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Several months ago I jumped into the Lampizator family on blind faith with a B5, and then quickly a B7. What follows is how I came to Lampizator and what my impressions are. The first part of this is a bit of the journey there – if you just want the reviews, jump about halfway down.
Enjoy!
Jake
History – Starting with Linn
For over 15 years, I have been a huge fan of Linn gear for many reasons. The sound quality is fantastic, the speakers are beautiful, the components are small and efficient and simplistic. With that love affair I have owned many pieces of Linn gear, and in the preamp/DAC range I loved the AV5103, was impressed with the Kinos, and the Akurate Kontrol was amazing.
Throughout that period I have always stuck with streamers for music, all the way back to the Turtle Beach Audiotron in 1998 (quite possibly the first streamer component), but mostly I had a Logitech Transporter largely because of a great interface. Being a fan of Linn, I tried both an Akurate DS and an Akurate DSM, and neither really impressed me; at best both were on par with the Akurate Kontrol. I also wasn’t ready to jump into needing an iOS device or computer for playback either, and certainly the sound didn’t capture me enough to want to make a switch.
With my Akurate Kontrol aging, Linn heading into ever more expensive territory with Exakt, JRiver and other software being more popular and usable, and DACs growing in number, I decided it was time to time to look around. For several years I’d wanted to attend the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver. 2014 was the year I made it finally made it. With designs of looking around for DACs, I knew a few rooms I wanted to check out, but most I didn’t recognize, so I was prepared to be surprised.
After wandering around a few rooms, I walked by the room with Wavelength Audio and Vaughn Loudspeakers. I knew neither, but decided to walk in. Almost as soon as I walked in I was stunned by the sound, the beauty, and the pure enjoyment I felt even in the even just the first few moments! Nothing I’d ever heard from Linn matched this! I had found something I was looking for even though I didn’t know it.
Into Wavelength
After the show I went home and bought a used Wavelength Cosecant DAC. What a revelation over the Akurate Kontrol still sitting in my stack. Only a few weeks later I sold the Wavelength Cosecant and jumped to the Wavelength Crimson, their top of the line USB DAC. Again a jump over the Cosecant.
Now What
Two problems – I only have so much space in my rack and the Crimson was a single input (USB) DAC. I also wanted to plug in my Oppo DVD and Apple TV as well. So while I was *completely thrilled* with the Crimson, I continued to be on the lookout for a multi-input DAC, which could also serve as a pre-amp to reduce the number of components.
While at RMAF I also sought out the Devialet room. Every review I’d read praised the units up and down, and I really wanted to listen for myself. It’s true, the Devialet was a remarkable unit! Easy to listen to, smooth, engaging – again huge general enjoyment of the music. Could I listen for hours on end – I’m not sure.
With the Crimson, I was struck by the idea of tubes, and I have to admit I had always thought of them as old-fashioned so they’d never crossed my mind before, but I was beginning to understand. So I seemed to be considering a future of sound completely controlled by software in the digital realm of Devialet components, or striking out for a completely analog tube-based variety of DAC/preamp.
To Lampizator
In my meanderings around audio forums and websites, I came across Lampizator. Another DAC that was getting stunning reviews almost everywhere. After reading many reviews and looking through the website, I liked the company – trying new things, keeping it local, focusing on music. About 6 months ago I began a conversation with Rob of Lampizator North America. I was truly intrigued, but also wondered about buying such an expensive piece of equipment without every hearing it. There was almost no one in my area to go give a listen to. With almost every review being so good, with reviews describing great customer service, my own experience with Rob, and the guarantee Lampizator offers, on blind faith I ordered a B5 with Volume Control.
With the arrival of the B5, I was impressed with the packing, and soon had it unwrapped and into the rack. Immediately there was a problem though – a low volume thrumming. Even after several days of continuous running it was still there. With several conservations with Rob, it was quickly shipped off to be resolved. Unfortunately the techs weren’t able to find a solution, so Rob offered to build a completely new one. Score big points for customer service with all this!
Meanwhile as I awaited resolution, the US Dollar was getting stronger against the Euro, and several more high-praise reviews of the B7 rolled through websites. With an inquiry to Rob, he offered a great deal to upgrade to a B7, in fact one that was already built so the wait time would be minimal.
