Okay Bill I'll shut my mouth and stay out of this.
Charles, |
Hi Bill,
I found it interesting that you could use such low power (1.5-3.5 watts) at all with your Coincidents, I'm impressed. I can see where your Thor amplifier would serve you very well. I would say a 300b or a 845 SET with high quality power supply and transformers would work well(these would be more suitable than 45 or 2A3 SET). I know you're enjoying your music immensely.
Charles, |
I haven`t had an opprotunity to hear the Lampizator buts it has developed quite the reputation.There are folks posting here who`s opinions I`ve come to respect.I`ll assume the latest generation of this DAC is exceptionally good. I`ve read Knghifi`s comments over the years and believe he has good ears and taste, his impressions I respect also.
I own the PWT and it`s a top notch transport(it sits on the Star Sound Apprentice stand). Combine it with a high quality DAC and you`ll have wonderful sound(PWT won`t be the limiting factor). The fact that they`re bought and sold by some, well you can find anything for sale on this site given the fickle whims of audiophiles.I don`t see why the PWT-LAMP DAC wouldn`t be a very fine match. The PWT in my opinion isn`t "typical digital" sounding at all and fits superbly in my SET amp based system,which is very organic and quite emotionally involving. The PWT doesn`t change this character at all.I use a Yamamto DAC with Duelund CAST output cap modification,it`s wonderfully musical and natural.
I suspect the Lampizator is as good as claimed here but certainly a PWT with great DAC is a viable choice as well.
Just my 2 cents worth fellas.
Charles, |
Hi Agear,
I believe Knghifi wrote he got the PWT with the bridge not the PWD, he may
have meant PWD instead as that would make sense in comparison to the
Lampizator DAC.
Charles, |
Bill,
The PWT is a high speed DVD ROM with a memory buffer, not a traditional laser CD spinner. There's a difference.
Charles, |
Gopher I use the Sistrum 101 beneath my SET monoblocks and the Apprentice platforms with my speakers and all other components. It is money very well spent.
Charles, |
Grannyring,
It's good to hear that your recent system changes are gelling so harmoniously for you. I'm happy the Coincident speakers are working out fine with you as well, I adore mine, they re very long term products I'm glad I followed your recommendation and put the Duelund CAST capacitor in these speakers.
Charles, |
Bill,
I imagine that your wallet needs a rest for a while.
Charles, |
Agear,
Your comment concerning your "mediocre" sound is tongue in cheek.
Robert (Star Sound) and Bill have spoken glowingly about your fantastic room. I hope you find the time one day to post your system on this site .
Charles, |
Abruce you're human and sometimes another person can get under your skin. I'm sure others understand and appreciate your apology.
Charles, |
The transport vs computer debate is really interesting.Some swear ripped to hard drive is superior and there are those who have been there and done that and say nope, it isn`t better despite all the hype. Like nearly everything concerning audio there`s a lot of overlap and as expected no absolutes. System,set up and implementation are the usual variables.I will say that those eager to declare spinning CDs passe and dead are wrong,they sound excellent in a well set up system.Choice is good. |
Hey Glory,
Good points!
Shootouts are entertaining and in some cases informative but as you say different ears will result in different outcomes, how else could it be? When all is said and done it always about what we like as opposed to some absolute conclusion that settles a matter for once and all.
Regarding the breast analogy, if that's accurate I'll take the Lamp 4. Give me the fit and toned version any and every time. You'd think the Lamp 5 having the dual power supply would seem to be an obvious advantage given the major contributions the PS provides. |
Nearly every aspect of audio is a matter of tradeoffs and trying to achieve some sense of proper balance, power supplies are part of this equation. |
With audio sound as well as women, I prefer natural to artificial if given the choice. |
It's my choice certainly in regards to what I find appealing, we're talking cosmetics aren't we. In the context of Glory's analogy it's absolutely appropriate. No National Geographic, just nice, fit and athletic. |
Bill,
Even with those stock parts the sound quality is at a very high level. From personal experience I can confidentially say the Duelunds elevate this speaker to world class natural sound. I'm preaching to the choir I realize.
My speaker has only a single capacitor( tweeter) and no resistors.
Charles, |
Sgr,
You're fortunate to have a good friend who let you audition the Lampizator in your system, what's more conclusive than that? You eliminated all speculation and could purchase without second guessing or anxiety. Seems that you'll be very happy for a long time with this highly regarded DAC. |
Hi Bill,
That system must sound so natural and heavenly. I thought you were driving your Coincidents with a First Watt amp?
