Lampizator DAC


Hello,
Interested to know if anyone has heard Lukasz Fikus' Lampizator DAC? If so, please describe what you heard and how it compares to others. Also, note as to which level / configuration of the lampizator you auditioned / own.
thanks
128x128grateful
You might try to reach Chris Redmond over at 6 Moons. I believe he is familiar with Lukasz' work.

GLR
I have recently auditioned the most basic version of this dac and found it quite good. Organic, transparent and good dynamics.
I compared it with two other, more expensive, tube based dacs I own....the Exemplar Extant and 3-Dimension audio 18SE....both are excellent and are a bit more refined than the Lampizator but still sharing similar qualities.
Keep in mind this is comparing $5k+ retail dacs to a $1200 retail dac.
I am using the dacs with an RME fireface digital interface (firewire from my MAC) and am using an isochrone masterclock so my application is probably different than most but does not render the dac any less important.
I was impressed enough with this most basic Lampizator that I oredered the top 2-box version with a few upgrades.

Based on my audition, in my system and with my tastes, I think it is a winner and a real nice value.
Thanks so much Glide3. Once you have your top tier Lampizator, please give us a review.
I have an enhanced Level 1 Lampizator DAC with the SRPP differential summator configuration and the 6h6p tube. I think it also has the 100va power supply. It really is a level 1.5. LoL. Level 4 must be out of this world, though level 2 probably represents the best compromise.

I can only compare it to my 15 year old Cambridge Audio DacMagic1.

The LZ DAC has better bass and sounds less compressed. As its new and I have not yet listened much and I suspect I need more break-in time, I can be more forthcoming yet. It is very liquid and analog and raises redbook close to the level of SACD.

Having spoken extensively with Lukasz about the design philosophy and implementation of the DAC, I am confident that this is a first class product. I bought without even auditioning and was certain I would love it.

For more anecdotal reviews, go to his Facebook page; Lampizator by-Fikus
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000847605447
Update:

I thought you would be interested in a quick update regarding a milestone achieved with the 4-tube LZ3. The unit I have has been burning in 24/7 since Lukasz left it with me 10 days ago. It has sounded poor to simply o. k. - nothing really special.
On the back of the 2-tube silver unit, Lukasz installed a reset switch, explaining that sometimes the dac gets "confused" much like a computer. On a hunch, I turned off the LZ3 for about 3 hours. I then restarted the entire system. Yikes! The dac
has completely transformed itself, and it now sounds like what one should expect from a Level 3 LZ! I know the unit still has more break-in time to go, but it sounds absolutely amazing. Go, figure. I can't explain any of this, but the 4-tube LZ3 is now
producing some of the best digital music I have ever heard. I would be pleased if the LZ stayed at its current level of performance, but I know better times are coming. Truly magical. Best regards

(Note: In my system, the LZ3 likes a balanced digital interconnect. There may be technical reasons why an rca cable should be better, but a quality balanced digital link (Stealth Varidig) simply sounds better)
Good stuff Winson.

One day I'll get the money together to try the Lampizator DAC.

I found this review by another A'gon member regarding the Lampizator DAC.

Other LZ DAC review

Enjoy
Thanks

I compiled a bunch of feedback in another thread here.

It just keeps piling on and the DAC keeps getting better and Lukasz keeps tinkering. Another bonus is that older units can be upgraded at cost, if people feel so inclined.

I am glad I got in before the price increases.
Reset switch ?????????
Now what is that and when to use it ? What does it do ?
And, how long does it take to burn in the dac ?
I received the LZ DAC (level 2, generation 2.5, balance, 4 output tubes, analog volume control) over the new year, and it is still breaking in at the moment, but it is definitely special. I'm a DAC nut, and was on a quest to find the best DAC in the world (err...that I can afford).

I divide "good" DACs into two camps. 1)Ultra modern with super detail and frequency extension 2)Organic, warm and liquid.

I have never really found the ultimate middle ground - a DAC that is excellent at both. But I think the LZ is close.

Workmanship and assembly quality could be better, but hey it's significantly cheaper than similar performing DACs.

Will post a detail review, after i really settle in with it.

Some pics here:
http://www.digitalaudioblog.com/p/reviews.html
Pani,

Only some of the latest builds have a reset switch, but for all the rest, the same can be accomplished by unplugging the DAC for several minutes at least and then replugging the power cable and starting fresh. Similar to (hard) rebooting a PC. Remeber, this is digital and chips do go awry some times. You would do this if the unit does not sound as good as you expect.

As for break-in, I expect that 4-5 days on continuous cycle should be enough. I dont do it, I just play when I want and eventually it will get there...I am patient enough.
For dedicated discussions on this make of DAC (by owners) and for answers to burning questions from prospective owners, go to :
http://lzdacowners.xtremeservers.at/index.php
NO

I have JJ ECC88

I know of one person with the E80 though...in the US.