So it was that a few weeks later, the B7 arrived and the fun really began!
Reviews and Comparisons
Here’s what you all are waiting for – reviews – and what does it sound like! I’m going to offer some comparisons of the following
Before jumping in, I wanted to share my comparison and listening style. I don’t use Linn’s tune-dem method, or any other stylistic convention. When I listen, first and foremost I’m listening for how much I enjoy the music, how much am I engaged. Will it give me good bumps? Will it draw me in from another room? Will it get me to put down the book I’m reading? How immersed will I feel? Then I’ll listen for more details – how clear is the bass, how does the full range of sound mesh together, how clear are the notes, how clear are sound effects (e.g. bells, clocks, cash registers, etc.). Most important is simply the enjoyment of the music.
The music I do comparisons with include this list and a number of others. Most are favorites and ones I’ve listened to again and again. All are FLAC at 16/44.1 except where noted:
Cosecant
Starting back at the beginning with the Wavelength Cosecant … after this one arrived, I still was using the Linn Akurate Kontrol as a preamp. This was several months ago so my memory is thin, but I remember my impressions being that the Cosecant trumped the Akurate Kontrol easily. Wow – I could jump into the music! The immersion factor was quite high with this little unit. Loads of smoothness and clarity. Mostly what I noticed was the smoothness – not necessarily soft, but an ease to the music, which I can only guess was the tubes. The music seems to be more effortless as well. It still lacked some depth in the bass, which after a lot of playing seemed to be mostly the Akurate Kontrol squelching that somehow. I briefly hooked the Cosecant directly to the amps and used JRiver for volume control, and with the Akurate Kontrol out of the way, there was a bit more spaciousness and definitely more bass coming through. The Akubariks have shown to have everything from no bass to the bass being too boomy – it my system it was always not enough, but the Cosecant started to show the potential in the Akubariks.
Cosecant Conclusion: If you have limited budget and want to consider tubes, find a used Cosecant (most around $2K) and let loose as a portal into high-end DACs.
Crimson
With the arrival of the Crimson, this was my first step into high-end DACs. When hooking it up, I didn’t bother with the Akurate Kontrol (I might have sold it at that point) so it was going straight into the amps with JRiver for volume. The immersiveness factor was very high. The most noticeable difference from the Cosecant was the bass and how it opened up even more at the bottom end. Clearly it has something going for it on the low end. Music still had the smoothness of the Cosecant … and more of it. Overall just more here and there, but nothing I could clearly name. With both the Cosecant and Crimson I found I could listen to music longer, though after 3 or 4 hours my ears were a bit tired.
Crimson Conclusion: The Crimson lives up to its reputation as well. Truly a unique and exceptional DAC. At one point I’m sure it had an edge over others, but others seem to be catching up.
B5
Then comes the B5. With a short break-in, the low-volume thrumming, and a shorter listening and comparison period, this may not be the best review. With the B5, the music seemed to be all over the place for the first 100 hours. Initially it was quite edge-y, and I was wondering about my blind faith. After a while it settled and I could offer a decent comparison with the Crimson, which was plugged into the B5 to use the B5 volume control. After many hours of listening, I could tell very little difference between the Crimson and B5. The B5 was definitely more forward, as if the musicians were almost in my lap. For long-term listening (3-4 hours), the Crimson was a little easier to me, but the B5 was certainly not fully up-to-par either.
B5 Conclusion: Lukasz has an awesome DAC in the B5 to match the Crimson in sound, at a better cost and with more possibility for things like Volume Control, multiple-inputs, and DSD Mon. Where the Crimson wins is sheer looks, the wood edge panels and silver case are beautiful.
The B7
Before I get to the sound, and let the anticipation build … The B7 is big, the biggest component I’ve ever owned. It stands out no matter what, something you can show off, especially with 3 large tubes glowing on top and a small light and interface on the front. It both hides itself with minimalism, and shines with the tubes. The remote is small with just the buttons needed, something I really liked after TV and DVD remotes with what seems like a hundred buttons. It’s also quiet, no hums or anything with the unit sitting idle. It’s there when you want it to be, and then hides itself away in plain sight.
