Lampizator Baltic-3 DAC in da House!

**Devg** · December 3, 2020, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

Is the DAC about what 5 1/8" on its feet ( no tube)

1/16" shy of 5"

**CPP** · December 3, 2020, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by Devg

1/16" shy of 5"

Hey thanks

**Puma Cat** · December 7, 2020, 01:36 AM

I'm still running in caps and tubes, but the Lampizator Baltic-3 is proving to be an outstanding DAC.

Excellent orchestral soundstaging, instrumental imaging precision and placement, and overall soundstage depth, breadth and height. Very, very quiet and tonally neutral with accuracy of instrumental and vocal timbres, with the body, weight, warmth, and richness of real music. Superb resolution, definition, articulation, and inner detail, yet exceptionally natural-sounding.

Just a close-up pic with the mesh-plate EML 5U4G installed the as the rectifier.

**TheOctopus** · December 7, 2020, 01:54 AM

Sounds like an enjoyable DAC although I usually find richness, weight, warmth and yet a neutral tonal presentation an elusive combination. I do prefer to listen to music away from dead neutral towards a more meaty and a richer presentation since I listen for pleasure, not to review or master music. If that dac can accomplish all those parameters at once, it is a very impressive dac indeed. Following your progress with it.

**Puma Cat** · December 7, 2020, 02:22 AM

Originally Posted by TheOctopus

Sounds like an enjoyable DAC although I usually find richness, weight, warmth and yet a neutral tonal presentation an elusive combination.

Elusive, but not unheard of; they are not a "mutually exclusive" set of attributes. Dynaudio speakers are another product that has these attributes, as does the Rega Planar 10 and Apheta 3 MC cartridge.

When I say "neutral", think of a digital photo with 18% gray with R/G/B values of 128/128/128. This does not mean that red, green, blue within that photo are not their respective colors; they are, however these hues are uncomtaminated by coloration from a lack of neutrality.

Hope that clears that up.

**TheOctopus** · December 7, 2020, 02:42 AM

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Elusive but not unheard of. Dynaudio speakers are another product that has these attributes...

When I say "neutral", think of a digital photo with 18% gray with R/G/B values of 128/128/128. This does not mean that red, green, blue within that photo are not their respective colors; they are, however these hues are uncomtaminated by coloration from a lack of neutrality.

Hope that clears that up.

Sounds more like the D'Agostino amps from my previous system which is a very elusive combination indeed. Yes, I understand what you mean. Richness of tone and generous harmonic envelope without excessive coloration, overall darkness, lack of upper octave natural energy, sparkle or perceived air and resolution are traits that are very valuable. Especially from one box, under $10k and not at multiples of the cost... Sounds good so far!

**u-sound** · December 7, 2020, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by TheOctopus

I usually find richness, weight, warmth and yet a neutral tonal presentation an elusive combination.

usually it is dynamic and pace where the rich&warmth do not stand out.
so, how does the lampi do with that?
interesting and beautiful unit btw

**LampizatOr** · December 10, 2020, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by Devg

Those who are wondering what those 6SN7 tubes with red base in the photos are - they are Shuguang WE 6sn7 Plus. The blue 6SN7 are the Psvane 6SN7-BE. Would be interesting to know why Lampi choose these two particular ones.

Hi, the story is extremely simple. We bought 30 pairs of EVERY 6SN7 and dereivatives octals - that are CURRENTLY produced in the world and we made a switching machine allowing to swap tubes by a remote relay on the flight - and we made A-B championship, with quarter finals, semi finals and finals. When the blindfold was removed - these two tubes got the gold medal ex Aequo. They are simply the best.

**joeinid** · December 10, 2020, 06:55 AM

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Very impressive!

Originally Posted by LampizatOr

Hi, the story is extremely simple. We bought 30 pairs of EVERY 6SN7 and dereivatives octals - that are CURRENTLY produced in the world and we made a switching machine allowing to swap tubes by a remote relay on the flight - and we made A-B championship, with quarter finals, semi finals and finals. When the blindfold was removed - these two tubes got the gold medal ex Aequo. They are simply the best.

**ivic** · December 14, 2020, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

I wonder how tall the dac stands with the tubes installed ?

The minimum total height from feet to top of tubes you will achieve depending on tubes model installed is 19.5 CM you should ask for reduced height tubes, with the usual ones height will be around 25 CM.

**ivic** · December 14, 2020, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

I got some rack space limitations (8") and it would require a whole to new rack.

You can order it with reduced height tubes, so the total height from feet to top of tubes will be 19.5 CM this height will fit in your 8" rack.
If in the future you change your rack have a look at Artesania Audio Racks, they are easy adjustable in height.

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Devg

That is what they supplied to me as well. I probably have some other 6SN7 NOS (from the Cary Slp-05 days) and I would like to try at later point. The rectifier can also play a big role in improving the sound.

Did you try VT99 with adapter as well (aka 6F8)?

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Devg

Cool. Where are you getting it from ? I was thinking of the Psvane ACME 274B. Any Lampi owners have an suggestions ?

Yes, Shuguang GZ480, Old Fivre and Marconi 5r4gy/5U4g, double mica 5r4gy (Haltron/Mazda/CEI/Fivre/Certron, etc). RCA pre WW2 backplates with getters at the top, Certain Brimars/STCs, Cossor 5u4G, Phillips metal base GZ34, Fat Millard GZ37, Kron RK 5u4g, etc. Even try the potato masher 5u4gB (Chatham or other brand).

In other words, the usual suspects.

