Help Understanding PCM/DSD Engine Offerings and Superclocks (BG7 & GG)

The new R2R is better than the older PCM module in the Big 7 and yes they are seamless for PCM and DSD (no switching required - yeah!)

You want the new PCM R2R and superclock. Superclock is for PCM and DSD.


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Funny, I had the same question (I am in the market for a second hand GG) and was looking around here for information. Thanks MusicMan!

Wow, I need to call Łukasz and ask about all those new upgrades ... I'm so much behind the curve !

The new R2R is better than the older PCM module in the Big 7 and yes they are seamless for PCM and DSD (no switching required - yeah!)
You want the new PCM R2R and superclock. Superclock is for PCM and DSD.

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Mike, Is the “new R2R” you referenced the Discrete Ladder R2R? Is the "older PCM module" the one that is termed the "2016 PCM Engine" on the above linked-to Price List? Or is the “older PCM module” the one that came before the 2016 one, such as on my 2-year old B7?

I understand it would take some time to answer my questions, but I'm trying to get a handle on what is available and to do so, I need to know what came before, what is currently being offered and on which DAC or DAC's the offerings are the same or different. Others would I'm sure benefit from such data.

While in the aerospace business, we had what we termed a basic option selection system in an attempt to personalize a product for an individual customer. It was a nightmare to plan for and manage because of the 100's of different available combinations. With Lampi's DAC's, the options are minimal, but yet not well identified, itemized or explained. The yin is that Lukasz is constantly improving. The yang is that it's hard to discern what the latest and greatest is, or will soon be!

Being a retired engineer, it's not surprising to me that Lukasz and company aren't necessarily focused on maintaining up to date website information. Given Lukasz’ background, I would guess that R&D is his first love and priority and now, because of his popularity, fulfilling demand comes second. A priority on R&D is commendable, because we Lampi owners are the recipients of that expertise. However, reading through this forum and several others, many (like RV. above) seem to have questions similar to the ones presented (e.g. PCM/DSD Engines; superclocks etc.) when I initiated this thread. As one can tell from my above questions to Mike, most of these questions have yet to be answered and standard offerings and optional offerings remain questionable and confusing!!

Perhaps this isn’t the appropriate venue to clarify such things. If not: (Rob, Fred N/A distributors and Mike, U.S. dealer), please advise where would be better? At any rate, I would think that it was in your best interests as marketers, to make the option definition and selection process as clear as possible to everyone and to then make sure that it’s modified, when changes occur. You and especially Lukasz (see Elberoth's above post) having to field the same or similar questions numerous times from numerous people, must detract from other, more pressing duties (e.g. R&D/production/shipping etc).

Moreover, it is one thing to read forums such this for DAC listening comparisons and tube rolling experiences. It quite a different thing to realize that one must scan these forums in order to obtain the latest and greatest option(s) when ordering a Lampizator DAC! For example, I saw the mention of “superclock's” on a Lampi related forum, but I see nothing mentioned on the Lampizator.eu site about superclocks, their purpose, their benefits and more importantly, their availability and cost on a DAC-by-DAC basis.

I believe Lampizator’s Price List was an attempt to provide answers to most questions, but it contains some information that doesn’t coincide with the ordering information, pricing found in the drop down menus located on the individual ordering webpage for each DAC. This certainly doesn’t help matters. In fact, until someone else mentioned the “Price List” I didn’t know it existed. Plus, it doesn’t answer any of my questions. For example:

“The “2016 PCM” on the B7 is noted as a “28 bit resolution”, while the GG has “26 bit resolution” noted. Is this a misprint or are they indeed different?

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In a perfect world, a matrix would be quite helpful. The columns at the top could list all the DAC’s that are available. The Rows could contain the various options that are available on each DAC. Of course an explanation of the options would be necessary (e.g. footnotes). Something like this would more readily provide answers to questions re. hardware options. Although it may take several hours to create, maintenance thereafter, would take much less time. Especially, if a priority were placed on updating the matrix before products with new options were shipped.

Rather than a matrix, an example of an audio company website that has done a clear, logical job of defining and describing updates and features, including pricing for same, is Atma-Sphere’s support/update page: http://www.atma-sphere.com/Support#Updates.

If NOT a matrix or a webpage like Atma-Sphere's on the Lampizator.eu website, perhaps a “sticky” “wiki” with the answer to my questions and equally specific questions from ohters, could be created by Rob/Fred on this forum, or some other forum (Whatsbestforum, AudioCircle etc.).

At any rate, Rob, Fred, or Mike, it would be great if all my questions here or somewhere were addressed. It sure would help me and I’m sure others understand what’s what…..Thanks!

Lastly, if anyone considers my comments negative, they are not! I present them as positive, but constructive recommendations. I am a very happy Big 7 owner, so much so, that I’m having a difficult time believing that a DAC of such wonderful capabilities could possibly be upgraded or improved upon – kudos to Lukasz and the LampizatOr team for a wonderful product!!