For the sound - The B7 is another league! Even from the first sounds, I was blown away. My enjoyment factor was the best it has ever been, the immersiveness into the music and every note was pure and deep with all the nuances shining in their own way. Music is alive with the B7, breathing, full of life. The music is definitely more forward that the laid-back sound of Linn, but not the forwardness of the B5, the music stayed right where it should. Every word I write is just going to be another superlative echoing what everyone else has stated.
To put that into a few details … Again the bass really shines, the Akubariks have always been good, and now they have a great bass. Crisp, detailed, right on time. The integration of sound from highs to lows was complete with perhaps a bit more emphasis in the mid-range. The natural roll-off/fade of notes is beautiful, though perhaps a tad short, more noticeable in something like The Flight of the BumbleBee with background violins and tympanis. For soundspace, each voice and instrument is exactly where it should be. This isn’t about separation, it’s about naturalness of place and position. Overall a real smoothness.
With Linn gear, I always had this image of how clear the music was – does it feel like I could walk through the music and end up in pure silence behind it. With the B7, it’s totally different. It’s no longer a wall, but simply a point. As if the music if all emanating from a point and if I could get to the point then I’d find the pure silence and source of the music all at the same time. It’s like going from 2D to 3D.
I’ve never heard music presented like the B7 does. The Linn is laid-back and beautiful, the Wavelengths are smooth and expansive. The B7 just draws you in! There is sound everywhere and it’s centered.
Each time I sit down to listen, I am still completely enjoying every sound.
B7 Conclusion: Wonderful! I don’t think there’s much more to say, other than find one to listen to.
Customer Service
I have to make a special call out to the level of service Lampizator offers. They truly seem to be interested in great music, and at the same time they are ensuring everyone finds their niche with their unit working perfectly.
The Rest of the System
Downsides
So where’s the downside? There aren’t many to be honest. The timeliness of shipments seems to be a bit random, both units shipped later than expected, and with the B5 it was stuck in customs for two weeks (not the fault of Lampizator). Almost everyone has noted the actual physical box. It’s rather plain and doesn’t seem to suit the quality inside. I honor their idea of working with local companies, still I’d gladly pay a bit more for something that looks better. With my unit, the top is clear plastic, which one hand looks cool, but it’s still plastic, and once it’s sitting in my rack, it doesn’t matter so much to me. The overall voltage output of the RCA outputs seems to be low, lower than other components I’ve tried. I do see it was noted by one other reviewer as well. It’s probably not a big deal for most, except my amps gain is lower than most so it’s noticeable (I’m working on a solution with Rob and Lukasz) as I regularly hit the top volume and want more.
More to Come
My setup is beautiful right now, the best it’s ever been. I also know that’s more that’s possible and to play with. I haven’t done any tube rolling yet. I’ve heard great things about HQPlayer, but haven’t tried that either. Perhaps the big one is making my way to DSD which most seem to find every better than PCM with the B7.
Conclusion
The B7 is a stunning unit! Not perfect, but for enjoyment and flexibility and possibility, it’s amazing. It’s brought my system to another level of incredible sound (with a few other tweaks). I enjoy listening even more than I ever have which is truly what it’s all about for me! I’ll be keeping this one for a while and smiling the entire time.
Enjoy!
Jake
History – Starting with Linn
For over 15 years, I have been a huge fan of Linn gear for many reasons. The sound quality is fantastic, the speakers are beautiful, the components are small and efficient and simplistic. With that love affair I have owned many pieces of Linn gear, and in the preamp/DAC range I loved the AV5103, was impressed with the Kinos, and the Akurate Kontrol was amazing.
Throughout that period I have always stuck with streamers for music, all the way back to the Turtle Beach Audiotron in 1998 (quite possibly the first streamer component), but mostly I had a Logitech Transporter largely because of a great interface. Being a fan of Linn, I tried both an Akurate DS and an Akurate DSM, and neither really impressed me; at best both were on par with the Akurate Kontrol. I also wasn’t ready to jump into needing an iOS device or computer for playback either, and certainly the sound didn’t capture me enough to want to make a switch.
