Potential upgrade to Lampizator DAC

You might state what "improvement" means to you to help people provide advice.

My own DAC journey has led me away from tubes.

The main reason has been transparency. I have decided to avoid coloration earlier in the chain so that maximum information can be tonally shaped downstream where I have more control.  The other reason is that if I have tubes in the DAC, it is harder to assess amplifier or preamplifier changes. (Perhaps you are not planning any changes, though.)

My view, before, was that DACs can help with digital harshness or other unwanted audio artifacts. I chose to eliminate those problems rather than have the DAC do it.

Upgraded a GG1 with engine 53 to GG3 status with E11P along with new Volume Control and USB.

I did not like the USB before or after the upgrade so I use S/PDIF.

There is a night and day difference from E53 to E11P.  I am thinking of E12/2 but will likely wait a while as I am enjoying the GG3 as it is.

I have a sort of opposite view than @hilde45.  I really like the coloration from the DHT's, its not that its covering up harshness its more like it makes the music bloom with space air and decay.

its not that its covering up harshness its more like it makes the music bloom with space air and decay

^^ this ^^

there are innumerable tube dacs out there, then there are lampizators ... rather different kettle of fish, as those who have experienced usually learn

this fellow lukasz ficus has figured something out that few others have

I think direct experience w Lampi and evolution of such is a requirement, but it is the internet.. I own a non DHT Lampi and an Aesthetix Pandora - Signature… neither of which strike me as veiling…

when I upgrade, Lampi will make the audition list along with some solid state offerings - my systems don’t lean DHT but ya never know…

I  know a local tech who contracts to fix them. They come in on a semi-regular basis but I guess people like Italian cars too, so...