Atlantic DAC - Incoming
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Thank you for the warm welcome Joe, thought I should start looking around the web and found some familiar people here. I've also not met someone in recent times as generous as Mike
.
A question for Winson, one of the reasons I bought my Metrum Octave R2R NOS dac several years ago was what you had to say about it at the time. Since then I have decided that it doesn't have the depth or tone that I'm looking for and was wondering if you could give me some comparisons to the the Lampi line up. I of course realize the difference is huge but was wondering about the warmth difference mainly. The Octave is very detailed so no problem with that at all but tone is what i'm trying to change.
One more thing, the review by part time audiophile (Scott Hull) compared his Border Patrol NOS R2R Dac favorably to the Atlantic albeit not in the same league. Has anyone heard this Dac? I can barely find any info. on the web but Scott told me he really loves it.
The one other review was with the daedalus speakers and the tortuga passive preamp. The reviewer said that the sound was a bit flat, I have tried the tortuga and I'm pretty sure that was the problem. I'm sure it's a good product but careful matching is a must and it didn't work at all in my system.
. A question for Winson, one of the reasons I bought my Metrum Octave R2R NOS dac several years ago was what you had to say about it at the time. Since then I have decided that it doesn't have the depth or tone that I'm looking for and was wondering if you could give me some comparisons to the the Lampi line up. I of course realize the difference is huge but was wondering about the warmth difference mainly. The Octave is very detailed so no problem with that at all but tone is what i'm trying to change.
One more thing, the review by part time audiophile (Scott Hull) compared his Border Patrol NOS R2R Dac favorably to the Atlantic albeit not in the same league. Has anyone heard this Dac? I can barely find any info. on the web but Scott told me he really loves it.
The one other review was with the daedalus speakers and the tortuga passive preamp. The reviewer said that the sound was a bit flat, I have tried the tortuga and I'm pretty sure that was the problem. I'm sure it's a good product but careful matching is a must and it didn't work at all in my system.
Thank you for the warm welcome Joe, thought I should start looking around the web and found some familiar people here. I've also not met someone in recent times as generous as Mike
A question for Winson, one of the reasons I bought my Metrum Octave R2R NOS dac several years ago was what you had to say about it at the time. Since then I have decided that it doesn't have the depth or tone that I'm looking for and was wondering if you could give me some comparisons to the the Lampi line up. I of course realize the difference is huge but was wondering about the warmth difference mainly. The Octave is very detailed so no problem with that at all but tone is what i'm trying to change.
One more thing, the review by part time audiophile (Scott Hull) compared his Border Patrol NOS R2R Dac favorably to the Atlantic albeit not in the same league. Has anyone heard this Dac? I can barely find any info. on the web but Scott told me he really loves it.
The one other review was with the daedalus speakers and the tortuga passive preamp. The reviewer said that the sound was a bit flat, I have tried the tortuga and I'm pretty sure that was the problem. I'm sure it's a good product but careful matching is a must and it didn't work at all in my system.
Are you sure it was me that told you about the Metrum? I suspect it was Gopher, as he used to own one.
If you got an Atlantic which is based on a great R2R board and with tube rectification, you will likely get the depth and tone you seek. I am yet to get a demo, but from what I can infer it will outstanding for the price.
http://hifiknights.com/reviews/sources/lampizator-atlantic/
Thanks, Norman. Just added the correct link.
Interesting review and the comparison with the Golden Gate gives a useful perspective on the Atlantic's performance.
Hi Norman, Well I thought it was you? It was several years ago and a lot of people were talking about it. It wasn't Gopher as I hadn't known him yet on any forum and do recall I already had mine when he was talking about his. Anyway, I know you spread the word on the Lampi gear where ever you go and I'm sure it is good. One of these days I will get to hear it.
tomy2
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Thats a great review! That guy knows how to put his thoughts into writing very well.
My Atlantic is still impressing me each time I listen. I was a little butt hurt that tube rectification wasn't offered when I ordered but the stock Atlantic in combination with a SET integrated I have is sounding superb.
Ok, this was a magnificently descriptive review, but I think a bit disingenuous. He didn't comment on how the sound character of his chosen 101D tubes in the Golden Gate would have been impacting the sound. In my experience rolling tubes in my Big7 with R2R, his description of the GG with WE101D replicas very much sounds familiar. But I would say the B7, and I assume GG too, change dramatically in character with different DHT's. My 300B tubes, for example offer a much more meaty, denser presentation, that very well could have more in common with the Atlantic.
He shoukd at least have acknowledged this variable. And it's an important benefit for those willing to go to the effort to tube roll in order to optimize the sound for their system. Where Atlantic does not offer as much flexibility.
But it it sounds like this Atlantic is a real champ. Tommy, I think it's about time you bring yours down to Tucson! I should have a pair of the anniversary 45 meshes from tHe latest batch within the week.
Therein lies the beauty of offering two platforms. Atlantic - one flavour initially, based on the designer's tastes, but now with the option to roll rectifiers. Big 7/GG - any flavour that you want, with many differing preferences. There is no best combination but repeatability of results may be an issue?