With my Akurate Kontrol aging, Linn heading into ever more expensive territory with Exakt, JRiver and other software being more popular and usable, and DACs growing in number, I decided it was time to time to look around. For several years I’d wanted to attend the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver. 2014 was the year I made it finally made it. With designs of looking around for DACs, I knew a few rooms I wanted to check out, but most I didn’t recognize, so I was prepared to be surprised.
After wandering around a few rooms, I walked by the room with Wavelength Audio and Vaughn Loudspeakers. I knew neither, but decided to walk in. Almost as soon as I walked in I was stunned by the sound, the beauty, and the pure enjoyment I felt even in the even just the first few moments! Nothing I’d ever heard from Linn matched this! I had found something I was looking for even though I didn’t know it.
Into Wavelength
After the show I went home and bought a used Wavelength Cosecant DAC. What a revelation over the Akurate Kontrol still sitting in my stack. Only a few weeks later I sold the Wavelength Cosecant and jumped to the Wavelength Crimson, their top of the line USB DAC. Again a jump over the Cosecant.
Now What
Two problems – I only have so much space in my rack and the Crimson was a single input (USB) DAC. I also wanted to plug in my Oppo DVD and Apple TV as well. So while I was *completely thrilled* with the Crimson, I continued to be on the lookout for a multi-input DAC, which could also serve as a pre-amp to reduce the number of components.
While at RMAF I also sought out the Devialet room. Every review I’d read praised the units up and down, and I really wanted to listen for myself. It’s true, the Devialet was a remarkable unit! Easy to listen to, smooth, engaging – again huge general enjoyment of the music. Could I listen for hours on end – I’m not sure.
With the Crimson, I was struck by the idea of tubes, and I have to admit I had always thought of them as old-fashioned so they’d never crossed my mind before, but I was beginning to understand. So I seemed to be considering a future of sound completely controlled by software in the digital realm of Devialet components, or striking out for a completely analog tube-based variety of DAC/preamp.
To Lampizator
In my meanderings around audio forums and websites, I came across Lampizator. Another DAC that was getting stunning reviews almost everywhere. After reading many reviews and looking through the website, I liked the company – trying new things, keeping it local, focusing on music. About 6 months ago I began a conversation with Rob of Lampizator North America. I was truly intrigued, but also wondered about buying such an expensive piece of equipment without every hearing it. There was almost no one in my area to go give a listen to. With almost every review being so good, with reviews describing great customer service, my own experience with Rob, and the guarantee Lampizator offers, on blind faith I ordered a B5 with Volume Control.
With the arrival of the B5, I was impressed with the packing, and soon had it unwrapped and into the rack. Immediately there was a problem though – a low volume thrumming. Even after several days of continuous running it was still there. With several conservations with Rob, it was quickly shipped off to be resolved. Unfortunately the techs weren’t able to find a solution, so Rob offered to build a completely new one. Score big points for customer service with all this!
Meanwhile as I awaited resolution, the US Dollar was getting stronger against the Euro, and several more high-praise reviews of the B7 rolled through websites. With an inquiry to Rob, he offered a great deal to upgrade to a B7, in fact one that was already built so the wait time would be minimal.
So it was that a few weeks later, the B7 arrived and the fun really began!
Reviews and Comparisons
Here’s what you all are waiting for – reviews – and what does it sound like! I’m going to offer some comparisons of the following
- Linn Akurate Kontrol/0 (with Dynamik Power Supply) as DAC
- Wavelength Cosecant with Denominator Module
- Wavelength Crimson Balanced with Denominator Module
- Lampizator B5 – Toslink, SPDIF and USB digital inputs, 1 RCA analog input, 1 RCA analog output, and Volume Control
- Lampizator B7 – Toslink, SPDIF, and USB digital inputs, 1 RCA analog input, 1 RCA analog output, headphone, dual Mono DSD128, and Volume Control
Before jumping in, I wanted to share my comparison and listening style. I don’t use Linn’s tune-dem method, or any other stylistic convention. When I listen, first and foremost I’m listening for how much I enjoy the music, how much am I engaged. Will it give me good bumps? Will it draw me in from another room? Will it get me to put down the book I’m reading? How immersed will I feel? Then I’ll listen for more details – how clear is the bass, how does the full range of sound mesh together, how clear are the notes, how clear are sound effects (e.g. bells, clocks, cash registers, etc.). Most important is simply the enjoyment of the music.
