New Lampizator Level 4/ Version 4 DAC in the house

Jwm, will do!

Shawbros3, my mini is a 2009 with many mods including an outboard power supply ....... Not using the switching wall wart. My Offramp 4 is loaded with Turbo clocks, Hynes Reg, latest transformer .......

The fact is the Dynamo power supply improved the sound more than the Offramp by itself. The Offramp alone was a nice improvement, but the Dynamo power supply was epic. I have shared that with Steve.

Next on my list will be placing Duelund caps in the Lampi!

I also use EA's spdif cable which is killer and should be used with the Offramp. I also use a USB filter made by UltraFi. It does a great job cleaning things up before the Offramp. Go to the UltraFi page and see it. It is called the Aubisque filter. Others make these sort of small USB filters. A/b testing proved this little device works well.

I am sure other means to sonic bliss abound and share what I have found with my Lampi and computer set up.

I am also sure the music player used....Amarra etc, also plays a big role. I think Amarra is the best option with it's room correction EQ tool. So many things impact the sound of a computer based front end. Some systems are more resolving than others making it easier to hear differences. All the little things in the end make a big difference in computer based audio. Which USB port used on the Mini matters, turning off programs in the Mini matters, software mods on the operating system matter. If these things are not done, then the Mini in question my be a jitter nerd:-). Love that phrase!

"If this is reality and believe in break in period, why bother showcasing your system if they are not at its best?"

Well, the show managers will not let us in but one day before the shows and this is simply not enough for break-in. Barely enough time for good setup. BTW, it's not just new components. I have exhibited at maybe 16 shows and each time the equipment needs break-in, even equipment that has had years of break-in. This effect I believe is due to static charge developing on all of the dielectrics during shipping and setup. Sunday is always the best day and it will probably always be that way.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"hooked it up via SPDIF through the Empirical Offramp4 and though he said it sounded better than his Mojo Audio DAC, he expected much more."

There are improvements in the OR5, but there are also updates to the OR4 that make it a LOT better. Those that lose touch by not visiting my forum regularly lose out on these updates. Most are very inexpensive.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"Certainly TAD is one clear exception. They may seek better rooms and may fine tune their systems, but I have not heard much difference from day one onward."

I had TAD E1's in my room 2 years ago at Newport show. They claimed they were broken-in. They weren't. Took 2-3 days before they opened-up.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Audioengr, I'm ONLY questioning reason for bringing NEW components to a show. Show schedules have not changed for years so no excuse IMHO not to prepare properly.

When I move my components, it takes days to settle so I understand Sun has the best sound.

I had TAD E1's in my room 2 years ago at Newport show. They claimed they were broken-in. They weren't. Took 2-3 days before they opened-up.

From my experience, it takes ~350+ hrs before E1 opens up. I would not show unless 500+ hrs.