Here's another perspective from an owner/industry player who, I believe, has tried rolling tubes.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=143893.0
[quote author=vtvu link=topic=143893.msg1544765#msg1544765 date=1469325510]
I am one of those lucky ones. I have had four Lampizators in my system: Amber, Level 4, Big 7, and now Atlantic. All four have the Lampizator signature sound - crystal clear, organic, musically-involving. My Big 7 with the volume control served as my DAC/line preamp for a good 1.5 years. It was a versatile component that could take on different personalities with different rectifier and signal tubes. My favorite were the TunbgSol 5AS4a rectifier and Sylvania 2A3 signal tubes. But as I had input switching, USB/SPDIF, PCM/DSD, AND polarity switching all in the same unit, the remote switching was a little complicated and caused confusion to my family members. So I sold it and immediately missed the Lampi sound. When I read about Lukasz' new Atlantic DAC and his enthusiam about it I had to try it. Lukasz, besides being a brilliant designer, has one of the best ears in the business. A good engineer cannot make good-sounding equipment unless he has good ear. I know and trust Lukasz' ear. So I took a chance on the Atlantic sight unseen.
Having had the Atlantic in my system for two weeks now I can happily report that it is a winner. Since it doesn't have a volume control option or extra line in, I am using it with the Luminous Audio Axiom III passive preamp, a great component in its own right which also is much simnpler to operate.
As compared to the Big 7, I would say that the Atlantic/Axiom combo retains all the positive characters of the Big 7 but also has a crystalline quality not found in the former. The difference is similar to the OTL sound as compared to good tube equipment. I have had good tube designs in my system - Cary, Counterpoint, C-J. But when I first heard OTL equipment, notably Transcendent Sound and Atma-Sphere, I knew I much preferred the OTL sound. But I couldn't deal with the amount of heat generated by OTL equipment, especially in the summer. In addition, all the fussiness of tubes biasing and noise are negatives.
Now I have the OTL sound without the fuss. The combination of the Atlantic DAC, Axiom passive preamp, Wells Audio Innamorata solid state amplifier (another great piece), all plugged into the new Wells Audio Looking Glass power conditioner and wired with DanaCables, is in a word, magical! It has the harmonically-rich sound of tubes, crystalline quality of OTL, tight bass performance of solid state, and the musically-involving, pinpointed soundstage imaging that resembles the real performance. I go to live and mostly acoustical performances at least once a month (just came back from the Montreal Jazz festival) and this comes close to the real thing.
Vinh Vu
Gingko Audio and DanaCable
[/quote]
Here's another perspective from an owner/industry player who, I believe, has tried rolling tubes.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=143893.0
[quote author=vtvu link=topic=143893.msg1544765#msg1544765 date=1469325510]
I am one of those lucky ones. I have had four Lampizators in my system: Amber, Level 4, Big 7, and now Atlantic. All four have the Lampizator signature sound - crystal clear, organic, musically-involving. My Big 7 with the volume control served as my DAC/line preamp for a good 1.5 years. It was a versatile component that could take on different personalities with different rectifier and signal tubes. My favorite were the TunbgSol 5AS4a rectifier and Sylvania 2A3 signal tubes. But as I had input switching, USB/SPDIF, PCM/DSD, AND polarity switching all in the same unit, the remote switching was a little complicated and caused confusion to my family members. So I sold it and immediately missed the Lampi sound. When I read about Lukasz' new Atlantic DAC and his enthusiam about it I had to try it. Lukasz, besides being a brilliant designer, has one of the best ears in the business. A good engineer cannot make good-sounding equipment unless he has good ear. I know and trust Lukasz' ear. So I took a chance on the Atlantic sight unseen.
Having had the Atlantic in my system for two weeks now I can happily report that it is a winner. Since it doesn't have a volume control option or extra line in, I am using it with the Luminous Audio Axiom III passive preamp, a great component in its own right which also is much simnpler to operate.
As compared to the Big 7, I would say that the Atlantic/Axiom combo retains all the positive characters of the Big 7 but also has a crystalline quality not found in the former. The difference is similar to the OTL sound as compared to good tube equipment. I have had good tube designs in my system - Cary, Counterpoint, C-J. But when I first heard OTL equipment, notably Transcendent Sound and Atma-Sphere, I knew I much preferred the OTL sound. But I couldn't deal with the amount of heat generated by OTL equipment, especially in the summer. In addition, all the fussiness of tubes biasing and noise are negatives.
Now I have the OTL sound without the fuss. The combination of the Atlantic DAC, Axiom passive preamp, Wells Audio Innamorata solid state amplifier (another great piece), all plugged into the new Wells Audio Looking Glass power conditioner and wired with DanaCables, is in a word, magical! It has the harmonically-rich sound of tubes, crystalline quality of OTL, tight bass performance of solid state, and the musically-involving, pinpointed soundstage imaging that resembles the real performance. I go to live and mostly acoustical performances at least once a month (just came back from the Montreal Jazz festival) and this comes close to the real thing.
