Higher End DACs

[Weirdcuba]

I am picking up my lampiZator Pacific at the Tampa Audio Show today, along with a superkomputer. I heard several of their lower end dacs and tried one in my system and went for the pacific. Full report in a few weeks (or maybe months - I’m traveling most of March). I knew that the psaudio, which I loved and is a big bang for the buck, particularly used - was holding my system back. When I get the room built, It should be freakin amazing. I love the tube source with my solid state accuphase amps. I tried accuphase digital sources and, shall we say, it did not work out.

[SCAudiophile]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have heard them both in friends' homes...great choices!!!

Thought about SuperKomputer myself fully loaded, Dual-AES, etc at one point very seriously...

[clpetersen]

From UFguy73 -
"Those are the brands I am fishing around in...would any thought to be a better pairing with the c1100/611s I would be running through?"

I might suggest the Bryston BDA-3 at a much different price point. Superb digital implementation.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...r-measurements

[GreginNH1]

See if you can audition a Chord DAVE. If you like it and want more Chord goodness, you can add a M-Scaler.

I’ve been through many DACS, it is by far my favorite.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

I am picking up my lampiZator Pacific at the Tampa Audio Show today, along with a superkomputer. I heard several of their lower end dacs and tried one in my system and went for the pacific. Full report in a few weeks (or maybe months - I’m traveling most of March). I knew that the psaudio, which I loved and is a big bang for the buck, particularly used - was holding my system back. When I get the room built, It should be freakin amazing. I love the tube source with my solid state accuphase amps. I tried accuphase digital sources and, shall we say, it did not work out.

Wow! Absolute congrats! When I went to the website and looked at it considering it from both sonic and built quality standpoints, I was mightily impressed. Its beauty is breath taking. I hope you will provide many pics. You have put together a knock out system. Never heard of LampiZator until this thread.

These gorgeous tube digital components should complement your TAD R-1 MK II's wonderfully. Very happy for you.

____________________
Charles Updated System
Most recent updates: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic
Amps: McIntosh 1.25KW’s (3) set on floor on custom made cultured marble slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCD1100 SACD player, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie and Wilson Watch Controller (abbr: WC)
Cables main system: Audioquest Wel Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); Wel Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for BR player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for tuner; cables for DVD player not listed
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from WC to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to WC; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes enough to turn the room into a virtual anechoic chamber if desired; however, at present my room is significantly reflective giving me a bright, vibrant, dynamic, highly resolving, smooth sound free of harshness and grain and perfect for my taste; zero slap echo; gorgeous midrange
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.
Room (mancave): 40’L x 15.5’W A-frame; max ceiling height 8’ min 5’; wall within wall construction built of 2 x 6’s; built over garage with custom hardwood floor with gym seal with over 40 Lowes stiffened wooden I-beams supporting floor; complete isolation from rest of house

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

I am picking up my lampiZator Pacific at the Tampa Audio Show today, along with a superkomputer. I heard several of their lower end dacs and tried one in my system and went for the pacific. Full report in a few weeks (or maybe months - I’m traveling most of March). I knew that the psaudio, which I loved and is a big bang for the buck, particularly used - was holding my system back. When I get the room built, It should be freakin amazing. I love the tube source with my solid state accuphase amps. I tried accuphase digital sources and, shall we say, it did not work out.

How about making a short detour to the HHI area to audition the Pacific in my room? The steak and Bourbon will be worth it!!!

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

I am picking up my lampiZator Pacific at the Tampa Audio Show today, along with a superkomputer. I heard several of their lower end dacs and tried one in my system and went for the pacific. Full report in a few weeks (or maybe months - I’m traveling most of March). I knew that the psaudio, which I loved and is a big bang for the buck, particularly used - was holding my system back. When I get the room built, It should be freakin amazing. I love the tube source with my solid state accuphase amps. I tried accuphase digital sources and, shall we say, it did not work out.

Congrats on the Lampizator Jim....I've read nothing but great things about those DACs......can't wait to see your system set up and ready to roll.....that's gonna be a fun time.

- Buck

[Weirdcuba]

Come on over Craig and buck. Steak, bourbon, TAD and Lampizator on me (oh, I forgot - I don’t have any money left, so it may be bring your own refreshments).

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Levitator

I have a similar system to you (C1100, MC1.2KW’s and 800D3’s and my advice would be to try 2 or 3 options in your own system at different price points so you can hear in your own set up the differences - there is no point in my opinion trying to listen to different DACS in other / dealer systems.

FWIW - I went from using the DAC in the C2500 to a K-01X to being fortunate enough to pick up a mint pair of used D1’s (Esoteric) to match with my Esoteric streamer and have been extremely happy, particularly since adding an external clock. Each has added something to my system, albeit to a lesser degree as I’ve moved up in price. From my I’ve read, absolutely worth trying the Schiit or similar plus some higher price point options so you can decide for yourself.

Hope this helps....

Pair of 601s, C1100 and D1100. The D1100 is expensive, but it's simply beautiful sounding DAC. It really shines on CD quality 44 khz . My two cents

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

Come on over Craig and buck. Steak, bourbon, TAD and Lampizator on me (oh, I forgot - I don’t have any money left, so it may be bring your own refreshments).

Well, you can just put a bucket out front in the driveway and a sign that says......”Taking donations for audio equipment”.

- Buck