Any one compared a Lampizator to Weiss 202 DAC?


Hi, I'm looking for a great DAC, and am auditioning a tube based Lampizator Level 3 (list $3,900) and it sounds terrific. I'm also thinking of going up to the Lamp level 4 (list $6,000) or the Weiss 202 ($5,400 or so on Audiogon). The more money is a big push but I'm completely digitally based (CD and Mac Mini) so over time it may be worth it. Any body hear the Weiss and the Lamp and have notes on what the differences are? Thanks.
ldworet
Unless I heard the system myself, I would not trust it. And the tracks that they used, Jennifer Warnes for female vocalist? I have these tracks. Not good enough IMO. The Acapella, maybe but never heard it. The ref recordings was 176. It would be better to compare DAC's using mostly 44.1 rips and 96 masters IMO. Maybe a 192 track from 2L.

Also, it is important to drive the amps directly from the DAC and avoid the preamp.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
The system was sub par.

Darby took the L4 home with him. The chap that voted against it should have taken both units home and A/B them and then he would have understood what a mistake he made with his vote. Darby knew that the shoot out was at best a crap shot as the Lamp was far and above the other units.
Hi Glory

I get where you are coming from now. That L4 DAC is amazing to me. After looking at it and the review again it is kind of hard to believe the EE DAC could hang with the L4.

Hi Steve N.

Thanks for chiming in too. I hope to one day own some of your stuff as well. Great quality but way out of my budget currently.

If a DAC has no volume control how would it be hooked up directly to an amp? Would a purely passive preamp be ok for a shoot out? Sorry for the stupid questions.
I agree with Glory here. Some how the best DAC could not reveal its potential in the company of other DACs in comparison. For a shoot out like this the system has to be very revealing in the first place, just a musical system is not enough at all.
I dont agree that a passive preamp is the way to go in most systems, unless the power amp is specially matched that way.