sigh). I will just put on some internet Sirius radio and let her play for 2 weeks...
I wish I had a second system to run so my primary would not be locked up for that time.
The Aeris arrived today. I will plug her in tonight and see her shine. I'm honestly very curious as to how the Aeris compares to the Lampy. I have a friend who swears by the Aeris; a friend whose ears I trust implicitly. He ditched his pre-amp after using his Aeris and runs straight to the amps(which would be great since my pre was a fortune and I could use that extra cha-ching since I'm heading towards an awesome stereo, and a divorce all at the same time!!!!!).
But my pre-amp currently adds SO much to my music I can't imagine giving it up. Which is a ridiculous statement because a pre-amp is not supposed to add anything. But the Criterion adds passion and emotion and involvement and happiness (Audiophile phrases, not Hifi phrases)....
Steve - Thank you very much for the extras! I can't wait!
All - I hope to provide you with honest and clear explanations. I apologize in advance if my communication of the differences is disappointing or vague. I'm actually starting to get nervous about posting my results. ;) I'll just say it like I hear it. |
Matt.. One point about the PSA DirectStream.. I'm not sure if you're getting the kit or a fresh unit, but in any case the DS needs a good 200+ hours to really get it's mojo going.. It's good right of the box but it does need some serious break-in.. And fyi it doesn't sound anything like a PWD MKII.. |
Agear, I have three dacs presently. One is the stock BMC PureDac, which I use with a music server source. It has a "analog" volume control, which of course, isn't really analogue, but it sounds very good through a line stage with the PureDac set at 59 volume. Second I have an Exemplar eXpo T-105 universal play based on the Oppo 105. It is my only transport, but having a music server results in my seldom playing cds or sacds. Since you can input via USB I do use it as a dac. Finally, I have an Empirical Audio Legacy dac that plays everything in double DSD. I even have some original recordings in double DSD. I suspect this last dac will put me ahead of the wave for a few months! It is nice to not have to use Itunes to organize my music and having to deal with its being dedicated to just playing MP3. |
Obviously it's all subjective and some will take anyone's word on what THEY think is the best, but this is fun stuff. I'm interested in what Matt has to say. Sounds like all of the DAC's in this thread are getting a ton of good press and in the right system, room, folks wont' go wrong. It all depends on what you like etc... This is one of the best threads going on the board now. thanks to all of you who are helping out. |
The problem with DACs is that the field continues to evolve rapidly and whatever you choose is likely to depreciate precipitously. Compared to most other component categories, it's hard to choose a DAC for the long haul and have it hold up. Isn't that the gospel truth... |
Matt - I will send you a set of Final Drives and a Short-Block to use with the Overdrive. You can try with and without, bit I think you will find these to be essential.
Thanks,
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
I would not believe it if not for my recent experience. I had an Apple 2009 mini with Mojo Audio power supply, large SSD drive, all the software mods, and the improvement was the single biggest audio upgrade I had ever made.
Bill, I thought you sold your Offramp? My roommate used the Lampi7 in his room in Chicago Axpona. He says the Overdrive beats it too. Vapor I presume. Different speakers and systems. Hard to ground that statement in any objective reality without blinded and/or side-by-side comparisons, and thus the potential contribution of Mattnshilp with his OCD Dac extravaganza!!! |
Matt it's all good man. I know that Johnny is interested and would love to help you out with the Aesthetix. He's always available, lol. I know that everyone is interested and like one poster said, what's good for you. isn't necessarily good for.....but that's the fun of the whole thing. |
Work schedule, and wife's b-day take precedence. So busy. I promise I'll call CTsooner!
All are great DAC's. I'm sure I'd be happy with any of them. It's just finding the right synergy for my system and my tastes.
Steve, thanks for the offer, but I just don't have any more to invest right now. I have money in on your Overdrive, credit card charge on the DS and outright purchase of the Aeris and Big 6. I'm tapped.
Aeris arrives Friday. I will try to compare Aeris and Big6 over the weekend.
Sorry for the wait, I'm dying to get them all in as well. |
Hey Charles,
I think you hit the mark here, we all like different things about musical reproduction. I let a good friend of mine borrow my Lamp L4/G4 and he preferred his Metrum Octave in his system. I was surprised, but can understand why, because music is personal and our ears like different things. Some prefer the hyped hifi sound and others like an easier going natural sound.
It was difficult for me to let go of that Big Six, because I was very happy with what I was hearing from my system. But the opportunity arose and I wanted to hear what the Lamp's DSD sound could offer. It appears Matt likes the Big Six I sold him, and if he does get connected with the Lamp sound like I did, it will be hard for him to let go of its natural sound. It has "soul".
Steve designs the Overdrive, so it's understandable he has bias. Even reading the review it wasn't clear the reviewer chose his DAC over the Analog DAC, more like each had a different presentation that might suit certain listening preferences. To say that the Lamp would need an dressed up OR5 to have a fighting chance is a bit premature, especially since he hasn't even heard the Lamp sound.
Btw, I need to hear that Yamamoto DAC someday! I will send you an email after I get more hours on this Big 7.