See my mini-review posted above (Jan 23) that I got from that from that owner. The 4 tube LZ3.
Yes, though it is possible to have other tubes. Apparently other exotic NOS tubes may become available that may even best the E80Fs.

Level 4 is a semi-custom job. Level 5 is full on customized.
Please, I invite you to ask such questions at the Owner's forum. You will be able to get feedback from the widest possible knowledge base.
Hey Lampi owners/fans

Hoping to get an L4 in a few weeks. Anyone care to comment on it? Need some more insights on its glory.
Thinking vol control into the Ayon Triton II as amp only...

Thanks
I wasn't too crazy about it...2 things that come to mind is lack of soundstage depth and it is a bit upfront sounding so system matching is important, as always. The rest of the audiophile checklist was fine, but I couldn't get over the relatively flat presentation...but your impressions might be different.
Several months ago I compared a latest L4 with volume control and XLR outputs options against my MW Transporter for a week at home. I use my Transporter for a transport into the L4.

1. L4 sounds very good direct to the amp but it's much much better through my VAC Sig MKIIa preamp. More air, 3D ... NO contest! With all the hype and expectations, I was a bit disappointed.

2 I found the aes/ebu digital input interface much superior to RCA. It was quieter, more coherent, better bass ...

3. L4 is very sensitive to PCs. After trying 4, I settled on the Elrod Statement II. Shunyata Python CX is also very good but my friend took it home with him so couldn't do a back to back comparison.

Overall I like the L4 and found it sounds similar to my MW Transporter. L4 has a slight edge in resolution but on some material, it can be too aggressive and forward. I think L4 has potential and if I have time to tweak, it will beat the MW Transporter but NOT enough for me to change.

With this exercise, my friends and I were very surprised how well my tweaked up MW Transporter held up against the L4. Nothing beats a demo in your own system.
I had a MW Transporter and i found it was just Ok as a transport to another DAC and not that great. I thought that the Mw as a transport made any dac sound very similar to the analog outs of the MW. But when I tried the same DAC with a better transport (Bryston bdp-1), it was no contest and was a league above the MW analog outputs. So I wouldnt make any final conclusions on a DAC if your using a Mw Transporter as the transport. That's been my experience at least... I've never tried a lampizator though so I can't comment on that.
I am planning on acquiring a Lampizator Amber DAC and doing a review on it in 2015. I will share the results when I do.

Cheers,

Juan
Good news! I should be getting the Lampizator Amber DAC next week and will begin putting it through the paces.

I'm so excited!!!

Cheers,

Juan
We're excited for you Juan! Can't wait to hear your feedback on the Amber... I know you'll be quite satisfied!

Fred
Thanks so much, Lampizatorna. It should be arriving this week, and I'll begin warming it up for review. I've got several other DACs lined up for comparison purposes, so let the fun begin!
Actually, with the HUGE recent audio show in Poland, completion and shipment was delayed until yesterday via DHL. I was expecting it today, but customs paperwork apparently preceded it to Ohio and it should be arriving on Monday.

Unfortunately, neither my wife nor I will be there to accept delivery, so I'll probably pick it up from DHL's warehouse on Tuesday after work. I can hardly wait!

Cheers,

Juan
Hi Juan:
I heard a level 7 Lampizator at length at the NY audio show. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. IMHO, this ranked right up there with the best DCS stack, MSB stack, Esoteric stack, Reimyo, CH Precision, Zanden, Playback Designs and other high end exotics. Can't say its better---all different players and all different flavors. But I do think it sounded among the most natural of the above brands with no discernible weaknesses. If I had the dough, I would have bought it outright that day. Congrats. i look forward to your review.
Steve did a great multi level review here:

Covering all models from L4 to L7, skipping L6.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=130389.0
The Amber DAC arrived a few days ago, but with work demands, I've only been able to listen to it sparingly. It sounds pretty nice, but I believe it still needs a little breaking-in time.

I'll give it some time before putting it through the paces.

Cheers,

Juan
Just a little update: I really enjoyed listening to the Amber DAC this weekend. It does high res really nicely, and beautiful recordings sound simply beautiful. Lesser recordings, like MP3 played on Pandora via the Roku, are pleasant and well-defined, but don't hold a candle to better resolution sources. The same goes for HD TV broadcasts: Great resolution movies sound terrific, but lesser fare can be on the bright -- and sometimes -- harsh side.

That's not unusual for high quality DACs. And, mark my words, this is a wonderful DAC!