The music I do comparisons with include this list and a number of others. Most are favorites and ones I’ve listened to again and again. All are FLAC at 16/44.1 except where noted:
- Fear by Sarah McLachlan from Mirrorbal Live – She hits a high note that’s stunning followed by a surge of instruments.
- Doc Severinsen plays Flight of the Bumblee on Trumpet – This shows off brass really well, and since the notes are so quick, it also shows how quickly the whole system responds.
- Heaven Help Us (24/96) by Ray Charles – a little bit of everything here, brass, piano, female vocalist, Ray’s gruff voice.
- Wag the Dog Soundtrack by Mark Knopfler – Knopfler’s albums always have great bass and this one is no exception. There are also very quiet sections to see how quiet the system is.
- Your Warm and Tender Love by Chris Rea – one of my favorite songs – a mix of Hammond B3 and guitar riffs.
- Various Lyle Lovett songs – Lovett’s albums always have great production quality, good bass, and big-band sound.
- Rodrigo y Gabriela – fast guitar to see how well the DAC moves.
- The beginning of Time by Pink Floyd – bells and separation and drum beats.
- Sorrow by Pink Floyd – how well can the system go into rich musical tapestries.
- George Winston – all contemporary piano pieces (not orchestral), so a good way to show off the reproduction of piano which always seems to be a challenge.
- Lindsey Stirling – a recent addition with tons of electronica bass topped off with a stunning violin.
Cosecant
Starting back at the beginning with the Wavelength Cosecant … after this one arrived, I still was using the Linn Akurate Kontrol as a preamp. This was several months ago so my memory is thin, but I remember my impressions being that the Cosecant trumped the Akurate Kontrol easily. Wow – I could jump into the music! The immersion factor was quite high with this little unit. Loads of smoothness and clarity. Mostly what I noticed was the smoothness – not necessarily soft, but an ease to the music, which I can only guess was the tubes. The music seems to be more effortless as well. It still lacked some depth in the bass, which after a lot of playing seemed to be mostly the Akurate Kontrol squelching that somehow. I briefly hooked the Cosecant directly to the amps and used JRiver for volume control, and with the Akurate Kontrol out of the way, there was a bit more spaciousness and definitely more bass coming through. The Akubariks have shown to have everything from no bass to the bass being too boomy – it my system it was always not enough, but the Cosecant started to show the potential in the Akubariks.
Cosecant Conclusion: If you have limited budget and want to consider tubes, find a used Cosecant (most around $2K) and let loose as a portal into high-end DACs.
Crimson
With the arrival of the Crimson, this was my first step into high-end DACs. When hooking it up, I didn’t bother with the Akurate Kontrol (I might have sold it at that point) so it was going straight into the amps with JRiver for volume. The immersiveness factor was very high. The most noticeable difference from the Cosecant was the bass and how it opened up even more at the bottom end. Clearly it has something going for it on the low end. Music still had the smoothness of the Cosecant … and more of it. Overall just more here and there, but nothing I could clearly name. With both the Cosecant and Crimson I found I could listen to music longer, though after 3 or 4 hours my ears were a bit tired.
Crimson Conclusion: The Crimson lives up to its reputation as well. Truly a unique and exceptional DAC. At one point I’m sure it had an edge over others, but others seem to be catching up.
B5
Then comes the B5. With a short break-in, the low-volume thrumming, and a shorter listening and comparison period, this may not be the best review. With the B5, the music seemed to be all over the place for the first 100 hours. Initially it was quite edge-y, and I was wondering about my blind faith. After a while it settled and I could offer a decent comparison with the Crimson, which was plugged into the B5 to use the B5 volume control. After many hours of listening, I could tell very little difference between the Crimson and B5. The B5 was definitely more forward, as if the musicians were almost in my lap. For long-term listening (3-4 hours), the Crimson was a little easier to me, but the B5 was certainly not fully up-to-par either.
B5 Conclusion: Lukasz has an awesome DAC in the B5 to match the Crimson in sound, at a better cost and with more possibility for things like Volume Control, multiple-inputs, and DSD Mon. Where the Crimson wins is sheer looks, the wood edge panels and silver case are beautiful.
