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.