LampizatOr Golden Atlantic + TRP

[marty]

I read this entire thread before I received my new GA TRP. I’ve also skimmed and searched more than I care to admit.





I took a different direction for rectifiers. I email Lukasz asking if it was okay to use a very unconventional rectifier device. He said yes, so I placed an order for a Space-Tech Labs Super Tube Rectifier. the STR-1002. I’ve been aware of the Super Tube Rectifier for a few years. Eventually I took a pass and filed it away as a curiosity. Then a buddy of mine started watering that seed…

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It can use a pair of 211, 805 or 845 tubes and uses the pair as a full wave rectifier. Use of a single tube for half wave rectification is also possible.

There is an umbilical cable that goes in the rectifier socket on the TRP and goes to the back of the STR.

Also in the back is the IEC. The power supplies the heater current for the tubes.

This means the component, TRP in this case only needs to supply the high voltage AC to be rectified so the power supply of the TRP is on easy street.

Last year I finished my dedicated fully treated room. That was and still is the best thing I’ve ever done for my music system. I had extremely high expectations and knew that it was necessary to get the absolute best musical experience I could. It delivered!

After upgrading from a Holo Audio MAY KTE to the GA TRP I was thrilled and figured I would spend my extra cash on other hobbies and interests. Thanks to my buddy watering the seed I ended up with the STR.

I was expecting a change, I was not ready for how transformative it would be! It sounds like a new system. It’s the most involving reach out and touch the music sound I’ve ever heard. Music flows through out the room in a magical way. I was running a Sophia 274b Aqua II and then the EML 274b Mesh. The Sophia is bold and juicy with plenty of density. The EML is more extended and faster, much better attack and space.

The STR with a pair of 845s is more of both! I really don’t get how that is possible.

I’ve had a paradigm shift of my understanding of density, mass, palpability and aliveness of reproduced music.

Details like cymbals being lightly activated when the kick drum is struck. Not since I added all the room treatment have I been so blown away with now much things have changed.

When I had the MAY KTE DAC my vinyl setup was better across the board. Once the TRP had 200+ hours, some things I preferred about the TRP and vinyl still was the king for almost everything. Now with the STR-1002… The TRP is beating the vinyl side in most aspects.

Another thing I really don’t understand. The whole system seems like it has unlimited power now. Isn’t this the realm of the amp and speaker combo? I’m running a 20 watt tube amp into 96db speakers. So plenty of SPL potential. Listening at less than 80 db peaks there is an incredible sense of power—when called upon—to the music.

I have 120 hours on the STR now. I’m still not sure how to express and convey how much of a positive impact this has had on my enjoyment of my system.

I also elected for the choke option. I’ve just recently started listening with the choke active.

Activating the choke is a significant change. Active it gets euphoric, dreamy, enveloping and extra trippy. What is traded is attack, dynamics and precision. Don’t think that those traits are lost when the choke is active. It’s just not as intense compared to no choke.

I’m doing my best to restrain myself and not be too over the top with my joy of adding the STR. The thing is it’s one of the most mind blowing components I’ve ever added to my system so it’s hard not to.

I’ve been having more fun, experiencing more joy and being overwhelming high on life since I’ve added the STR-1002 Super to my system. It could be it’s the last piece in a long journey to the sound I’ve been chasing for half my life.

Very interesting. I'm surprised that we haven't heard of this previously. What does the STR cost?

 

[GroovySauce]

Very interesting. I'm surprised that we haven't heard of this previously. What does the STR cost?

I’m also surprised. I’ve been thrilled with it. Ordered some adapters to run 300B tubes in it, will be interesting to compare to the jumbo tubes.

Depending on the model and options $784 to $1,744+ USD.

 

[Wjhen]

My Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP is back from lampizator with engine 11-p. It has now about 150 hours on it, and I start to get an idea on how it sounds compared to engine 53 of TRP-2. To me, the most important thing engine 11 brings is more control during complex passages in music. It is more detailed but naturally detailed, more nuanced. The ‘see though’ quality is much improved as is bass and bass control. But it is still a nuclear bomb in a small package (see page 1), Dynamic and fun…

When I used the Siemens F2a and the Elrog 274B in the TRP-3, which were my reference for the TRP2, it became too much of a good thing. I really get the comment of Budburna about hyperreal and augmented reality. The TRP2 needed the F2a to keep things in control and make it a very open sounding detailed dac. I am not sure if the TRP-3 needs it as much as the TRP2 does. Replacing the Elrog 274B with the Telefunken rgn2004 mesh helped a lot to recreate a more natural listening experience. Still not 100% satisfied I replaced the Siemens F2a with the Western Electric 350B. I have used these in the TRP-2 as well. Very nice, but no competition for the Siemens F2a. But now in the Engine 11 TRP it was exactly what I needed. Still utterly dynamic, but more natural. Music in a big open space. All instruments have their natural position. Not overly highlighted, more easy on the ear. In the TRP2 the WE350B lacked control and was a bit easy going. Not any more. It is a match made in heaven.

Moral of the story, the TRP-3 with engine 11 is a different beast than the TRP-2. It demands a careful evaluation of tubes. What worked perfectly in the TRP-2 not necessarily works best in the TRP-3. Recent posts in this thread indicate that maybe the way forward for TRP-3 users is to start exploring the Indirectly heated triode territory, the 6J5, 6C5, CV6 etc. I have just bought the GEC CV6. Very curious what that brings.

 

[Redwoodaudio]

Anyone know the output impedance of TRP2 w/ F2a output tubes (if the output tubes matter)?

