Lampizator Owners & Discussion Thread

[frankn]

On 30/11/2024 at 1:58 PM, rantan said:

It seems to a dac novice like me, that sometimes when you spend $5K on one, it is probably best to not look inside the case.

There is too much of not much in that photo.

Take a look inside of many vaunted pieces of audio wonder and you won’t find as much as you think.  

[Gryffles]

15 hours ago, frankn said:

Take a look inside of many vaunted pieces of audio wonder and you won’t find as much as you think.  

Yep, they always wonder what the hell I'm doing at the hifi shop when i turn up with a socket set, screwdrivers and bathroom scales to prepeare to buy something haha! Yeah right aye, and for the record I rarely go to hifi shops.

Sure it challenges our perception to not see much in a chasssis but this is the case a lot of the time as the circuits just arent that complicated. In fact less can often be more. Look at First Watt for a fine example of audio brilliance containing very, very few parts. Does that mean they are not good value? Umm, no not at all. 

 

Then again when theres too much in there peeps are saying 'whoa what a mess'. Takes all sorts I guess.

 

 

[pete_mac]

On 30/11/2024 at 1:30 PM, Silver Audiophile said:

Process of elimination. They're not United Chemi-cons. The white writing on those runs perpendicular to the thick white strip.

They're probably not Nichicon HZ or FG caps. They have long oval shapes on the white strip, not outline arrows.

They're not Audio Note caps. Not Rubicon caps either (different pattern on the white stripe with those).

 

 

 

They look like Nichicon PW. Great quality 105 degree long life, low ESR caps 

[Gryffles]

1 hour ago, pete_mac said:

They look like Nichicon PW. Great quality 105 degree long life, low ESR caps 

Thanks for that

[Anthony1]

Poseidon DAC - (Lampizator)

Are there many in Australia yet?

Any comments from owners?

Anywhere to audition and inspect in either NSW or QLD ?

Thank you.
 

[Silver Audiophile]

On 08/12/2024 at 9:22 AM, Gryffles said:

Sure it challenges our perception to not see much in a chasssis but this is the case a lot of the time as the circuits just arent that complicated. In fact less can often be more. Look at First Watt for a fine example of audio brilliance containing very, very few parts. Does that mean they are not good value? Umm, no not at all.

No issues here. Less in the signal path to degrade the sound. Simple designs has their merits no doubts when done right. Only two caveats- first it should use quality parts in the signal path (no 50c electrolytics). Second, they must charge appropriately less. Why charge the poor customer $6k for essential an empty minimum design DAC. A much smaller price is reasonable.

 

Edited December 15, 2024 by Silver Audiophile

[MrBurns84]

12 hours ago, Silver Audiophile said:

Second, they must charge appropriately less. Why charge the poor customer $6k for essential an empty minimum design DAC. A much smaller price is reasonable.

A sad marketing strategy I'm afraid.  The association for quality, reputable brand regardless what's inside. 

[wis97non]

On 09/12/2023 at 8:01 AM, georgehifi said:

 

Yes and they don't bode well for a volume control pot hanging off them.

If he used cathode followers for the tube output stage which he doesn't I believe, "there was a chance" for a passive to be used, but the power amps/  would also have highish >33kohm input impedance.  

Stepped resistor ladder. Great for impedance matching downstream. IIRC lamp docs are like 600 to 1k ohm.

[georgehifi]

1 hour ago, wis97non said:

Stepped resistor ladder. Great for impedance matching downstream. IIRC lamp docs are like 600 to 1k ohm

 

If it's a series shunt resistor network it won't, as it behaves I/O the same as a pot does.

As above if the Lampi dac has a cathode follower output stage then it has a chance, but tube aficionados scoff at them saying they don't sound like a tube, but more like solid state.

 

Cheers George

 

[wis97non]

Works great for me....Lukasz knows what he is doing for sure.

[georgehifi]

1 hour ago, wis97non said:

Works great for me.

