Hi Charles, glad you're enjoying this new found level of naturalism in your favorite music. Enjoy! Thanks for all those jazz recommendations in your system's page.
Charles, Jeff, Andrew exciting news regarding L7 and Dale showing together. I will be there to listen to this system. |
Enjoying my Lampy more than ever as I learn how to maximize the sound of my computer based transport. Something else I learned from Steve and Empirical that is yet another upgrade in sound.....
Use a program called Wave Editor and up sample your 16/44 files to 24/96 using the program. I am using the 15 day free trial and the full program costs $75. Cheap upgrade folks. The same type of gain I experienced going from aiff to wav. The upsampled wav files sound even more natural and relaxed removing yet another slight degree of digital artifact. The details can be found on the Empirical Audio site with a link to an Audio Circles thread on the topic. Read it and learn. |
I just saw the Wave Editor link on Steve's site and was curious about it. I am using JRiver and currently upsample 44.1 to 88.2. I will take a closer look at Wave Editor to learn how they accomplish the 44.1 to 96. From my past experience it seemed more practical to upsample in even multiples, but perhaps Wave Editor has a new twist to the process. Won't hurt to try it since it is initially free.
While I am very happy with JRiver I have also considered trying Amarra so I can test out the room correction features in it. Maybe I will try both at the same time. |
I´m using Sample Manager -made by the same people behind Wave Editor- to upsample batch of CDs to 24/88, my favorite rate conversion. I found 24/88 -compared to 24/96- performing way better in the bass section. Meaning, more clear bass resolution -at least to my ears-.
You can also get a trial version of the Sample Manager and it costs the same as the Wave Editor.
Regards,
Daniel |
The room correction feature is awesome! Ya, I was told to try 88 instead of 96 on Wave Editor...I may do this! Some feel it sounds even better. |
Hi Daniel,
What DAC are you using now in this set up? Sounds like you're having much fun.
Charles, |
I recall when I was using Audirvana that the Izotope SRC was imbedded into it. Seemed to work quite well, although for the same reason as I have yet to try Amarra, I prefer not to be tied to iTunes. So that is why I am now using JRiver. I do not believe they are using Izotope for the SRC.
I do prefer 24/88.2 of all the upsampling frequencies I have tried to date with original 44.1 recordings. We will see how 24/96 turns out. |
I'm using Audirvana and upsample everything to 176. Per Lukaz's recommendation |
Hello Charles,
Good to see you again.
Regarding to your question, yes, I´m still using the Yamamoto YDA-01, via the Music Fidelity V-link. It´s difficult or unlikely to part with the Yamamoto. I do like to try another DAC that beats the Yamamoto for the same money.
I´m still tasting the waters with Computer Audio, you know is stills not a mature market -far from it-.
My 1 month experience with Computer Audio goes like this:
1.- Main rig -Esoteric UX-1, Yamamoto YDA-01, Eastern Electric BBA, Leben CS-300, Zu Druid and Zu Method- plays better or equal than 16/44 files through MacBook Pro plus Musical Fidelity V-Link, rest the same rig-. In this scenario I wouldn´t go the computer audio route.
2.- But when 24/88 files enter it´s like a veil is lifted from the original 16/44 file -you know, more light- While I have to use the equalizer embedded on Audirvana Plus to get the sound I like. On the contrary bass seems a bit fuzzed going the 24/96 or 24/192 route, that´s what I favor 24/88.
3.- The best part is when headphones are connected to the Leben, the sound is far better through the computer -24/88- than going straight to Leben sans computer. Especially when using Philips Fidelio UX-1 -great bass- or Audeze LCD 2, Rev 2, -in this case bass is no as deep as Fidelio UX-1, but mids, highs and specially soundstage are the best I´ve ever heard.
4.- Next move. A TEAC UD-501 DAC it´s on its way home. I´m curious to know if it can beat the Yamamoto and if 32 bit depth to 88, 96 or 192 can better 24/88. Reviews are promising -I got a brand new for a fraction of the original Yamamoto price. Let´s see.
