I have found the LampizatOr DAC’s I have heard to be good for Crooner and Jazz however less so for Rock and Classical, too much emphasis on the second harmonic doesn’t make for a balanced performance
The best cost no object tube DAC
Hi agoners,
I just upgraded my system from Mcintosh MC75+C22 amp/pre to Accuphase A-250 monoblocks with C-3900 (right now still using pre function from a loaner E-650 while waiting for C-3900 to arrive). Source is Kuzma XL DC for analog and Cary DMS-600 for digital (Used to be dCS Bartok but I didn’t like it for the price compared to my dirt cheap Cary DMS-600 which I bought pre owned).
The sound quality is night and day difference between my previous setup and the latest one, I have no regret at all as Accuphase is the only SS brand that can tickle my fancy and made me a convert from tube to SS. However, I have to admit that I still miss some tube signature on my music, particularly in the mid range department. I originally wanted to use tube preamp instead of Accuphase C-3900 but I didn’t want to take a risk at this price level of equipment and ultimately decided to just stick with one brand in the power and control department, I also want DG-68 in the future, an ultra high end digital voicing equalizer from Accuphase and it’s full functionality is only possible with Accuphase to Accuphase combo.
The big question is, if I really want to add a bit of tube sound properties on my system, does it make sense to do it from the source? In this case the DAC? If that will work, what would be the best tube based DAC at cost no object level and is Roon Ready? I considered Lampizator but have no detailed informations about it. The website is a bit confusing to me.
Thanks in advance for any advice 🙏
I just upgraded my system from Mcintosh MC75+C22 amp/pre to Accuphase A-250 monoblocks with C-3900 (right now still using pre function from a loaner E-650 while waiting for C-3900 to arrive). Source is Kuzma XL DC for analog and Cary DMS-600 for digital (Used to be dCS Bartok but I didn’t like it for the price compared to my dirt cheap Cary DMS-600 which I bought pre owned).
The sound quality is night and day difference between my previous setup and the latest one, I have no regret at all as Accuphase is the only SS brand that can tickle my fancy and made me a convert from tube to SS. However, I have to admit that I still miss some tube signature on my music, particularly in the mid range department. I originally wanted to use tube preamp instead of Accuphase C-3900 but I didn’t want to take a risk at this price level of equipment and ultimately decided to just stick with one brand in the power and control department, I also want DG-68 in the future, an ultra high end digital voicing equalizer from Accuphase and it’s full functionality is only possible with Accuphase to Accuphase combo.
The big question is, if I really want to add a bit of tube sound properties on my system, does it make sense to do it from the source? In this case the DAC? If that will work, what would be the best tube based DAC at cost no object level and is Roon Ready? I considered Lampizator but have no detailed informations about it. The website is a bit confusing to me.
Thanks in advance for any advice 🙏
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This is pretty simple why: the US Distributor for Lampizator is also the distributor for Final Touch Audio (FTA). I personally never understood what the big deal is with Lampi, and listen to many models several times. But the FTA cables look intriguing.
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I am back! Gonna resurrect this dead thread! LOL!! Good news is my dad is recovering well so I have more peace of mind and it’s time to go back. Somebody offered me an ex demo Lampizator Pacific in RCA only configuration, but Jadis JS1 MKV is also intriguing and I am strongly considering it. Will report back after some more updates. During my short forum hiatus I also slowly upgraded the entire system again. Check out my Virtual System |
When or two things to consider ,matching a very good power cord to the dac makes a world of difference , as well as the Digital cable . Lampi recommends and I own the Final touch audio USB cable it is a very detailed natural cable all built one at a time using a very unique method ,the Copper has a high degree of Silver in it ,only found in a few places in Europe and then hammered annealed it is a winner. I had the Wireworld platinum 7 which had a bit more resolution but was not as real or involving , the New Wireworld 8 usb will be out |
I have only heard a few DACs. NAGRA HD DAC X https://www.nagraaudio.com/product/hd-dac-x/ I would pair it with an Innuos Statement music server https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020/04/26/innuos-statement-music-server-review/ I did hear these two together and thought it was outstanding Good luck with your search Jim Perry |
uwiikz: I own a Lampizator Golden Atlantic since two years. I am very, very happy with it, it is musical and detailed. I mainly listen to classical music and it is fantastic, with it and with all other ones. I sincerely recommend it. Regarding your requirements and as you do not have any problem with cost, the Lampizator flagship model: Pacific is Roon ready or Roon bridge or the way that you want to call it and offers WiFi and Ethernet connectivity. They offer a 7 days trial period although I do not know if this is worldwide. |
Lampizator makes awesome DACs. I have a few customers running them and they love how musical they are. The stock tubes stink so assume you are going to need to replace those to get the most out of it. This is a bit below what I would define as "cost no object". Regarding Roon, it has two parts. Roon Server and Roon Player. If a DAC is "Roon Ready" it is equipped with Roon Player software and serves as a renderer. It is always best to have those two things happen on separate devices. This is the approach taken by Antipodes with its servers and players though the player is unnecessary if you have a good Roon ready DAC. Off hand, I can't think of a tube DAC that is Roon ready. To go beyond Lampizator, check out Jadis. The JS1 MkV is insanely good and is based around the AKM 4197 chip which is used in many of the worlds best DACs. Gorgeous in terms of aesthetics, and it sounds better than it looks. Another alternative would be the Ypsillon NOS DAC. This is one of the most natural sounding DACs in the world and uses a very interesting approach. Either of these is going to give you insanely good sound and naturally would be best paired with something like an Antipodes K50. PM me if you are interested in either as an alternative to Lampizator. |
@uwiikz, Please don’t use a Mac mini with Lampizator DAC...that’s like putting a Corolla engine in Ferrari. And yes, the quality of streamer / server just as important as DAC. With your Accuphase gear, I would recommend that you audition Lampizator Pacific and EMM Labs DA2. DA2 is SS but it is one of best DAC’s currently available and synergy with Accuphase is impeccable. I can say unequivocally that my digital competes favorably with my Analog rig (SME 15A-V with Hana Umami Red cart). https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8046 |
Here is another way you can add some 'tubiness' to your system...Buy the DAC of your dreams but add a tube buffer TPB.V1 Tube Preamp Buffer | Tortuga Audio How does it sound? Review: Tortuga Audio’s LDR3.V25 Passive Preamp And TPB.V1 Tube Preamp Buffer | Wall of Sound | Audio and Music Reviews |
I think your reasoning is excellent about applying tubes in the source. I have not owned any Lampizator products, but his progression over the years was perhaps the most intense ever applied to analyzing every aspect of digital and especially how to best handle the signal once converted to analog with tubes. My only concern with tubes is that they are applied in a linear and neutral way to not impose colorations that you might soon identify and tire of. Tubes can be very neutral and honest, but many designers seem to lean on coloration to make their product stand out as having a different sound. My experience is with Audio Logic and Altis, both made by a now deceased designer, Jerry Ozment. Upon first hearing his 24/96 updated Model 34, it simply sounded more real to me than any SS DACs I had heard and I won't budge and am never disappointed or wishing for something I think I am missing. |