Not saying it won't work, it will, but it's impedance for the best I/O matching ratios is not great, the sound will not be at it's best, as if it were. 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, wis97non said:

Lukasz knows what he is doing for sure.

Yes he does, but please direct me to where he says on his website, a passive volume control is a good I/O impedance match with his dac with tube output stages?

Like I said "if" he uses a cathode follower output buffer, then there's a chance, but like I said the tube aficionados say those sound too much like a solid state, so you may as go that way, as then there are no  output coupling caps either (another +).

(It also doesn't seem he gives any output impedances specs of any of his tube output dacs)

 

Cheers George  

Edited February 10 by georgehifi

[frankn]

@georgehifi this interview with Lukasz  might be of interest. The Poseidon DAC and Linestage.
13:30 min in chatting about the new volume control. 
 

Lampizator Poseidon

 

[frankn]

I asked ChatGTP to summarise this thread and this is the response. It’s quite good.
I love the statement “lively debate”.  
 

Here is a summary of the content from the provided URL in less than 120,000 symbols:

The thread on the Stereophile forum discusses the Lampizator, a high-end digital-to-analog converter (DAC) manufacturer. The Lampizator DACs are known for their unique design and sound quality, and this thread serves as a discussion platform for owners and enthusiasts of these products.

The discussion covers various aspects of the Lampizator brand and its products, including:

1. User experiences and impressions: Owners share their thoughts on the sound quality, build quality, and overall performance of Lampizator DACs, often comparing them to other high-end audio equipment.

2. Technical details and modifications: Forum members delve into the technical aspects of Lampizator's designs, discussing topics such as tube selection, power supply configurations, and potential modifications or upgrades.

3. Comparisons and recommendations: Participants compare Lampizator DACs to other prominent brands in the high-end audio market, offering their insights and recommendations for potential buyers.

4. Customer service and support: The discussion includes feedback on Lampizator's customer service, warranty, and the overall purchasing and ownership experience.

5. New product announcements and updates: The thread is also used to discuss any new Lampizator models or firmware updates that are released, with owners sharing their thoughts and reactions.

Throughout the discussion, the forum members engage in lively debates, provide detailed technical information, and offer valuable insights for both current and prospective Lampizator owners. The thread serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in the Lampizator brand and its high-end digital-to-analog converters.

[frankn]

Is there anyone with a Lampizator DAC in or around Adelaide, SA that would be willing to allow me to visit to hear one?

[Silver Audiophile]

If anyone in the Hunter-Newcastle area is interested in listening to a Lampi DAC, contact me. Between my friends and I, we own three different Lampi models. 

I also have Aqua Acoustics, Audio Note Kit, and Abbas DACs too. Best way to know if these fine DACs are for you is start by having a listen and trying in your own system. 

 

 

 

[frankn]

@Silver Audiophile We are driving over from Adelaide to the Byron Bay Blues Festival but unfortunately not going via that part of the world otherwise I’d have accepted an invite to visit. 

Edited March 2 by frankn
Add

[Gryffles]

19 hours ago, frankn said:

Is there anyone with a Lampizator DAC in or around Adelaide, SA that would be willing to allow me to visit to hear one?

If you’re ever in Brissy you can drop by for a listen. 

[parrasaw]

3 hours ago, frankn said:

@Silver Audiophile We are driving over from Adelaide to the Byron Bay Blues Festival but unfortunately not going via that part of the world otherwise I’d have accepted an invite to visit. 

With three main choices of itinerary to drive from Adelaide to Byron Bay (and only 80 kms difference between the longest vs the shortest option), maybe a stopover at @Silver Audiophile's place might be worth consideration?

Not just to listen to his different DACs, but what about those Duntechs, and those valve amps?

I better stop, before I get into trouble.

Edited March 2 by parrasaw

[frankn]

46 minutes ago, Gryffles said:

If you’re ever in Brissy you can drop by for a listen. 