Hope this helps.
Daniel |
Hello Clio,
I´ve also tried Izotope embedded into Audirvana but I still prefer upsample to 24/88 via Sample Manager, Izotope again, -at the expense of more disk space- because, to my ears, bass is better defined.
Regards,
Daniel |
I will report back on 88! |
Daniel,
Thanks for the information, you're really enjoying yourself, way to go.
Charles, |
Bill, try streaming wirelessly into Steve's reclocker and then the Lampi. David S found that he preferred feeding his Lampi with a Sonos over his modded Mini + Ifi gadgets.
I personally I am looking closely at true digital transports coming down the pike such as the Lumin. No computers for me in the chain.... |
Agear, not sure I can do this with Offramp....it does not have a wireless option? Perhaps his reclocker unit does? |
Bill, it should be able to... |
I misspoke. You would need the Synchromesh unit |
Agear - I have both Sonos and the Off-Ramp. Even using the Synchro-Mesh reclocker to reduce jitter of the Sonos is not as good as the Off-Ramp by itself. The Off-Ramp is in another class from the other USB converters.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Thanks Steve. I am getting close to wanting to try your Offramp power supply! |
Agear (Steve) are you going to be at CES? If not will the Off Ramp be there? |
Empirical Audio does not exhibit at CES anymore because it is primarily a dealer show. We do RMAF and Newport.
Steve N. |
Jwm, I won't be there due to my work schedule. The Lampizator crew will be there with three different dacs (L5,6, and 7) along with Lucas's new USB transport. They are joining forces with Dale Pitcher from Intuitive Audio. Should be killer..... |
Couple of comments on some prior posts:
1 - Even though some DACs do not need USB power, they sometimes need that leg of the connection to make the initial handshake. That is my experience with my Lampi L4.5/G4 and my PC server. Once the handshake occurs I can lift the power leg (but I don't bother to do so).
2 - My current setup with the PC server + Lampi is the best digital source I have ever heard in my system. I had a Modwright Transporter before this which I really liked. This combination has taken digital to a new level for me. The bass I am getting out of this is almost as good as my vinyl. Currently I am playing with some different interconnects between the Lampi and my preamp to round things off. |
We will indeed be there, however, based on logistics I think we will only have an Level 7 dsd and L5 DSD.
Those DACs along with the GM70 monos, TranspOrt, two music servers, amp stands, etc., are already a tremendous amount to carry and we'd like the two DACs we do show to have both PCM and DSD capabilities (don't have a Big Six with DSD on hand). |
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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, |
andrew, I love the L7 link you posted before in that other thread.
Its the only online feedback I have seen so far, other than emails:
http://www.review33.com/m/forum_msg.php?db=1&tstart=0&s=&topic=47121019144020&start=20&sort=&number=59 |
Gopher,
Can you comment on this "new USB Transport"???
~J |
Jriggy, here is some data: http://lampizator.eu/shop/viewitem.php?productid=145 |
Andrew, that is the tubed USB Converter. I thought Gopher was talking about the SqueezeBox based TRANSPORT. |
the question per Jriggy regarded the USB device.... |
Has anyone compared the Lampizator USB converter to the Offramp? The Lampy website sure makes it sound like the best? It is a tubed unit which is interesting. I do know this. The Offramp makes the USB input on my Lampizator 4/4 dac sound almost broken. So the USB input on my Lampy is certainly not up to the standards of the Offramp. Now the Lampy converter? That is interesting to me. |
Its beyond me why anyone would put tubes in totally digital equipment, even just for power regulation. Nothing about tubes is interesting for digital. If you want it to perform like something from 1950, this would be the way.
When I was in the 7th grade I got a Bendix G15 computer to disassemble. This was all tube digital.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Interesting point Steve. Love to hear what the Lampy builder would say as his tube dac, is digital, and quite special. As for a converter? |
I makes sense to put a tube analog output on a DAC, but even then the power supply must be really good and the tubes really good. The best preamp-type tubes are rare and expensive and mostly NOS. Even these are hard-pressed to deliver tight bass like good SS can. Been there, done that.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
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He spelled out his philosophy on why he used tubes in the www.monoandstereo.com interview.
