Ok. So I was treated to a taste of the Lampizator Big 7 generation 6 tube DAC. I had heard a generation 1, and owned a generation 1 Big 6. To say this is a different beast entirely is an understatement!!! The first iterations were garage built, tube sounding, sort of big and warm and mushy. They offered signs of,” I’m gonna get better.... You just watch and see!” Well I did watch and see, with the current generation of Big 7, a super terrific Golden Gate, and now the Pacific I think these guys have established themselves and are going the distance!
The case is beautifully built and wiring matches that level of craftsmanship. Detail oriented construction. Switches, plug receptacles and layout on the back are well thought out, stable and hold cables securely. I was a bit surprised at how light it was. With the size of the case, I expected it to be heavier. There is a knob on the back to select between different drive tubes and it’s click is secure and the indicator points directly at the proper label; no question as to what setting it’s on, and no knob jiggling. My version was single ended only. There is no sign of garage built anymore. This is a “manufactured” product.
I was given a tasting of tubes but was motivated towards the Kronzilla 242’s and a 274b Chinese rectifier tube. After much playing I agreed these were the best of what they sent. As I learned later on, I think a better 274b would have made a difference, but thats ok. I’ll expand on that in the listening comments.
I am at the point where my expectations for a DAC are not low. In fact, I’m quite demanding to be honest. My current references are world class and I have had many many through my doors. So...... As it was single ended I can’t comment on a direct apples to apples comparison. I don’t have an identical rca interconnect to my xlr; something I will have to rectify. I did use the same power cord. I will say that for a tube DAC the level of resolution and accuracy was impressive. I believe the into to be around $10k based on tubes and outputs. And I found its performance overall comparable to solid state dacs in the same price range. If you want the opportunity to adjust flavor by rolling tubes, this dac is a no brainer! Base was deep and taught, but there was a transitional mid to low base bloom that gave the music a sense of intimacy and warmth that some would definitely consider coloration. Mids and up were correct and engaging. No sign of ringing, sibilants, or exaggerated high frequencies made the performance a long listening session pleasure. I would not call it a detail monster, but what it provided was pleasurable and I never felt it lacking in that regards. Trailing edges were sustained but not infinitely; Ive heard better at this price but nothing to complain about. Dynamics were punchy and provided impact and scale, while the DAC portrayed a proper sense of pace and rhythm overall. As I listened more, I felt it’s greatest flaw was that it was slow. Leading edges took too long and I felt like I was waiting for the music, if that makes sense. I wondered if that was a byproduct of the quality of the 274b rectifier tube; and Fred (the importer) agreed it may be contributing. I did not have the tube or opportunity to try a better 274b, but I sincerely believe it would be better with better rectification. It could be the power supply as well, or even a mismatch between my Shunyata power cord and the Lampy power supply. Trial and error would tell, but I didn’t have that opportunity.
The DAC just left and I truly look foreword to Fred visiting in a few weeks with a Pacific DAC. he’s just got to get over his muscle tear. That’s what we old guys get for trying to prove ourselves to our young kids on Fathers Day! We push ourselves, they still win; and we hurt ourselves. Time to pass the baton Fred. Hope you fee better soon. Motrin and heat packs. And listen to some of that great Lampy gear you have!!!