MHDT Orchid or Lampizator Amber 3?

ghashley

Txs for the insights on the Amber and LaScala

@ghasley 

Can you describe the sound differences between the Amber 3 and the LaScala? 

Thanks

Thank you

@gestalt What's the turnaround time on getting an Amber?

@lampizatorna 

Rob, from the pictures of the Amber 3 it looks like the case is a sealed enclosure, what is involved with changing the tubes either due to tube failure or desire to tube roll? Does the unit have to be shipped somewhere for service? 

Well, I have 2 DACs - Modwright and Aqua and the cases have several  hex screws on the casing itself to make it easy to remove; the Amber looks like the screws are only on the faceplate. So if I follow you  if a tube goes bad while the unit is under warranty and you don't want to incur shipping for something as easy as replacing a tube it sounds like you will invalidate the warranty because of 'broken seals".  I don't get the logic to this setup

@lampizatorna 

I'll send you a pm for further clarity for myself 

+2 for Brent Jessee

I may be misinterpreting what each of you are saying about the Amber 3 but it seems like to distinctly different takes on this DAC's sound

cal3713 - " more detail or "wake up" your system, I think you would prefer the Amber 3."

grannyring " My preference is for full bodied warmth over detail"

Feel free to correct me

I don't have either DAC, but wonder if your assessment of the Amber might have been different had you had the ability to get it to the 200+ breakin hours given comments grannyring has made about its sound has he has gotten closer to those hours

teajay - Given your assessment of the Troubadour vs the upgraded Orchid and the Lampi how is the stock Orchid still a "great piece" ?  You note the that upgraded Orchid is better than the stock version, yet you characterize the upgraded Orchid and Lampi as falling "quite short of the magic", lower in performance on all parameters , and having less liquidity and sense of intimacy than the Troubadour? 

@teajay 

" Orchid ....just a great sounding DAC at a more affordable price point, that would be great in many less costly systems."

Your recommendation of the Orchid in your Six Moons review did not state or suggest that it would be great in a "less costly system"; it went into your "big system". 

Clear but not necessarily consistent. 

Curious if your evaluation of the LaVoce S3 was in your system and with it fully broken in? If so, what does the LaScala do better in your view?

Thanks ghasley

Thanks Colin; I put your link in my bookmarks; will let you know

I bought the LaVoce S3 back in October without auditioning  to give the Aqua brand a try.  I've stopped tracking the hours but would guess it has close to 300 on it. To my ears it's a musically engaging DAC with a balanced sound. I haven't heard the LaScala, but may see if Atelier 13 in Nashville will allow me to make a trip up from the Memphis area and accommodate me for a listen and possible comparison with my S3. Since I have been breaking in and enjoying the S3 I haven't put my Modwright Elyse DAC (6922 tubes) back into my main system but will in a couple of weeks to see which one I prefer in it. 

Speakers - Daedalus Argos V2s

Amps - I rotate between these every two or three weeks for a different flavor : Modwright LS100 6SN7 pre & KWA100 SE solid state power ; Line Magnetic 518 IA integrated; Finale Audio 7189 MK2 integrated

Transports - Cambridge CXC; Wadia 171i

Analogue & Digital Interconnects - Silnote Audio (various models)

Power Cables - Audio Art Cable (various models) 

Speaker Cables - Clear Day Cable double shotgun

Have used Siemens in my Modwright Elyse DAC, it is very nice sounding

Bill what other upgrades/tweaks did you make to the Amber 3?

Used the Shuguang CV181 in my Modwright LS100 preamp, found it very good sounding. If you want a suggestion for another very good sounding (TME) new production tube you might try the  Sophia Electric 6SN7; I use that it the LS100 now. 

@devilboy 

Guessing not as LTA is offering a bundle package on its website - see link below

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/spatial-m3-lampizator-amber3-lta-z10-integrated-caf-system