Check kt out. |
The Offramp makes the USB input on my Lampizator 4/4 dac sound almost broken. you mean the jittery garbage output of the mini? Bill, knowing what you know about the Lampi, do you think the USB transport would be bad? Its beyond me why anyone would put tubes in totally digital equipment, even just for power regulation. Nothing about tubes is interesting for digital. If you want it to perform like something from 1950, this would be the way. Lucas is every bit as much of an engineer as you are Steve. People make choices, and audio, being like a form of alchemy, hybridizes science and art with the nod going to the art (sound) at the end of the day. Bill, you should try the Ifi product line for USB inputs. Cheap and better "advertised" jitter reduction than an offramp. I also suggest you start another thread on Empirical audio. What you have discovered is what I have harping about for some time: your dac is not deficient. Your bastardized computer "transport" is. The Offramp exposed that. Interestingly, quite a few Aussie philes have traded in their Offramps for highly modded Wadias (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1327217166&openflup&115&4#115) Audiophiles are like cats. Everyone on his own idiosyncratic and highly independent journey. |
Excerpt from monoandstereo.com interview:
Why tubes in the audio path?
I have no particular attachment to tubes. If the parrot guano gave better results in signal amplification, or transistors - I would use them. Tubes sound good not because they are made of glass, or because they have vacuum inside, but because I can get away with simple amplifier stage without local or global feedback and without high part count. The tube circuit can be as simple as humanly possible - in my case the stage has just one resistor, one triode and one capacitor. Thats why I love tubes. Listening confirms that the signal is pure, uncorrupted, and the musical content comes through, shining in full musical glory.
What would you say, that Lampizator- Lukasz Fikus is doing different and specific to other DACÂs?
Mainly I am very open to listening test and comparisons. I donÂt follow so called datasheet and white paper specs - I use the chips the way I want and I make the chips sound the way I want, even if the approach is far from textbook or dogmatic respect for manufacturerÂs suggestions. I realized that chips for DAC are not digital devices (like in computers) but they are analog devices, responding really strongly to strange manipulations like power supply filtering, capacitor quality, connection topology, clock frequencies, materials used for wiring and soldering, vibrations, magnetic fields, grounding schemes and so on. Making a chip sound in a specific way is like building violins. Yamaha canÂt duplicate what Stradivari did, it is a secret of the trade. It is like cooking, or gardening, or animal training. It is not about zeroes and ones.
Anything special about topology?
There is nothing special really. Anyone can make a circuit equally good just after 2-3 years of every day testing and trying. What is special is my absolutely fanatical approach to testing by ears in thousands of hours of nightime listening. I use circuits insanely simple, if you remove one more part - everything will collapse. So I am testing the absolute limits of simplicity that I can get away with as an engineer. I remove and remove and remove until I canÂt remove anything else and then I make the circuit sound best under these circumstances. In sound quality less is more, because the signal gets less chances to be distorted and loosing the natural beauty of the music.
What does state of the art digital audio and ultra high-end means for you?
As a Âreverse engineer person I want to see the concept behind it, the simple genius design that can be read like an open book, and if it takes a lot of money to realize - it is a no compromise high end to me. Any educated idiot can make a very sophisticated , over-engineered product and pack it with premium parts and market as high end. Only real genius can make it simple, beautiful and sounding right. Very very few engineers can do this. Kondo was the first one, the Pope of high end, and frankly nothing much after Kondo made any progress or breakthrough. To make best amps, best DAC, best cables and best cartridge in one lifetime is a truly buddhist achievement. And he was not an electronic engineer, not even an electrician, just an open, renaissance man with huge passion.
What are your views on balanced topology? Is it a must for best sound in audiophile branded products?