The B7
Before I get to the sound, and let the anticipation build … The B7 is big, the biggest component I’ve ever owned. It stands out no matter what, something you can show off, especially with 3 large tubes glowing on top and a small light and interface on the front. It both hides itself with minimalism, and shines with the tubes. The remote is small with just the buttons needed, something I really liked after TV and DVD remotes with what seems like a hundred buttons. It’s also quiet, no hums or anything with the unit sitting idle. It’s there when you want it to be, and then hides itself away in plain sight.
For the sound - The B7 is another league! Even from the first sounds, I was blown away. My enjoyment factor was the best it has ever been, the immersiveness into the music and every note was pure and deep with all the nuances shining in their own way. Music is alive with the B7, breathing, full of life. The music is definitely more forward that the laid-back sound of Linn, but not the forwardness of the B5, the music stayed right where it should. Every word I write is just going to be another superlative echoing what everyone else has stated.
To put that into a few details … Again the bass really shines, the Akubariks have always been good, and now they have a great bass. Crisp, detailed, right on time. The integration of sound from highs to lows was complete with perhaps a bit more emphasis in the mid-range. The natural roll-off/fade of notes is beautiful, though perhaps a tad short, more noticeable in something like The Flight of the BumbleBee with background violins and tympanis. For soundspace, each voice and instrument is exactly where it should be. This isn’t about separation, it’s about naturalness of place and position. Overall a real smoothness.
With Linn gear, I always had this image of how clear the music was – does it feel like I could walk through the music and end up in pure silence behind it. With the B7, it’s totally different. It’s no longer a wall, but simply a point. As if the music if all emanating from a point and if I could get to the point then I’d find the pure silence and source of the music all at the same time. It’s like going from 2D to 3D.
I’ve never heard music presented like the B7 does. The Linn is laid-back and beautiful, the Wavelengths are smooth and expansive. The B7 just draws you in! There is sound everywhere and it’s centered.
Each time I sit down to listen, I am still completely enjoying every sound.
B7 Conclusion: Wonderful! I don’t think there’s much more to say, other than find one to listen to.
Customer Service
I have to make a special call out to the level of service Lampizator offers. They truly seem to be interested in great music, and at the same time they are ensuring everyone finds their niche with their unit working perfectly.
The Rest of the System
- Linn Akubarik 5-way speakers (passive)
- Lejonklou Tundra Mono with Linn K200 speaker wire to 4 of the speaker drivers
- Linn 2250 with Linn K20 speaker wire to the IsoBarik bass driver
- Linn Silver and Linn standard interconnect cables
- Transparent PowerBank 8 Conditioner
- AppleTV
- Oppo BDP-93
- JRiver and JRemote
- Lenovo M93 Tiny case with Windows 8
Downsides
So where’s the downside? There aren’t many to be honest. The timeliness of shipments seems to be a bit random, both units shipped later than expected, and with the B5 it was stuck in customs for two weeks (not the fault of Lampizator). Almost everyone has noted the actual physical box. It’s rather plain and doesn’t seem to suit the quality inside. I honor their idea of working with local companies, still I’d gladly pay a bit more for something that looks better. With my unit, the top is clear plastic, which one hand looks cool, but it’s still plastic, and once it’s sitting in my rack, it doesn’t matter so much to me. The overall voltage output of the RCA outputs seems to be low, lower than other components I’ve tried. I do see it was noted by one other reviewer as well. It’s probably not a big deal for most, except my amps gain is lower than most so it’s noticeable (I’m working on a solution with Rob and Lukasz) as I regularly hit the top volume and want more.
More to Come
My setup is beautiful right now, the best it’s ever been. I also know that’s more that’s possible and to play with. I haven’t done any tube rolling yet. I’ve heard great things about HQPlayer, but haven’t tried that either. Perhaps the big one is making my way to DSD which most seem to find every better than PCM with the B7.
Conclusion
The B7 is a stunning unit! Not perfect, but for enjoyment and flexibility and possibility, it’s amazing. It’s brought my system to another level of incredible sound (with a few other tweaks). I enjoy listening even more than I ever have which is truly what it’s all about for me! I’ll be keeping this one for a while and smiling the entire time.