Lampizator Big 7 Review

Mike,

That was a tremendous review. Thanks so much for taking the time and care to write it. It's extremely rare to read such honesty about the performance of a component. The folks at TAS and Stereophile could take a lesson from you. The end result was actually what I was expecting, ground breaking DSD performance and very good to excellent PCM performance. I wouldn't mind adding a Big 7 to my system for DSD only. I would keep my K-01 for CD/SACD and high res. PCM. Problem solved! :)

Best,
Ken
 
FlexibleAudio said:
And I have a feeling his next gen products will address your points regarding ergonomics by making DSD conversion and upsampling a no brainer interface. In addition, I expect his DSD methodology will be copied by many. Raw DSD playback without conversion (using filters only) approaches analogue as a matter of science not just sound (especially 256).
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Paul,

I agree with your statement 100%. Lukasz appears to have made a revolutionary breakthrough with raw DSD playback without conversion. When other manufacturers come to the realization that this methodology produces superior DSD performance, they are going to follow suit. This is why I wouldn't purchase a K-01X right now. ;)

Best,
Ken
 
FlexibleAudio said:
The point of my question to Adam is to address the age old question argued in these forums ad nauseam regarding pcm vesus dsd. Many of the arguments are based on hearing a particular format on a less than optimum dac and blaming the outcome on the format not the dac. It is rare IMO to have an opportunity to hear each of the formats on a true sota dac in the same system, ergo my keen interest in getting Adam to weigh-in. Jerry is also in a unique position to opine on this topic given he has the Big 7 and the Berkeley Ref.
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I just answered the DSD/PCM question in the other running Lampi thread, but will post here as well. I find exceptional quality in both formats, with neither able to claim being best. But I do find many more well recorded albums in the DSD format. Maybe more care is taken, knowing that the audiophile market seeks higher quality ?? I am not sure DSD gear is more adept at fleshing quality than PCM gear. My Berkeley Reference can absolutely floor me at times......but the DSD recordings and Lampi dac deliver on a more consistent basis.
As far as a smooth front end, we must remember this DSD rage is still pretty new. The market is now strong enough for companies to support it. By this time next year......it will be a whole different ballgame.
I do love my S-1 Lumin for its simplicity and wonderful app.......but it is a closed system. I ultimately prefer a dedicated computer-based music server, as it allows for DSP correction. And I believe DSP will rule in the future.
 
Very interesting read. Places the G5 PCB model into perspective. Look forward to where they will take the Big7 GG Balanced version to....I'll hang out 'till then.
 
kiwi_1282001 said:
Hi Mike, I was wondering about the above statement. Where is the correct soundstage position for the bass player in the above track and do you have an opinion on why relative to your analog and other digital sources the Lampi would place musicians (differently / incorrectly?) in the soundstage?
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One typo correction (I will fix in my review): the bass player is on the RIGHT speaker, not left. As for what most resembles the Vinyl I played this morning of the same album, it's the Lampi. With the Lampi perhaps even creating more of an intimate performance likely due to the tubes at source. It just seemed to move you up a few rows if you know what I mean. I suspect a good tube phonostage would do the same thing.
 
Mike if I may ask you a question. Going from vinyl to dsd with the lampi. Do you find the dsd to be a little more dynamic over vinyl ?
 
Alrainbow said:
Mike if I may ask you a question. Going from vinyl to dsd with the lampi. Do you find the dsd to be a little more dynamic over vinyl ?
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Not really. I would say the opposite, but I am using the new ZYX Universe Premium Cart which is very dynamic. The Lampi seemed richer though and obviously dead quiet!


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Your reply is what I wanted to hear.
If the source is from analog it should be about the same.
Only pure dsd is somewhat more dynamic. Love your honesty.
Al
 
Thanks Al. I enjoyed the overall performance of the Lampi for this album the best because of the intimacy it created. It just brought me into the band, if you know what I mean.


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Alpinist said:
Mike,

That was a tremendous review. Thanks so much for taking the time and care to write it. It's extremely rare to read such honesty about the performance of a component. The folks at TAS and Stereophile could take a lesson from you. The end result was actually what I was expecting, ground breaking DSD performance and very good to excellent PCM performance. I wouldn't mind adding a Big 7 to my system for DSD only. I would keep my K-01 for CD/SACD and high res. PCM. Problem solved! :)

Best,
Ken
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Thanks Ken!! [emoji3]


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That's what great dsd does. And most will never know or understand it until they hear it right. Analog rules there is no doubt but dsd is a more practical analog Per say.
But with chips it gets ruined or changed and then there is the groups who up sample PCM to make it dsd. I am not saying bad but it's not dsd as it should be. Even the two fpga dacs I own do not get me close enough to great dsd
If I am stressed I want dsd. Of I am relaxed I can now enjoy PCM
Again thanks for the replies and acknowledgment of what you hear.
Al
 
When I get home later I will try to put into perspective a comparison of PCM on my msb and dsd on my lampi. There is plenty to be said for both and although I have a preference the getting there is complex
Al
 
Hi Mike, great review. Just one thing, did you try the orchestral pieces - Mahler etc with the Psvane We replica 101ds, unless I missed it from your review it was with the EML 45s you had on then?
 
bonzo said:
Hi Mike, great review. Just one thing, did you try the orchestral pieces - Mahler etc with the Psvane We replica 101ds, unless I missed it from your review it was with the EML 45s you had on then?
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I would love to have tried those 101D's, but Jerry forgot to bring them. But he's excused! [emoji7]


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Mike , great review ! Fascinating read . Thank you for taking the trouble . Are your views based on the new dual 256 DSD boards ?
 
Jazzhead said:
Mike , great review ! Fascinating read . Thank you for taking the trouble . Are your views based on the new dual 256 DSD boards ?
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I'm not sure, I never lifted the hood sort of speak. Jerry?


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Mike, I'm sorry if you addressed this, but did you try to feed it with the BNC digital out from the Lumin and you Synology NAS at any point in the review?
 
Loop4fun said:
Mike, I'm sorry if you addressed this, but did you try to feed it with the BNC digital out from the Lumin and you Synology NAS at any point in the review?
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Sorry, no. I wouldn't have been able to do native DSD via BNC to coax.


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