Balanced operation has many many crazy misunderstandings and myths. It is merely a simple way of achieving something, at the cost of something else. It has no correlation with sound quality. It can be compared to 4x4 car design, which achieves good tracking at the cost of price, noise, fuel efficiency, reliability and turning radius. It is a tradeoff like anything else. Having said that, most good gear out there is SE and thatÂs my personal preference. It makes sense for some products like phono stages and DACs but only in the context of really fully balanced rest of the system and at the cost of almost doubled manufacturing cost.
What sets Lampizator audio design above other manufacturers?
It is the end result - the sound at the price. I design my product to be as timeless as possible - a huge engineering and component value that will stand the test of time not in 2 years like modern electronics but in 10, 20 and 30 years from now.
Do you use pure class A in your signal chain and outputs?
Yes, always.
What is your approach to power supply and how important it is in your opinion?
Power supply is everything. Remove the power supply importance and my DAC is like any other 200 dollar DAC from China. Power supply to the tube anodes, tube heaters, and 9 other digital supply points, sets the LampizatOr DAC aside form the crowd and makes it sound as heavenly as it does.
Separated power supply is highly regarded with audiophiles. What are your views on benefits with outboard power solutions and two box design?
I donÂt follow that path because I really know whats going on, I donÂt just speculate that removing PSU from the Âconsumer should Âbring some benefitsÂ. The separation is a huge tradeoff and the result is a proof - closely built supply delivers faster, better and cleaner. There is no mythical Âinterference because I measure it that it isnÂt there. I will take a one box for a two box any time. I sell DAC Level 5 which is a two box only because of lack of physical space in one box. |
Agear, never said my dac is deficient. I said the USB input does not sound nearly as good direct from a computer vs the Offramp.
Is your "start another thread" on EA comment a put-down? Why? Why the anger? Are you telling what I can and cannot ask on this thread. Why go sophomoric on me and us here Agear?
Anyway, just learning and experimenting and asking questions. Let's keep it friendly. |
Wisdom, great interview and I love the way Lucas tests and listens....love it!
I love his dac and thus this thread. I am always open to the best stuff out there including the Offramp! |
Wisnon I mean. I am sure you are full of wisdom however! |
The Offramp helped me get the most out of my Lampi. It has done the same for many with a multitude of computers. All different brands etc....
I looked up the iFi iLink and if this $250 converter is better than the Offramp, then every Aphile should have one and now! It would be the biggest value in digital audio my a country mile......if true. |
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, |
I looked up the iFi iLink and if this $250 converter is better than the Offramp, then every Aphile should have one and now! I can't say whether the iLink is better than the Offramp, but it is definitely not better than the USB input in my Metrum Hex, especially when run through the iUSB power first, outputting signal only. |
Is your "start another thread" on EA comment a put-down? Why? Why the anger? Are you telling what I can and cannot ask on this thread. Why go sophomoric on me and us here Agear? I am sorry if I angered you with that suggestion Bill. It was a joke or allusion to EA's online propensities including putting down Lampi design principles. Its stealth advertising and business, and there's nothing intrinsically wrong with it. Actually, what you really need is a system thread! |
Mitch2 thanks as that tells me a lot. |
Bill, my sweet spot so far is my mini source (Pure Music) through a Wireworld Starlight USB cable into the iPurifier into the iUSB (unconnected to power) into a Gemini twin cable with only the "signal" side connected and then directly into the onboard USB input of the hex.
The sound is punchy and full of color and body while, in comparison, through the iLink, the sound loses body and becomes somewhat thin sounding with an uncharacteristic absence of the fill-in sounds between performers. I would love to hear an Offramp to satisfy my curiosity as to whether any benefit can be had by using a USB converter over the on board USB input in the Hex. |
Mitch , you can try one and send it back if you are not thrilled. You will like it! |
Well, team Lampizator had a very successful CES. One industry guy with golden ears said the L7 was the closest thing he has heard to vinyl in a digital form, and the Audionote dealer from California said it was some of the best sound at the show. Everyone has their biases, but it is good feedback nonetheless. My tentative plan is still to get a L7 and USB transport. |
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, |