I will be working on a formal report, and will be scheduling the pick up and comparison of a couple other DACs with it very soon.

Cheers,

Juan
Here's a just published review of the new 5th Generation Lampizator DSD DAC over on Positive Feedback:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue76/lampizator_dac.htm
Excellent review. Well worth reading. Thanks for the review and thanks for the notice here.

Regards,
Yeah, that was a nice review. Great stuff!

It's pretty crazy with my work schedule and an oil painting that I've been commissioned to complete in a few weeks. I may be picking up one of the comp DACs this weekend for my formal report and another in the next weekend or so.

Cheers,

Juan
Currently, I'm pressed hard on some deadlines, so I won't be able to get out my report until after Christmas. Sorry for the delay!

Cheers,

Juan
By the way, my review on the Lampizator Amber DAC is now up! Just go to the main page, click on community, then Member Reviews, then Digital, and lastly on Lampizator Amber DAC Plus DA converter.

Enjoy,

Juan
I will soon be reviewing the LampizatOr Lite 7 DAC. In fact, the review sample is due to arrive later on today at my home! When it goes up, you should be able to read it at my website, w w w . a y l l o n m e d i a . c o m . I will also plan on posting it up on these pages.

Cheers,

Juan C. Ayllon
Great. Looking forward to this one.

I started with the Lampi Amber and now have the Gen 5 Level 4. Love this
thing! But, as you may well know, the good taste makes one wonder just
how much better it can get.
Hey Doak, could share some thoughts on the Amber vs the L4?

I was initially going to get an Amber but then changed my order for an L4 so I'm just curious what you experienced after having both. Thanks
My take on your query:

The Amber is a very good DAC.
The Lampi Level 4 is a great DAC.
Cliched, but the L4 is just in another league.

I liked the Amber.
I love the G5 L4.

It's easily worth what it takes to get there.
The L4 could do well as an ultimate destination- if there is
such a thing in this avocation/obsession. Without going into
any of the audiophile minutia, this DAC really does sound
like music. I can and often do listen through it all day
long.

I've been a die-hard vinylphile and digital-derider for the
last 20 years. I repeatedly ended up disappointed in digital
despite expending quite a bit of time, money and effort in
the attempt to get it to make music. I'd revisit
periodically to give it another go, then get back to analog
to get my music fix.

This time it's been very different. Since I'll be relocating
in the next year to slightly smaller digs, I've actually
allowed myself to consider the possibility of doing it
without the turntable, phono pre and about a thousand pounds
of LPs. I'd have considered the thought heresy on top of
blasphemy just months ago.

I've been an active audiophile for about 40 years. My
Audiogon feedback of 1155, among other things, backs that
up. Ha! Just to say, I take this stuff fairly seriously and
have acquired substantial knowledge and skill along the way.
After too many DACs to count (5 in the last 2 years) I've
found one that does the elusive "IT" for me.
I just received my Lampizator Big 7 balanced pcm/dsd DAC. Holy cow! It's awesome.

http://audioshark.org/lampizator-186/

Easily the best digital that I've heard. I have not heard the uber expensive gear nor care to but Lampizator is the real deal.
Welcome to the club! Get a feel for it at first... Learn its sound character and assets. At some point down the line you should get a great power cable for it then you can start playing with tubes! It 's a total blast; you're in for a ball! Congratulations and Happy Lissn'n!
Grant is that you? Great to hear from you again. Rob and Fred said we should get together sometime at the club meetings.

I finally took the plunge and glad I did.

Love my Lampi.

Joe
Hi Joe, yes it's me. Give me a holler if you can. Great call on the Big 7!!! G.
Congratulations Outlier. You will love it. I loved my Big 7 balanced with volume control, dsd and pcm out of the box. With some break in, Holy Cow! Even more amazing. I have never been so happy with a piece of audio gear. Enjoy!
By the way, if you haven't read it yet, my review on the LampizatOr Lite 7 can be found both in these pages and at my site, Ayllonmedia . com . I was really blown away by its performance and now it has replaced my Amber (which another happy customer bought from me via Audiogon).

Cheers,

Juan
any one in the NYC/NJ area with one of these dacs? I would like to hear one.

Contact me directly via audiogon.
Lots.

The LampiNA distributors are in Manhatten and LI. Many posters at Audiocircle and Audioshark are in the TriState area and own Lampis...People like Joe and Bruce and AL and Fred and Rob and Andy and Shawn...to name a few.
Can anyone help me with instruction manual for a Gen 3 L4 dac.

Mine never came with any documentation. There use to be a link on Lampi site for instructions, but now all the instructions are for GEN 4.

Thanks
I think this is it?

http://gpoint-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Lampizator-DAC-%E2%80%93-User-Manual.pdf