Golden Gate DAC arrives.

[marslo]

Just the front. You could probably ask ?ukasz to get the new Big 7 aluminium top cover and have in anodised black, but to me the GG copper case is a true eye candy.

Agreed, but I would like GG all black. The copper case is the real gem so for time being I will focus on tube rolling with my B7 which is custom all black acrylic version.

 

[Geardaddy]

eye candy indeed

 

[Geardaddy]

Second guessing is a human trait to be sure.

your "experience" with is now over, and ironically your thread has become a vehicle for others....the baton has been passed, and for that we thank you....

 

[CGabriel]

Thanks for the photo. We will be trying the PCM function today and perhaps hooking up in balanced mode.

I think I have seen your DAC two weeks ago when dropped my Big 7 for PCM board fitting (prior sale):

 

[CGabriel]

It will takes months to fully burn in. It can be used straight out of the box once you put valves in, but it can be a tweakophile's wet dream if you want it to. Suugest trying 101ds and 300bs to get different sounds.

As for using it as a pre, I prefer other preamps in the chain, though directly it sounds cleaner and faster. I prefer the weight from other preamps, even when I can hear more distortion. That said some of my friends preferred it direct, so that is more preference.

Regarding the volume control, I just use it for DSD on and off, and at the start to put it on and bring the volume up to Zero. So no trouble for me.

In my home system its works very good as a preamp. The bass in full and rich (even better than my reference preamp). As you said it has a purity and clarity especially in the midrange. Vocals are exceptional. At this point it needs to open up in the higher frequencies which are quite recessed. I am sure this will improve as it burns in. Also the soundstage is very dimensional with great depth and space between instruments.

 

[wisnon]

Agreed, but I would like GG all black. The copper case is the real gem so for time being I will focus on tube rolling with my B7 which is custom all black acrylic version.

Apparently the copper can be spray pained black...so you get your pref. colour and the enhanced shielding properties of the copper case.

 

[marslo]

Will ask Lukasz if this spray is long lasting and temperature resistant, thank you.

 

[joeinid]

In my home system its works very good as a preamp. The bass in full and rich (even better than my reference preamp). As you said it has a purity and clarity especially in the midrange. Vocals are exceptional. At this point it needs to open up in the higher frequencies which are quite recessed. I am sure this will improve as it burns in. Also the soundstage is very dimensional with great depth and space between instruments.

I have the Big 7 with volume and dsd. I agree it's an amazing dac. I absolutely love it. I did not really notice any recessed highs but vocals really are outstanding. Depending on tunes used and especially rectifier, 3D is off the off the hook amazing. Bass is wonderfully full, rich and articulate. So glad you are happy.

 

[bonzo75]

In my home system its works very good as a preamp. The bass in full and rich (even better than my reference preamp). As you said it has a purity and clarity especially in the midrange. Vocals are exceptional. At this point it needs to open up in the higher frequencies which are quite recessed. I am sure this will improve as it burns in. Also the soundstage is very dimensional with great depth and space between instruments.

Caelin, the burn in period is long and what you hear is also based on the valves used. Your bass and midrange and details will differ, greatly, based on the recti and output valves you use.

 

[wisnon]

Will ask Lukasz if this spray is long lasting and temperature resistant, thank you.

Welcome Marslo.

 

[Elberoth]

In my home system its works very good as a preamp. The bass in full and rich (even better than my reference preamp). As you said it has a purity and clarity especially in the midrange. Vocals are exceptional. At this point it needs to open up in the higher frequencies which are quite recessed. I am sure this will improve as it burns in. Also the soundstage is very dimensional with great depth and space between instruments.

Wait for the big copper caps to break in. I had the same GG caps in my Big 7 (I had some GG parts already installed) and it took them quite a while to open up. I would guestimate 500h until they are fully broken in.

 

[bonzo75]

Wait for the big copper caps to break in. I had the same GG caps in my Big 7 (I had some GG parts already installed) and it took them quite a while to open up. I would guestimate 500h until they are fully broken in.

I think the Mundorf caps in the power supply (present in the GG, not the B7) take much longer

 

[Elberoth]

BTW - I would like to ask everyone to continue this interesting discussion in the Lampizator threads dedicated to each model that already exist on WBF:

Golden Gate arrives

Lampizator Big 7

This thread, contrary to what thred's title may sugest, was ment to discribe the MadFloyd's problem, not to share user experiences between Lampi users.

I will ask moderator to move the last few pages of posts to the aftermentioned threads.

 

[CGabriel]

Wait for the big copper caps to break in. I had the same GG caps in my Big 7 (I had some GG parts already installed) and it took them quite a while to open up. I would guestimate 500h until they are fully broken in.

Yeah, that's what I thought. It sounds typical of a burn-in issue. Patience.

 

[wisnon]

Yeah, that's what I thought. It sounds typical of a burn-in issue. Patience.

Apparently the GG start to open up after 2 weeks and will take up to 4 months to peak…based on the UK feedback.

 

[Audiophile Bill]

I have the Big 7 with volume and dsd. I agree it's an amazing dac. I absolutely love it. I did not really notice any recessed highs but vocals really are outstanding. Depending on tunes used and especially rectifier, 3D is off the off the hook amazing. Bass is wonderfully full, rich and articulate. So glad you are happy.

Hi Joe. Where did you net out on the recti front?

 

[joeinid]

Hi Joe. Where did you net out on the recti front?

Loving the GZ34 Telefunken reissue right now. Cheap at $35.

I also have the WE 422A. Like the sweetness and vocals but lost some 3D.

 

[wisnon]

Loving the GZ34 Telefunken reissue right now. Cheap at $35.

I also have the WE 422A. Like the sweetness and vocals but lost some 3D.

Try to get your hands on the Phillips miniwatt Metal Base GZ34. AL has one in Queens. I think Andy has tried it too.

Here is some more news I just heard... EML Anniversary globes in MESH plate form will be available soon via Lampi. The Limited edition originals were solid plate only and for the first time they will do mesh Anniv Globes. No idea on price.

 

[Blue58]

Try to get your hands on the Phillips miniwatt Metal Base GZ34. AL has one in Queens. I think Andy has tried it too.

Here is some more news I just heard... EML Anniversary globes in MESH plate form will be available soon via Lampi. The Limited edition originals were solid plate only and for the first time they will do mesh Anniv Globes. No idea on price.

2 pair solid, 2 pair globe. Do I need 2 pair mesh globes? Of course I do. Who doesn't?


Here's one of my pair from the latest batch (2015). Sounding beautiful in my Supanova45 amp.


BTW, I thought metal base Mullard? GZ34 sounded lifeless in the GG when it was here.

Blue58

 

[Geardaddy]

Apparently the GG start to open up after 2 weeks and will take up to 4 months to peak…based on the UK feedback.

That is correct. I have about there months on mine and it has gone through some changes even recently....