Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Steve,

Congratulations, you have designed a top-notch DAC. When I get the chance I will have to try it out in my own system. Comparing DACs in different systems introduces too many variables. If you have a chance you should hear the Lamp for yourself, it really does present the music in a natural and realistic way.

To my ears, a good tube amp can extract more emotion and body from vocals than its SS counterpart. The difference with tubes is that SS has much more control of the bass and grip of the leading edge definition.

Hope to hear your improvements to the Overdrive this weekend!

Hey Charles,

I think you hit the mark here, we all like different things about musical reproduction. I let a good friend of mine borrow my Lamp L4/G4 and he preferred his Metrum Octave in his system. I was surprised, but can understand why, because music is personal and our ears like different things. Some prefer the hyped hifi sound and others like an easier going natural sound.

It was difficult for me to let go of that Big Six, because I was very happy with what I was hearing from my system. But the opportunity arose and I wanted to hear what the Lamp's DSD sound could offer. It appears Matt likes the Big Six I sold him, and if he does get connected with the Lamp sound like I did, it will be hard for him to let go of its natural sound. It has "soul".

Steve designs the Overdrive, so it's understandable he has bias. Even reading the review it wasn't clear the reviewer chose his DAC over the Analog DAC, more like each had a different presentation that might suit certain listening preferences. To say that the Lamp would need an dressed up OR5 to have a fighting chance is a bit premature, especially since he hasn't even heard the Lamp sound.

Btw, I need to hear that Yamamoto DAC someday! I will send you an email after I get more hours on this Big 7.

Sorry if this is derailing your thread Matt, didn't mean to. You are a lucky camper man, have fun with the shootout!

I would not believe it if not for my recent experience. I had an Apple 2009 mini with Mojo Audio power supply, large SSD drive, all the software mods, and the improvement was the single biggest audio upgrade I had ever made.

Bill, I thought you sold your Offramp?

My roommate used the Lampi7 in his room in Chicago Axpona. He says the Overdrive beats it too.

Vapor I presume. Different speakers and systems. Hard to ground that statement in any objective reality without blinded and/or side-by-side comparisons, and thus the potential contribution of Mattnshilp with his OCD Dac extravaganza!!!

The problem with DACs is that the field continues to evolve rapidly and whatever you choose is likely to depreciate precipitously. Compared to most other component categories, it's hard to choose a DAC for the long haul and have it hold up.

Isn't that the gospel truth...

Obviously it's all subjective and some will take anyone's word on what THEY think is the best, but this is fun stuff. I'm interested in what Matt has to say. Sounds like all of the DAC's in this thread are getting a ton of good press and in the right system, room, folks wont' go wrong. It all depends on what you like etc... This is one of the best threads going on the board now. thanks to all of you who are helping out.