Sorry if this is derailing your thread Matt, didn't mean to. You are a lucky camper man, have fun with the shootout! |
These will all be heavyweight dac champs and I would think all appeal to different tastes, systems, system preferences, music preferences etc....
This thread will be fun to follow for sure. Goodness I would love to have all these killer dacs in my music room! |
Steve says his roomate preferred the Overdrive DAC over the LampizatOr level 7, that's him. Who knows what type of sound he likes, we all simply have personal tastes and biases. Who knows what Matt likes in sound/music presentation? I certainly have my individual tastes as well. I think LampizatOr nails the realism, and innate beauty of music, just "natural" not hyped hifi. If the Overdrive matches or exceeds Matt's Lampi Big 6 I'll be surprised (and impressed). Should be very interesting.
Charles, |
Matt, what happened this weekend at Audio Connection? Why didn't you hear the Aesthetix? Will you be able to go back to listen as I'd love to hear how it sounds to you against all the other DAC's. Let us know. Thanks. |
Shawbros3
Need the Dynamo power supply. Not sure what else was going on in that system etc... No way of knowing. |
Steve,
Congratulations, you have designed a top-notch DAC. When I get the chance I will have to try it out in my own system. Comparing DACs in different systems introduces too many variables. If you have a chance you should hear the Lamp for yourself, it really does present the music in a natural and realistic way.
To my ears, a good tube amp can extract more emotion and body from vocals than its SS counterpart. The difference with tubes is that SS has much more control of the bass and grip of the leading edge definition.
Hope to hear your improvements to the Overdrive this weekend! |
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.
I have both tube and SS monoblocks. The difference with tubes is mainly bass and depth. A bit more smooth on vocals maybe. My SS is extremely good though.
Each Overdrive version that I use at shows is different than the one previously used. It undergoes upgrades periodically. This is one big advantage of my products. I continuously try to improve them and offer these upgrades to my customers whenever possible. Each show sound Is improvedmovermthe last. This show is no exception.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
I'm interested as to how the PS DirectStream stacks up. |
Grannyring,
I sold my L4/G4 to my friend and he ended up selling the OffRamp 4, said he preferred going straight through the USB. He uses a modded Mac Mini and Mojo power supply.
I will let him know of your findings with the Offramp 5/Dynamo, which must be in another world compared to the OR4 if it was the single biggest audio upgrade of your life. It would be a win win situation if Steve would offer him a home demo with a refundable deposit.
Happy listening.... |
I have to tell you other converters may not make a huge difference, but the OR5 and Dynamo will take the Lampi to another level with a computer....any computer.
I would not believe it if not for my recent experience. I had an Apple 2009 mini with Mojo Audio power supply, large SSD drive, all the software mods, and the improvement was the single biggest audio upgrade I had ever made.
Perhaps your L6 will not have the same result, but you must try it because if history repeats itself here, you will wear an even bigger smile.
Have fun. |
Steve,
Have you heard the Big Six before, or better yet have you heard it in your system? I have heard both, and your OR5 at last year's Newport and RMAF shows. The sound was solid and I enjoyed the pairing with Vapor, but it was driven from a tube amp which Matt doesn't have. I think the Lamp DAC injected some life into his system, which is evident in his initial feelings towards the Big Six.
If you have heard the Big Six, then okay I can understand you only giving the Lamp a running chance if used with the OR5 in light of Grannyring's experience with the same Mac Mini source. If Matt used the Antipodes server or something similar then that USB input might be "good" enough.
But if you haven't tried the Big Six in your system, then you could be surprised by what Matt reports back after comparing the two, so don't count the Big Six out until the count of 10.
Good luck Matt, you have a real battle ahead of you. |
Mattnshilp - I would be game in sending you an Off-Ramp5 and Dynamo power supply to use with the Lampi to compare with the Overdrive DAC alone. Its about $2.5K worth of stuff, so I would need another refundable deposit, but at least the Lampi would have a running chance. This is what Grannyring is proposing.
"just when I though it could not possibly sound any better"
-my wife
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
I have heard great things about the AA.
The shipping fees were a bit tough to swallow with such good gear in my list already.
Sorry. |
Matt,
I'm glad you are digging the Big Six, like Charles said the Lamp DACs are music makers, they present the music in a natural way that many DACs just can't do. I'm sure the Empirical, Berkeley, Auralic, and many other DACs might measure better as far as noise and all that, but can they get you emotionally connected to the music. Musical preferences rule the day, so what gets me immersed in the music might not be another person's cup of tea. But if you already like the sound then you will learn to really love it.
Take it slow and roll in the tubes, hopefully you will hear positive improvement like I did when rolling glass in the Big Six.
Since you are running a Mac Mini like Grannyring, the OffRamp might be the missing link, but in my experience and some of my crazy friends, we preferred using the USB input straight into the server (but mine is PC based) rather than going through the Sonicweld Diverter. So in some cases the BSB might be good enough or even preferred. The convereter gave the sound more focus and slightly better PRaT, but you lost quite a bit of the magic 3D spaciousness of the Lamp DAC. Just my experience, so I thought I should share.
