Been intrigued by this power amp since it was introduced. Yes, another " D " thread.

I have owned quite a few class Ds over the last 2 decades. By far the best by far is my EVS 1200 a dual mono Icepower AS 1200 design with lots of Ric Schultz tweaks. Upgrading cables makes a HUGE difference

I also have a LSA Voyager GaN 350 which I much preferred over the EVS, but since then I have significantly upgraded all wiring, plus, replaced a Marantz HD CD-1 player used as a transport with a Audiolab CDT 6000 (fabulous bargain). Alas, I managed to take out one module in the Voyager, and have not been able to compare again

I bought an LSA product a while ago based on the reviews. Long story short, it did not work out. I don't trust those reviews, I contacted each and every one of them, even offered to pay (through their sponsoring link) and none responded. Which made me suspicious, but not enough to stay away from LSA.

mrdecibel OP

2,773 posts

05-14-2023 at 02:28pm 

So, I did have a Warp One here for a couple of months ( bought new from Wally ), and, I did not like it in my system. My best bud also bought one...and he loves it. The only " D " amp I have not tried, still, is a GAN. I am currently enjoying, immensely, my Edge M8 ( Original Black, before Maker Audio ), as it brings me so much enjoyment when listening. Happy Mother’s Day, to all. My best, MrD

 

@mrdecibel  perfect chance to try a GaN amp

Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra Amp Tour! | Page 24 | Steve Hoffman Music Forums

 

So, I did have a Warp One here for a couple of months ( bought new from Wally ), and, I did not like it in my system. My best bud also bought one...and he loves it. The only " D " amp I have not tried, still, is a GAN. I am currently enjoying, immensely, my Edge M8 ( Original Black, before Maker Audio ), as it brings me so much enjoyment when listening. Happy Mother’s Day, to all. My best, MrD.

The description of what this amplifier does and does not do, I would like to refer you all to the Absolute Sound review of the Audio Research 300.2 power amp. The descriptions by both reviewers is " right on " with my take on the Retro 4780 ( running Lascalas in my case ). 

So, when I posted this thread, I had started listening to my Dalaudio Retro 4780, again ( bought it here a few yrs ago 2nd hand ). I extensively damped the inner chassis as I always do, changed the feet, sits on a heavy vpi sandwich something or other shelf, and have a big size statue of " The Thinker " placed on the top. My own power cord. Well, I have to say, it is the only amplifier in my collection currently, that does not add a bit of color to the recordings, which is good, and bad. The good : Has ample gain from my dac / passive pre; Dead quiet; Using this amp, I am no longer using my subs: Based on the quality of the recording, the system really disappears; Transients are incredibly fast, as well as the decay time ( the opposite of tubes, ime ); Listening to my " digitally remastered from the original analog tapes " cd copy of Miles's "A Tribute To Jack Johnson ", I so EASILY HEAR the " articulation " of some of these greatest musicians, ever, and happens to be one of my " reference recordings " I use to evaluate audio products. The amp does nothing to draw you in. It throws bare, the recording itself. No smearing. I am still amazed at what this amp is " not doing " to the system. If you love tubes, this might be an answer for those summer months, as it runs cool, efficiently and is " smooth ". Tremendous detail. Lots of info on the Texas Instruments 4780 chip, and Dalaudio makes use of  it very well. I am currently letting it reside connected, and discovering intricate little things on my recordings I feel might have been missing. In fact, I am no longer thinking about the " other amp " at this moment. Enjoy ! MrD.

@aldnorab Thank you, I will......My best

@mrdecibel  SuperBestFriends had a Warp 1 tour. The participants posted their impressions. The designer even chimes in a few times and adds useful info. Well worth reading.

Thanks,

aldnorab

@art_boston yes, 5 pro reviews, but I am interested in hearing opinions from others, and haven't found anything in writing.

I am sure you are aware of this review: https://www.tonepublications.com/review/review-the-lsa-warp-1-power-amplifier/ I contacted the publisher to inquire on which Acoustats the reviewer used with the Warp, as I also use Acoustats. The reviewer and publisher used Acoustat 1+1 and 2+2 and highly recommended the amp for both. I'm waiting for a used one to pop up. But, with more GaN amp news coming out, I think I'll wait for a suitable one come - suitable for Acoustats that is.

So, has anyone heard / lived with the LSA Discovery Warp 1 ?

@jaymark When you do, I would appreciate an opinion from you, since you have the GAN 350, and enjoy it. I know they are different. I love great Class A Mosfet sound. With my Lascalas, every amp I own runs in A all of the time ( not all mosfet, and I don't do tubes ). I do enjoy some of the chip amps available, and like what they do. The descriptions I have read on the Warp 1, from the reviews only, they all tell the same story, and these characteristics are things I look for. So, I am anxious to try one.........I am just fighting with myself whether or not I need another amplifier in my collection. Be well, MrD.

I bought one for a relative but have yet to hook it up..