Charles, |
Hi Agear,
My point was this, Bill has apparently discovered better sound in his system with the recent changes and I can appreciate and aaccept that. The emotional and visceral reactions in my own experience implies something for the better has occurred. Why doubt his observations?
Charles, |
Hi Bill,
Look forward to your comparison and impressions. By the way are you using your 45 amplifier in this system?
Charles, |
Bill,
You've certainly paid your dues with time, effort and curiosity put into a computer source system. It's gratifying to know you've been rewarded with superb results and ever increasing musical pleasure. Congratulations on your success.
Charles, |
Bill,
Well said, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for measurements to shed any light, just look at amps, wire, speakers etc. What proof?
If you don't hear a difference then just leave things as they are (simple solution). If you do hear definite improvement as Bill does then you rejoice and make what ever changes are necessary. Either outcome you'll be happy. Ears trump any measurements I'm aware of.
Charles, |
Bill,
Toe tapping is a natural and unforced reaction,a very good sign that something is natural with what you're listening to. This response and when your head nods in beat/time with the music, well you're on the right track. Visceral and emotionl involvement are genuine and can't be faked.
Charles, |
Himiguel,
I'll tell you this with all sincerely, your Tripoint Troy has been an astonishing addition to my system but it's difficult to describe with words. You just hear and feel it, increased naturalness.
Charles, |
Hi Fred,
That soulds really interesting, Jwm (Jeff) and I will make it a point to come by and listen . We'll bring music that very familiar to us. Besides the DAC I've always wanted to hear the Lampizator amplifier.
Charles, |
Hi Daniel,
What DAC are you using now in this set up? Sounds like you're having much fun.
Charles, |
Daniel,
Thanks for the information, you're really enjoying yourself, way to go.
Charles, |
For all the attention the Lampizator DACs attract I'm just as curious to hear their GM70 SET amplifier, it seems to be an all out serious design.
Charles, |
Clio09,
By the way the Concert Fidelity -TAD was once again one the very best just as it was last year at CES. Concert Fidelity is a top tier product, I heard it paired with the Kaiser Kawero at RMAF 2011 and the sound was devine.
Charles, |
Hi Gopher (Fred) it was a pleasure to meet you in the Lampizator room this week, your hospitality was appreciated. My friend Jwm (Jeff) is really looking forward to the Lampizator 5 DAC he ordered with your help.
Regards,
Charles, |
It was a true pleasure meeting Lukasz Fikus. I had a long and very interesting conversation with him. He's quite engaging, very smart and candid. I believe that he will enjoy much success in the fickle high end market.
Charles, |
Bill,
The sound was good but I don't think I heard the Lampizator at its best. The speaker was very new (Dale Pitcher was still working on it the day before).
The room was relatively small (unlike the rooms at the Venetian hotel, beautiful) and the speaker close to the wall behind it. My gut tells me the Lampizator will really sing in an optimized room/system.
I heard the Lampizator 7 in the Fritz speaker's larger space (speakers out in the open) . I think that ideally the Pitcher speaker just needed more room to breathe and burn in time.
Charles, |
Agear,
Based on my listening the Lampizator 7 is a superb choice. It simply makes music which is much easier said than done. I also heard rooms utilizing the DCS and MSB stacks, I'll gladly take the presentation of the Lamp 7 instead. It justs depends on what truly touches you.
Charles, |
The Cessaro-Electra Fidelity room impressed me as well. It was one of the very few that had a true live like flesh and blood presence. Only nitpick is it had to be cranked up in volume to achieve this effect. When played at lower volume the tactile prresence was diminished. That said the tonality and naturalness was still among the most convincing I heard.
Clio09 nice meeting you and your have a very good sounding 300b amplifier.
Charles, |
I've attended CES 6 times and on a number of occasions have been in the room with prominent reviewers listening to the same demonstrations. While they smile and nod their heads in approval I sit there and think the sound is dry, highly processed audiophile check list hifi. I'm probably spoiled from years of hearing live jazz in small un -miked venues. If a component cannot reproduce full tone, body, harmonics, dynamics and convey music's emotion, it's a failed product. There were a number of expensive systems at CES that failed in my opinion. Analytical -sterile and devoid of life and emotion.