Will be cool to follow your DAC shootout, lots of big names in that mix. Enjoy the DAC my friend, I miss it already! |
Mattnshilp...sorry to hear you are not bringing in the Accustic Arts Dac. I have heard great things about it and was thinking about either getting that one or the Luxman. I own the Luxman cdp which I use as a DAC but it has some limitations in terms of high res capability and only has SPDIF input, no USB. |
Correct on the OD dac only in your group. Enjoy your Lampi! |
Steve said the OverDrive SE essentially has an Off-Ramp 5 inside it. So an external OR5 would be redundant.
I can't wait to get them all in! |
Ha! The simple truth...not dimple. LOL |
Offramp 5 is simply the best and the Dynamo power supply is a must.....50% improvement. No exaggeration, no kidding. I have used the OR with and without the Dynamo and again it is a must. Steve will say the same thing as it is just the dimple truth.
Looking forward to your notes and findings. |
Understood.
I already decided that if I end up choosing anything other then the OverDrive SE (and I have high hopes for that particular unit because it is actually designed and built for exactly what I need, computer audio files), then I owe it to myself to try out either the Berkeley or Offramp USB to spdif converter. |
The Empirical Audio dac will be hard to beat and the comparison to the Lampi 6 will be interesting. If using a computer transport it would be best to have an Offramp 5 in front of the Lampi. The AE Offramp takes the Lampi to another level when using it with a computer. |
Great thread! Ya, the Romulus Signature or Pandora Signature is a must. Not sure if it is up to the Lampi, but very, very good. I had a Lampi 4 and like the Romulus more, but your Lampi is several models above! |
Bought the Big6 pre-owned. It has about 600-800 hours on it from what I understand. Currently listening to the stock tubes, but I got some to roll into as well. It's stunning in its stock form, so I can't wait to hear what it can do with other tubes.
I'm dying to hear how the Solid State contenders stack up. |
Matt,
Congratulations on the LampizatOr DAC, it gets noticeably better as the hours of use accumulate. The other challenger DACs have quite a task ahead of them. The Aesthetix Romulus would be an interesting comparison The LampizatOr's strength is it simply reproduces music realistically.
Charles, . |
Update:
Lampy Big6 arrived today. It is in a far different class then my PS Perfectwave 2. So much more music and soul. Soundstage is expansive (is that a real word?) and it has no limits up top or down low. Vocals are stunning and it puts the performers right there in the room with me like the PW2 just couldn't.
With the Lampy here, I made a decision which I hope won't disappoint too many of you. I decided to cancel the order for the Accustic Arts DAC. The Lampy is stunning, and if I had to stop right here I would be happy forever. Shipping fees on the AA DAC coming and going were going to exceed $500- (they insisted on 3 day express) and the Lampy is so good that I feel comfortable not pursuing the AA. If shipping were not an issue, I'd still want to bring it in. Maybe John at Audio Connection can arrange an Aesthetix audition (I still haven't called him, been so busy). We shall see.
Although the differences between DAC's is evident and noticeable, they are still subtle compared to, say, the difference between pre-amps. I learned that I really need at least one more pair of ears to give everyone a reliable opinion...
I still have the PS Audio DirectStream, OverDrive SE and Aeris on the way; they are all solid state. I think I can easily find a keeper amongst those 4 (or 5 if I can hear the Aesthetix). |
Probably. I just started to ask questions when I read it. Sorry. |
Uhrn... Shouldn't this topic of single ended to XLR on CDp deserve its own thread? G. |
Does it have a digital output? Sounds like it just has rca's like every other CD player around (for the most part) |
Hi Ctsooner, I have two pairs of Balanced interconnects, My amp is Balanced only connections, and has Krell cast connections, one interconnect retailed for $2,800.00, the other interconnect retailed for $15,950.00 !!!, Both are one-meters long only,, Believe me when I say this, I do not want to send cables back to cable factory to reterminate one end, LOL!, an adapter is no where as good as a direct balanced connection on the player,no matter if the player is single ended circuitry, my amp is 100% balanced from input all the way to output, so does anyone have some advise where to send my player?, cheers. |
Why balanced if they won't be a true balanced? Does a balanced/non balanced connection still keep unwanted noise out? Just curious. thanks. |
Hi, I have a question, I live in Mobile,AL..., Does any one know who is Reputible and has a very quik turn around that is a technician shop near where I live?, I am looking to put Balanced connections on my Brand New cd-player, Thats all!, Really, an Hour Job at most, that said, I do not want to have my player sitting for weeks to get this done at somebody's shop, I understand they may have to order the Balanced connections, I believe this should only take two to three weeks to get it done, I got one price quoted to me of $150.00 which is a very fair price, and of course I would have to pay shipping both ways, I'm not looking to get this done for cheaper, Just the turn around time I am after, Thanks in advance. |
Can't wait for you to speak with Johnny. Maybe you can take them into his shop and do a shoot out. That could be very cool. |
That's an impressive array of DACs! |