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Devg

Huh...too bad. That's a 300 bucks out the wallet. And I am starting to envy you

If you get a chance, try the EML 274B - they seem to have some more space and air but the 5U4G has more tighter bass. Both close and are good match for Lampi DACs.

Btw, Lampi amazingly sends junk tubes with their DACs is what I have been told by some Lampi users. After some hrs, the stock recti (I don't even know what it is as all the writings have erased), they started to sound better but still at much less level than the Valvo.

the blue psvanes are NOT junk!

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

I wonder how tall the dac stands with the tubes installed ?

Depends on the tubes...if you mate a GZ34 or a RK 5u4g rectifier t the blue psvane balls, then those tubes add a maximum of 4 inches to the Dac height. Circa 9 inches in total height for RK and 8 inches for GZ34?

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Devg

Well, don't take those to your heart. I know there are many Lampi fans that might get offended but that wasn't my intention. Moreover, I was quoting those words from some long term Lampi friends. Our mind also works differently - I am still impressed even with the stock tubes but once you hear with better ones, as you know, the rest is history....

The blue Psvanes are champion tubes. What will U save by excluding the stock recti? Not much and if nothing else, you use it fr burning in and warm ups. The Baltic 3 manual was recently released.

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 05:16 PM

Baltic 3 manual link attached.
BALTIC DAC | lampizator. (indirect)

Direct link: https://d178dfe1-6094-4971-8b61-f667...a9c078c10b.pdf

**wisnon** · February 7, 2021, 05:45 PM

The B3 is so popular there was a long initial waiting list. Fortunately, it has been reduced, but there is still some wait time I gather. I would love to hear it with the blue tubes and VT99 with adapter. I will get to hear it soon with some other 6sn7, I can compare to Pac and TRP.

**Golum** · February 8, 2021, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

Baltic 3 manual link attached.
BALTIC DAC | lampizator. (indirect)

Direct link: https://d178dfe1-6094-4971-8b61-f667...a9c078c10b.pdf

Thanks for the link Norm!

**wisnon** · February 17, 2021, 07:12 PM

Randy, I just heard it. Its Da BOMB. Likely best value Dac in the lamps line up. Hats off to Lukasz. I now understand why he got a FLOOD of orders. Good thing he said he boned up on parts supply beforehand. His most successful Dac lunch ever.

My advice, run, don't walk, to check it out.

**wisnon** · February 17, 2021, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I'm still running in caps and tubes, but the Lampizator Baltic-3 is proving to be an outstanding DAC.

Excellent orchestral soundstaging, instrumental imaging precision and placement, and overall soundstage depth, breadth and height. Very, very quiet and tonally neutral with accuracy of instrumental and vocal timbres, with the body, weight, warmth, and richness of real music. Superb resolution, definition, articulation, and inner detail, yet exceptionally natural-sounding.

Just a close-up pic with the mesh-plate EML 5U4G installed the as the rectifier.

And like the other Lampi Dacs, its has that "lit from within" vibe to its presentation. Intoxicating sound.

**Puma Cat** · February 17, 2021, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

And like the other Lampi Dacs, its has that "lit from within" vibe to its presentation. Intoxicating sound.

Agreed, 100%. Fabulous DAC.

**wisnon** · April 1, 2021, 09:46 AM

Unfortunately, The VT99 tubes and adapters arrived a week after the demo unit departed, so I could not get to test them. I always wanted a pair of VT99 anyway. Anyway, Golum goes off on holiday with them to Serbia and will get people there to demo them and report back. I am very curious to confirm what Shakti said on another forum.

**Hounddog** · April 1, 2021, 07:20 PM

Listening to the Pacific as we speak. Maybe later, I'll switch over to the MC2/Silver Phono Pre - it's all magical stuff.

**Puma Cat** · April 2, 2021, 06:03 PM

Well, I'm literally in the process of finishing up my review of the Baltic 3 for TAS today. Needless, to say, this is a truly superb DAC, and to date, the best-sounding DAC I've personally ever heard. And, I've bought the review unit.

While not inexpensive at $5900, my hypothesis is the Baltic 3 is fully competitive with DACs many times its price.

Life is good...

**RDSChicago** · April 2, 2021, 06:18 PM

Really enjoying the Big 7. Would love to hear them side by side!

**Ritmo** · April 2, 2021, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Well, I'm literally in the process of finishing up my review of the Baltic 3 for TAS today. Needless, to say, this is a truly superb DAC, and to date, the best-sounding DAC I've personally ever heard. And, I've bought the review unit.

While not inexpensive at $5900, my hypothesis is the Baltic 3 is fully competitive with DACs many times its price.

Life is good...

Cool Stephen! Enjoy!

**Puma Cat** · April 2, 2021, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by RDSChicago

Really enjoying the Big 7. Would love to hear them side by side!

What's the Big 7?

**Puma Cat** · April 2, 2021, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Cool Stephen! Enjoy!

Oh, believe me, I am! Listening to it right now...

**RDSChicago** · April 2, 2021, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

What's the Big 7?

Another Lampizator model. Uses 2 direct heated triodes like 300b, 45, 2a3, 01a, 112a, etc.

**Puma Cat** · April 2, 2021, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by RDSChicago

Another Lampizator model. Uses 2 direct heated triodes like 300b, 45, 2a3, 01a, 112a, etc.

Ah, cool, thanks.

**wisnon** · April 2, 2021, 10:43 PM

Wow Puma. Very impressive assertion.

**Gopher** · June 24, 2021, 12:46 PM

Just a quick PSA for anyone who may have been on the fence for a Baltic 3 DAC... On July 1, 2021 the price will be increasing by 500E. We hate to do it but the costs of supplies needed for the build have increased dramatically.

Best,

Fred A.

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