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New Lampizator Level 4/ Version 4 DAC in the house

Wonder if any other new owners of this DAC are out there as I find it to be the finest digital playback I have heard to date. This is the first digital front end piece of gear I have owned that has transformed my music.

Ya, other digital gear does this or that better, but this Lampy breaks through to a new level of musical enjoyment. Clear view into the music helping the speakers just disappear. Only 24 hours of break in and the music flows so sweet, intimate and seemingly without boundaries.

Looking under the hood I see an impressive power supply with films caps and several high quality chokes. Point to point silver wired except for the digital and USB boards. This is a three tube player that is tube rectified. One has the option for SS rectification if desired.

Ya, I love this Lampy!
128x128grannyring
grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,525 posts
 
Agear, I am getting better sound with my computer compared to a CD transport. This was not the case right away, but over time I am learning how to make this a reality.

Apple Mac Mini 2009 large model
Large SSD drive
Mojo Audio power supply
Host of software tweaks on the Mini
Wywire USB cable
Amarra 2.5 version
No iTunes! Playlist thru Amarra only - important!
AIFF rips
XLD ripper for Apple

No CD transport I have tried is as good. Right now I have a modified Rega Apollo 35 Anniversary player.

Just an FYI
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bill,
The PWT is a high speed DVD ROM with a memory buffer, not a traditional laser CD spinner. There's a difference.
Charles,
grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,525 posts
 
I am aware of that and would love to hear one someday.
abruce's avatar
abruce
246 posts
 
Grannyring
Try ripping to wav and then aiff, there's is a difference
clio09
3,360 posts
 
Abruce, exactly what is that difference. I have ripped using both as well.

I just basically installed the same front end as Grannyring, save the power supply which I am going to build myself. Also use XLD and a Wywires cable (dealer disclaimer). I use Audirvana which allows you to bypass ITunes save the UI, which I like.

For the rest I am either going direct into the USB input of the Resolution Audio Cantata (another dealer disclaimer), or using the Audiophilleo1 with Pure Power into my Lessloss DAC 2004 MKII. I just set up the Mac Mini this past weekend so I need more time to evaluate but as of now the updated Mac Mini at the minimum is on par with both the CEC TL-51X slaved to my Lessloss, and the CD drive in the Cantata.

I have a fairly light CD collection as I primarily listen to vinyl and analog tape. I was pretty much in denial for a while regarding the merits of computer audio. Thought I would never give up my transport. Now as I type this I am using the remote app for iPad to select songs.

I can now see where Grannyring and many others who have gone down this road before me are coming from. I will admit though a good DAC is a key to getting the optimal sound. If only they could make the front end set up easier than setting up a turntable or tape deck :)
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