Lampizator Questions

@tannoy56 

How does your question relate to the question I originally asked? 

@willgolf 

Thanks for the response- I just sent you a PM

In reading owners input on various forums there seems to be question with regards to the output level on certain previous models. I believe the newer models offer a high/low output setting on the back of the unit while others just reduce the output volume (if their dac is configured with one).

From what I’ve read various methods have been offered for solving this but I’m trying to learn more about the various output levels specified across models and which preamps are agnostic to these DAC’s high output levels.

Is there any impact to sound quality by running at a reduced volume output and/or would this be something that requires constant adjustment (with the use of various tubes?) 

Wondering if other owners have experienced these issues with Lampizator, what other components were in the chain and if they experience distortion how was it mitigated.

@tannoy56 

I guess you’re right- highjack as many threads as you see fit, it’s a free country after all. Oh- next time you’re out and about do us all a favor and pick up a book on proper grammar.

@maxboy00 

I checked out your system page- nice setup! Having gone through various upgrades with your Lampizator have you had issues with the output gain? Are you driving your amp directly from the dac?

@chilehed 

I like your system- straightforward digital! It’s good to hear that you’ve not experienced any type of distortion issues while using the high gain setting without the volume control version of the Baltic as I’ve read that the high gain setting on the Baltic is 6v (which seems high). I’m wondering if there would be a difference between your preamp and the one I own or if running at the low output setting would work. Seems the level adjustment options are different with the volume control units. Either way- Congrats on your system!

I saw a notification on this thread and realized it was one I started almost a year ago- time flies! I want to thank @chilehed ​​​​@maxboy00 for their honest responses and advice, I really appreciated the information.

After seeking more information, more research and more listening I ended up ordering a new Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP3 balanced dac. I had been considering a T+A Dac 200, Rockna Wavedream Signature and (for a short moment) a DCS Bartok Apex. After hearing a mind blowing demo with a new Baltic 4 I decided I would pursue a Lampizator. 
The beginning of my search started with an older balanced Golden Gate and Pacific which were both available on the used market but after conversations with Fred A at Lampizator NA I decided to try the latest TRP with engine 11.

I have to say that although my impression of this unit was a little rocky at first this Dac has become the center of my music system and is one of the best purchases I’ve made. I was advised (warned) by some that the Lampizator all comes down to the voicing and that the tube selection/matching is the most crucial element when it comes to “dialing in” what is already an amazing piece of equipment.

Although it was frustrating at first (and semi costly) I was able to determine through experimentation which tubes I wanted to go when it comes to how they worked within my system. After roughly 4 months of buying, burning in and listening I was finally able to land at least four quads of power tubes and multiple rectifiers that all deliver variations of what I was looking for. 
All in all this story has a happy ending. Every time I sit down to listen I’m amazed at the improvements that have been realized and what’s really great is that as I continue to seek out and purchase more variations of tubes within the families I use things just keep getting better. 
Although the Golden Atlantic TRP3 is not the top tier model produced by Lampizator I have been told by others (who own Horizons and Pacific’s) that it is the sweet spot of the product line. All I know is that it has been very rewarding for me so far and I highly recommend this product to anyone who wishes to experience what a great tube dac can deliver.