Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi Charles and JaFox, my long break-in opinions are based on a break-in tracking spreadsheet correlated with a dated break-in log that I kept during listening sessions throughout the process... I largely applied the same test track that I tend to report on for published articles. As pointed out, memory of past events by itself is unreliable.

Between the 450 and 800 hours mark, the last remenents of treble peakiness and transient stresses in Aeris disappeared, while harmonic coherence, extension, imaging/staging, and overall musicality continue to grow.

G.

Agear,

As a point of clarification, Al's experience was with a very early prototype of the DSD DAC. This was not supposed to be demoed by Al for anyone and I informed him this was NOT the commercial DAC or even as recent as the revision Bruce had heard, but it was all I had available.

I loaned Al my own personal Big 5 DSD for him to evaluate and show to his friends and fellow club members, but he never even took it out of the box in the weeks he held on to it.

I am actually a bit upset to see his posts...

I'm sorry guys. I think I would be doing everyone (and myself) an injustice by rushing the reviews. I have spent a significant amount of both time and money to acquire these units. I want to do it right. I may not wait 800 hours Guido, but I think a good 3-4 weeks of constant zero's and one's is prudent to give each unit a fighting chance.

I may lose a few readers to the time delay, but those who want to know will follow along. I actually think we have developed a great group here. I, for one, am enjoying the ride.

Update:

My DirectStream is delayed. They are waiting for displays. Sigh.

They are expecting it to ship NEXT Monday (6/9). Maybe this Friday.

I asked the representative if they would be willing to keep it there and burn it in for 2 weeks, 24/7 through the USB port. To my surprise, she said she would. Then I have 30 days from the time I get it (with 336 hours already on it).

So my new arrival date is around Mon to Wed (6/23-6/25). I will be able to give it a decent listen upon arrival though, which is nice.

I may even have her keep it 3 weeks, at which time my Aeris will also be done so I'll be able to directly compare them.

OK Gary/Goper, lets get some things straight and clear the air.

1) YOU NEVER told me it was a very early prototype or that it was not supposed to be demoed by anyone and not a commercial DAC. I would have told you not to bother as I would have no clue what it would ultimately sound like.

I requested a DSD DAC that I could evaluate AND also have heard by fellow Club Members and at an up coming Club meeting. Weeks earlier when Luksz was at one of our meetings, from my invite, we discussed with him about coming back in January so we could dedicate a whole meeting to the Lampi.

The Lampi you sent me came much later then you had said I should expect it, I had to email you several times for updates. When it finally did arrive I started to have MAJOR health issues, which I have just started to finally get some relief from, I hope.

Because that DAC had NO volume control/preamp functions I informed you that I could not evaluate it in my system as I had no preamp. So I requested one with a preamp function.

2) That is also when I informed you that if you can get me a replacement ASAP it would be used at the upcoming Club Meeting that was about digital audio.
You were very gracious to offer your brand new DAC and had it sent to me. I also extended in invite to you to the Club meeting so you could be there to make sure all went well.
You also informed me that there may be an issue when first setting it up and to call your tech guy if needed.

Yes, I never took your DAC out of the box. I really felt uncomfortable using your personal DAC and since the host for the meeting had a preamp we could use the DSD DAC. So we did use the DSD only DAC at the meeting and it was liked by about half the club. Not a bad showing for a (unknown to be) early prototype DSD DAC.

Because I was getting sicker and I had no way of knowing when I would have a good day or bad it took me a a little longer then I would have liked to return it. But it was not long by any means. And I did mention to you that I was not feeling very well.

I even mentioned to you that what I heard with Lukasz was so great but that what I heard at the Club meeting was good but just did not sound the same as with Lukasz. I asked you could there be something wrong with the DAC.
Not once did you say that it was an early prototype, as that might have explained it in my mind.

As an example as how bad I have been the last several months, I have not made any of the two Clubs meetings I belong too for the last six months until two weeks ago. I have also been on a leave of absence from work as it is very difficult to leave the house on most days.

Gary, if you had a beef with me you have my email and cell. All you had to do is talk to me.

And what is so wrong in with my posts?? You NEVER stipulated that I could NOT post my impressions or my fellow Club Members.

Is it that you want NO BAD/MEDIOCRE/WHATEVER impressions of the Lampi?!

Lets get something straight for not just you but for everyone.
I CALL THEM AS I SEE THEM. I HAVE NO ALLEGIANCE OR AFFILIATION TO ANYONE. IF AND WHEN I DO I WILL DISCLOSE IT.

BUT I DO RESPECT WHEN SOMEONE REQUESTS NONDISCLOSURE.

When finale thought. If I some how misunderstood you Gary I whole heartedly apologize.

Alright, one more finale thought. I still hope to hear a PCM/DSD Lampizator DAC with preamp function (not a top of the line one)in a worthwhile system. I epect to over the next few weeks/months, health willing. I would love to confirm the great sound I heard that day that Lukasz played his DSD only DAC at the end of our Club Meeting last fall.