Vinh Vu
Gingko Audio and DanaCable
[/quote]
Hi, I have had L4, L5, B7, and GG in my system, and have spent time with big 6 in a friend's system, and we have a reasonable Lampi gang in and around London so also have heard them in other systems. I have not heard the Atlantic yet.
For me, one thing set the B7 apart from all the lower based models - the ability to resolve complex music (orchestral) was much higher, and that was even with the first version, with cheap 2A3 tubes. The lower models congested. This is also something I look for when I compare other electronics like preamps, for example.
Since then Big 7 has improved, so have the tubes we have rolled in it. The test of Atlantic will be to see if it can resolve such music as well with the dynamics. For $4k, translating to used price of 2k, it seems a no-brainer to me anyway, but for those who seek the ultimate, it will be comparing how they resolve complexity
For me, one thing set the B7 apart from all the lower based models - the ability to resolve complex music (orchestral) was much higher, and that was even with the first version, with cheap 2A3 tubes. The lower models congested. This is also something I look for when I compare other electronics like preamps, for example.
Since then Big 7 has improved, so have the tubes we have rolled in it. The test of Atlantic will be to see if it can resolve such music as well with the dynamics. For $4k, translating to used price of 2k, it seems a no-brainer to me anyway, but for those who seek the ultimate, it will be comparing how they resolve complexity
[/QUOTE]
Would be keen to hear your thoughts, given your experience with the Lampi line and, in particular, the various tube options.
The Atlantic design remains fluid, according to wisnon, with the possibility of 2 more tube types, rollable between brands.
Having said that, afaik, the Atlantic was essentially the Lite 7 innards (presumably modified to fit the 4P1L tube) shoe-horned into a L4 chassis. With the tube rectifier option, it would be similar to the Big 7 but with 4P1L as the only tube option.
Would it get close to the Big 7? That remains to be seen...
The Atlantic design remains fluid, according to wisnon, with the possibility of 2 more tube types, rollable between brands.
Having said that, afaik, the Atlantic was essentially the Lite 7 innards (presumably modified to fit the 4P1L tube) shoe-horned into a L4 chassis. With the tube rectifier option, it would be similar to the Big 7 but with 4P1L as the only tube option.
Would it get close to the Big 7? That remains to be seen...
tomy2
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Just curious what you think contributes more to getting that more resolving sound with dynamics, the design of the circuit or the fact that the B7 uses the big dht tubes? I guess a comparison of the L7 and B7 would be good for that along with the Atlantic.
I'll be comparing my Atlantic this weekend to a B7 even though I'm not expecting much in terms of a close fight like the one reviewer made it sound.
This is still very much in the *possibility* realm and though it has been discussed, I'm not sure it will be a reality. A part of the beauty and allure of the Atlantic is that it will not overwhelm people with choices of tubes and people who would normally go solid state can tip toe out of their comfort zones (and be rewarded kindly for doing so).
No idea, I imagine it is the power supply and the analog output section, plus the fact that you can put the best valves in audio in front if the chain.
I've been thinking of trying one of these solid state rectifier drop in replacements in the Big 7 just to see what that sounds like. http://www.tedweber.com/wu4gb
Would that be a good emulation of what the Lite 7 might sound like?
I wouldn't be surprised if it's a fairly close fight. Looking forward to it!
Yes, AL tried them and liked them. Not as good as WE or Tak, but pretty competitive with the more average tube rectifiers.
Thanks. Totally agree with the last point.
Which leaves room for a rather unusual choice to order the Atlantic with the tube rectification option and "roll" SS rectifiers, if this is better than the stock SS rectification in the Atlantic/Lite 7. Or is this a fool's errand. Hmm...
We have completed our session. I don't want to post much about my impressions at the moment, as I'd rather let Tom take first crack at it. What I will say right now is that the Atlantic is a very fine sounding DAC.
Some of the combinations we tried:
Atlantic with Aum Tortuga passive pre
Big7 with Takatsuki 300B and NOS Brimar 5Z4GY rectifier, Big7 with Psvane WE101D-L (same as the other review) and NOS Brimar 5Z4GY - both using Aum Tortuga Passive pre
Big7 with Psvane WE101D-L through Hattor passive volume control
Big7 with Psvane WE101D-L through Big7 integrated volume control
All system variables were kept the same between both DACs. They both had Zenwave D4 interconnects into the preamp, and used the same type of Zenwave PL power cord with Furutech FI50 carbon connectors.
Rest of the system includes: Line Magnetic 518ia (Psvane WE845's, 1957 metal base Phillips 5ar4 rectifier, Ei pre-war 12ax7's, new stock Gold Lion KT88's), Daedalus DA-RMa V2 speakers, dual 15" subs - fed by Sonore microRendu powered by HDPlex LPS, along with TPLink fiber media connectors, DLNA file server in another room of the house. All power outlets Furutech GTX-(R), and all power cables Zenwave PL11 or PL14 with Furutech carbon connectors. Zenwave modded Surge-X power conditioner. In other words, diligence has been paid to lowering noise in all parts of the system, as best I can at the moment.