Charles, |
Clio09,
I'll answer on your system page.
Charles, |
Wisnon,
The Lamp 7 uses the level 5 power supply and the level 6 circuit. The implementation of the DHT tube is true brilliance in my opinion, low power DHT are capable of splendid natural sound. I absolutely love the 300b but the very good versions of this tube are expensive and you don't need their higher power output for a DAC application. I'd go with the 2A3 or the 45 tube and can't imagine how someone couldn't be thrilled with the fabulous realism they'd have. I think the level 7 is pure genius in concept and execution. DAC chip directly coupled to the DHT grid no resistor or capacitor in the way, then Duelund CAST output coupling capacitors. No
stupid OP-amps with their tag along NFB! Like I said previously, Lukasz is
one very smart man.
Charles,
Charles, |
Hi Lissnr,
You description of the Duelund CAST is simply dead on the bullseye. Very well said and fits my experience with them. The key words are natural and real, acoustic instruments have inherent warmth, body, color and vibrancy and they don't require any embellishment. The CAST have superb resolution and transparency yet aren't remotely analytical or clinical, just"organic" and correct. I'm actually surprised Bill experienced too much detail in some applications (perhaps revealing the character of ofter system components? ). I don't know, I can say that using the CAST in my DAC and speakers has provided stunningly excellent music reproduction and heighten the sense of realism. The Jensen may yield a pleasing "added" warmth but the Duelund are the "natural" choice.
Charles, |
Lukasz specifically acknowledges that visually his internal wiring isn't neat,pretty and arranged in orderly bundles with 90 degree angles. He intentionally chose "3 dimensional" point to point wiring layout due to its superior sonic results despite the messier look. Seems a wise decision to me. Did you notice the high quality silver wire and high caliber part selection, or does that matter less than superficial appearances? Just wondering. |
My friend Jwm received his Lampizator Big 5 today. Very early impression,
Within 20 minutes out of the box it sounds quite good. It's open, very clear and resolved with good dynamics, pace and energy noted right away.
Most important quality I've notice is the pure natural-organic character, this trumps any other sonic aspects for me. Even with less than 2 hours of playing it already betters the Playback Design, Modwright Oppo 105, 95 and also the Auralic Vega DAC I've heard in this same system. The Lampizator gets to the music, pure and simple. I can only assume that it's only scratching the surface and will improve greatly over time.
Charles, |
Hi Gopher ( fred),
I believe that Jeff has happily found his long term digital front end. No need for any more angst, he can just relax and enjoy the music, which is the point.
Charles, |
Jeff,
Your sound today was enchanting and organic bliss. Thanks for having me over.
Charles, |
The Star Sound Apprentice stands are quite effective sonically and are very reasonably priced. |
The Sistrum SP-4 is a 4 shelf rack based on the SP 101 Platform.
The Apprentice is a single component plateform that cost 329-429.00 each depending on the size. |
Andrew,
I believe that you will simply love the Lampizator level 7. DHT tubes when implemented property convey emotion and music's soul divinely! I have DHTs in my amplifier and line stage and just adore the music they produce. I hope your wait for delivery isn't too long.
Charles, |
I often listen to Jwm's Big L5 Lampizator which goes through his Absolare Passion linestage and it's truly superb. I've heard no direct DAC- amplifier that would come close. Excellent active line stages are indispensable for superior sound in my opinion. In theory eliminating a component and its IC should be better, my ears say otherwise in resounding fashion.
Charles, |
Tbg,
I heard the BMC DAC (show conditions all BMC system) and it wasn't bad. I've heard the Lampizator level 5 (big box) extensively and in all sincerity the Lampizator is in a different realm reproducing music. Jafox made a good choice and I doubt he'll regret it.
Charles, |
According to Al Porter Allnic has just introduced their DHT DAC and he's ordered one. Having heard the Lamp level 7 it'd be fun to contrast these two
different DHT circuit products. The Allnic will be at the Munich audio show.
Charles, |
Wisnon,
Sorry, I just thought most people on this site were familiar with the knowledgable and long time contributor on audiogon. |
The Coincident Statement and the TRL DUDE are very highly regarded tube line stages.I personally have yet to hear a DAC with VC direct to amplifier sound better than high quality preamplifiers (especially long term). I do acknowledge that we as individuals do hear things quite differently, thus the many choices available in the marketplace. Congratulations Abruce and enjoy!
Charles, |
