LAMPIZATOR THREAD COMMENTS REVIEWS TUNING

[Monsterzero]

The Atlantic TRP is available in both R2R and D/S version

Yes, i was given the option for either or, but d/s is "stock" and considering my loaner was d/s, I decided to go with what I had heard.

 

[Crashem]

Anyone know what's going on with the lampizator dacs that have different "levels"?

I've seen some people comment on "gen 4" "level 4" dacs. Is that an outdated model or something? And would they still be good?

Yes that is an outdated model. Really from their1st generation of dacs. Those dacs likely point to point wiring. the design is similar from a high high level (ie tube amplification etc.) to current dacs, but the circuits are old and likely outclassed by even cheapest of new dacs from lampi.

I can see 3 scenarios where one of these older dacs would be interesting. 1) DSD: Lampi’s original dsd solution was really unique and would likely to be still be competitive today 2) because of the point to point design and design, there are those who have applied their own improvements to the dac and keep it competitive 3) just want a change of pace and get that “tube” sound.

 

[leftside]

Yes that is an outdated model. Really from their1st generation of dacs. Those dacs likely point to point wiring. the design is similar from a high high level (ie tube amplification etc.) to current dacs, but the circuits are old and likely outclassed by even cheapest of new dacs from lampi.

I can see 3 scenarios where one of these older dacs would be interesting. 1) DSD: Lampi’s original dsd solution was really unique and would likely to be still be competitive today 2) because of the point to point design and design, there are those who have applied their own improvements to the dac and keep it competitive 3) just want a change of pace and get that “tube” sound.

Funnily enough I’m listing one of the original Lampizator DSD DACs soon. It’s a fine machine. The Euforia. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lampizator-euforia-dac/

 

[Crashem]

Funnily enough I’m listing one of the original Lampizator DSD DACs soon. It’s a fine machine. The Euforia. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lampizator-euforia-dac/

There was always something special about Lampi's DSD solution. Basically a "chipless" solution with tube amplification. I know people who were using a player like HQPlayer to convert everything to DSD and output it to Lampi DSD. I bet it would still be competitive sound wise today.

 

[leftside]

There was always something special about Lampi's DSD solution. Basically a "chipless" solution with tube amplification. I know people who were using a player like HQPlayer to convert everything to DSD and output it to Lampi DSD. I bet it would still be competitive sound wise today.

Yep. I used Roon or JRiver to do exactly the same.

 

[sloomingbla]

So, I just got my golden atlantic in (non TRP) and I'm not able to get it working rn. I originally tried running it through usb, before figuring out that you had to buy the extra usb thingy to get usb to work, so now I switched to my mini optical - optical out on my pc.
I've made sure the pc is set up to use the optical out, but still no sound. I've made sure to use the correct switch settings on the atlantic, and have it plugged in through RCA to my amp. Any idea on what the issue could be?

 

[Monsterzero]

So, I just got my golden atlantic in (non TRP) and I'm not able to get it working rn. I originally tried running it through usb, before figuring out that you had to buy the extra usb thingy to get usb to work, so now I switched to my mini optical - optical out on my pc.
I've made sure the pc is set up to use the optical out, but still no sound. I've made sure to use the correct switch settings on the atlantic, and have it plugged in through RCA to my amp. Any idea on what the issue could be?

What part of the world are you in? Did you buy it new or used?

Personally I'd speak with the Lampi rep you got it from, assuming you got it new.
Other than that, I'd ask over in the various Lampi threads over on whatsbestforum.com

 

[sloomingbla]

I got it used, from the music room audio distributor who said they tested and it's working fine. I'm in the usa, and I had it shipped from Colorado. Can confirm the voltage is also set correctly.

 

[Monsterzero]

My TRP was a literal plug and play via USB, so I am unfamiliar with any additional USB requirements to get it to work that way. Does your DAC have a built-in pre amp?

 

[sloomingbla]

Maybe it wasn't the usb then, at this point. I had read in the online user manual that the usb port needed an extra something bought to make it work, so I just assumed that was the problem and went sp/dif, but considering that isn't working either then something's off.

The computer DID recognize the amp when I plugged it in via usb.

This isn't the TRP though - it's an older model, manufactured in 2018. I am not sure if it has a built in pre amp, but I think it does.. is a pre amp a requirement for the dac to run?

Also, I haven't worked with tubes before, so I wonder if maybe I put the tubes in wrong. They went in pretty easy and there's little resistance when pulling them back out (I did all of the changes while the amp was off, after waiting a few minutes). Is there supposed to be a click or something when putting the tubes in? The big tube is pretty hot so I know it's running, the two smaller ones aren't really heating up though.

EDIT: Definitely weren't plugged in correctly. Lets hope I didn't damage anything.. Waiting for it to heat back up atm.

 

[sloomingbla]

WHOOP!. Just hadn't put the tubes in correctly. Is now working. Thanks haha

 

[Monsterzero]

This isn't the TRP though - it's an older model, manufactured in 2018. I am not sure if it has a built in pre amp, but I think it does.. is a pre amp a requirement for the dac to run?

A preamp is not required to use. If yours has a preamp, it will have a gain knob on the front, like mine. It is hard to see, but there is a large black knob to the right of the blue power button on the faceplate.

You will also see a LED window on the left of mine with multiple bars going horizontal, tell you how much gain you have applied. In this photo I have it up to -13db

Is there supposed to be a click or something when putting the tubes in?

No click, infact when inserting tubes, the sockets feel a bit spongy.

Can you take a photo or two of the front and back and share them here?

EDIT: glad you got it sorted. Enjoy.

 

[sloomingbla]

I will say it sounds rather bright and thin atm. Is this something waiting for the amp to heat up will fix, or is this possibly another issue on my end? Again, Tube noob here haha

 

[Monsterzero]

I will say it sounds rather bright and thin atm. Is this something waiting for the amp to heat up will fix, or is this possibly another issue on my end? Again, Tube noob here haha

Tubes do need time to warm up, before they start to sound good. I would also assume the shop you got it from did not include premium tubes. Since youre a tube noob, understand that tubes are def not all created equally.

I will once again refer you to whatsbestforum and begin your crash course in Lampizator tube rolling 101. Another thing to check is after powering down your DAC, make sure all of the tubes are seated firmly.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-valve-tube-rolling-review-thread.26478/

I would also recommend that you watch some videos on how to safely insert and remove tubes.

EDIT: your DAC does not have a built in preamp.

@ALRAINBOW and/or @leftside can probably advise you very well on tube suggestions.

 

[leftside]

I will say it sounds rather bright and thin atm. Is this something waiting for the amp to heat up will fix, or is this possibly another issue on my end? Again, Tube noob here haha

Yours needs a preamp. Most don't come with a built in preamp (the one that monster has DOES). I'm surprised you get any sound at all.

In my living room I have the same DAC as you (but balanced with 4 4P1L tubes). You are going to be in for quite a treat when you get a preamp. For my TRP (and turntable) upstairs I had Mick in Australia build me a pre-amp. Wonderful combo.
http://www.supratek.com.au/

For now, I'd just get any preamp that "works" so you can check all is working properly.