Actually we will be in Brisbane after The Blues Festival for a few days. I’ll send you a DM.  Thank you. 

[Nick44]

On 01/03/2025 at 7:39 PM, Silver Audiophile said:

If anyone in the Hunter-Newcastle area is interested in listening to a Lampi DAC, contact me. Between my friends and I, we own three different Lampi models. 

I also have Aqua Acoustics, Audio Note Kit, and Abbas DACs too. Best way to know if these fine DACs are for you is start by having a listen and trying in your own system. 

 

 

 

Out of interest which Lampi and Abbas DACs do you have if you don't mind?

For reference I currently have the Denafrips Pontus/Iris DDC  combo.

I am looking at maybe Aqua or Lampi/Abbas, does the fact you have your Aqua for sale tell me something

[Silver Audiophile]

25 minutes ago, Nick44 said:

Out of interest which Lampi and Abbas DACs do you have if you don't mind?

For reference I currently have the Denafrips Pontus/Iris DDC  combo.

I am looking at maybe Aqua or Lampi/Abbas, does the fact you have your Aqua for sale tell me something

The Aqua La Scala DAC is a solid state R2R DAC with a hybrid tube/MOSFET output stage. It is the better solid-state DAC I have heard. 

Compared to the Denefrips Terminator, the La Scala makes the Terminator sound dry and uninvolved/boring. I have not auditioned the Pontus.

It also comes down to your preference for sound. If you like your music analytical and clinical, then the Lampi, Abbas, and Audio Note is not for you.

The tube DACs has more your characteristic 'tube' character to the sound. Warmer fuller tones, and not the N'th degree of detail. 

 

 

[frankn]

Anyone care to comment on the differences in presentation between the Baltic-4 , Big-7/GG-3  and the newer Poseidon (which also includes a very high quality pre-amp) ?

Do they all exhibit a “house” sound and then differ in the resolution and soundscape or is there more to going up the hierarchy of product range?

[Thelastjedi]

19 minutes ago, frankn said:

Anyone care to comment on the differences in presentation between the Baltic-4 , Big-7/GG-3  and the newer Poseidon (which also includes a very high quality pre-amp) ?

Do they all exhibit a “house” sound and then differ in the resolution and soundscape or is there more to going up the hierarchy of product range?

May I ask which lampi were you thinking of going for? I can't tell you if they have a house sound because rolling the tubes in them make the biggest difference. I own the big 7 mk3 and previously owned the big 7 mk1. The mk3 with the engine eleven using the same tube layout was definitely an improvement in every aspect. I also had the amber 2 which is entry level and the big 7 is much better than the amber again. The higher models may be better but not sure unless having them side by side. Again the tubes make a huge difference.

 

Edited March 4 by Thelastjedi

[frankn]

29 minutes ago, Thelastjedi said:

May I ask which lampi were you thinking of going for? I can't tell you if they have a house sound because rolling the tubes in them make the biggest difference. I own the big 7 mk3 and previously owned the big 7 mk1. The mk3 with the engine eleven using the same tube layout was definitely an improvement in every aspect. I also had the amber 2 which is entry level and the big 7 is much better than the amber again. The higher models may be better but not sure unless having them side by side. Again the tubes make a huge difference.

 

I know tubes easily change the sound (I’ve owned a few full-blown tube products in my time).  I think you have given your opinion in that going up the product line improves performance. 
I haven’t made any choices.  Without being able to hear any of them in South Australia I’m canvassing opinions. 

[Nick44]

41 minutes ago, frankn said:

Anyone care to comment on the differences in presentation between the Baltic-4 , Big-7/GG-3  and the newer Poseidon (which also includes a very high quality pre-amp) ?

Do they all exhibit a “house” sound and then differ in the resolution and soundscape or is there more to going up the hierarchy of product range?

Problem is there is such a huge jump in price from the (now) "mid-level" Atlantic TRP to Poseidon...