For anyone else who might be interested, Lukasz verified the outpt impedance of the TRP is approx. 2k ohms, kept high to maximize the musicality.

 

[happyrc]

The Lampi website states that the TRP has over the Baltic "More refinement in timbre and color, natural purity," FWIW.

I'm also interested in if the Pacific digital engine can be installed in the TRP as suggested here, and where its sound then falls on the subjective performance bar graph, per Lukaz?

Interesting to see Lampi preamps now available. I wonder how they compare to built-in preamps? Presumably an upgrade? I'd love to hear one vs my Benchmark LA4 preamp (that replaced a Pass Labs XP22 and Don Sachs tube preamp) in my system behind the TRP DAC.

steve huff preferred the Denafrips pontus II over his $5k Lampizator Amber 3 and $1700 chord Qutest.
And Steve didn’t even add a Denafrips DDC such as a $550 Denafrips Iris , which further improves the sound quality.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2021/10/10/the-denafrips-pontus-ii-dac-review/

 

[Designsfx]

steve huff preferred the Denafrips pontus II over his $5k Lampizator Amber 3 and $1700 chord Qutest.
And Steve didn’t even add a Denafrips DDC such as a $550 Denafrips Iris , which further improves the sound quality.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2021/10/10/the-denafrips-pontus-ii-dac-review/

Who’s Steve Huff and who cares?

 

[Socrates428]

steve huff preferred the Denafrips pontus II over his $5k Lampizator Amber 3 and $1700 chord Qutest.
And Steve didn’t even add a Denafrips DDC such as a $550 Denafrips Iris , which further improves the sound quality.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2021/10/10/the-denafrips-pontus-ii-dac-review/

Ok? Well, one might note that:

1.) This is not an Amber thread. Even if it were, Amber 3 is two generations old.

2.) Since the Pontus II review, Huff has had a stream of ~187 subsequent "BEST DAC EVER" DACs in his system that long since replaced the Denafrips as well...

 

[Designsfx]

@Socrates428
Did you get your adapters and 7193’s happening yet?

 

[Blake]

Who’s Steve Huff and who cares?

Exactly! If you follow Steve (seems like an okay guy), you'd have bought lots of gear, thinking it was the end of the line, but that line keeps on moving every few weeks!

My Golden Atlantic easily beat my Denafrips Terminator Plus + Denafrips Gaia combo, with the cool "clock out" feature engaged (the top of the Denafrips combo meal food chain). And, that's not a knock against Denafrips. Of course, Golden Atlantic is a big step up from the "cheap and cheerful" entry-level Amber.

 

[Designsfx]

Tungsol VT94D nowhere to find. L63 tubes are relatively expensive. I will try maybe later. But... I bought GEC CV6 tubes for decent money. Would you be so kind to provide me the link on where to buy the adapter. Thanks.

@Wjhen
I searched in many directions trying to find a quad of the Tungsol’s and came up dry- I finally settled with an older quad of Sylvania VT94’s. If you’re interested in those send me a note and I’ll forward the contact- they may have some left. I cannot compare them to anything other than the standard metal shell 6J5’s that I own- and there are differences there.
I noticed that no response was given for the CV6 adapters- were you able to find those?
I purchased mine through Xuling- here is the link in case you need it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1915141442...S5H780&hash=item2c9721ede8:g:N4wAAOSwbsBXjwFh

 

[WildPhydeaux]

Linking to my post in another thread as some comments on tube rolling in my TRP.

Post in thread 'Holo May vs Lampizator' https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/holo-may-vs-lampizator.38585/post-964383

Cheers,
Robert

 

[Wjhen]

@Wjhen
I searched in many directions trying to find a quad of the Tungsol’s and came up dry- I finally settled with an older quad of Sylvania VT94’s. If you’re interested in those send me a note and I’ll forward the contact- they may have some left. I cannot compare them to anything other than the standard metal shell 6J5’s that I own- and there are differences there.
I noticed that no response was given for the CV6 adapters- were you able to find those?
I purchased mine through Xuling- here is the link in case you need it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1915141442...S5H780&hash=item2c9721ede8:g:N4wAAOSwbsBXjwFh

Thanks designsfx. I have read your comments on the Sylvania VT94. I had already ordered the adapters for the CV6 tubes from the source you linked in your message. They are on their way.

What I would like is an indirectly heated triode alternative for the Siemens F2a. Buburna stated that the Tungsol VT94 was that kind of tube. Is the Sylvania VT94 such as tube? I listen mostly to large orchestral music and opera, I therefore like air, soundstage, transparancy and such. I do not need 'warm and cosy'.

The WE350B is a great tube: lush but airy and great soundstage. If only deep bass control could be just a little bit better. That is maybe because they are also a bit microphonic. I may need some dampers for that to solve the issue.

By the way, Engine 11-p has now more than 200 hours on it, and it still improves. The sound becomes less 'edgy and staccato' , more easy on the ear. That will serve the F2a tubes well. My Lazlo adapters for the F2a are on its way. So, F2a may still be in the mix. We will see.

 

[Designsfx]

@Wjhen
I can’t offer an opinion on the difference between the Tungsol and Sylvania VT94D as I have not heard them in a direct comparison BUT I can say that while the Sylvania’s that I purchased produced a nice image that particular quad did not provide the same level of energy as other tubes I regularly use.

While I would not call it “warm and cozy” as you’ve called it the presentation was a little laid back for my taste. They are a nice sounding tube and they do provide the detail that you describe but it is definitely not forward or overly present/bright.

I’ve never used the F2a in my system so I cannot provide a direct comparison there but I do know that @budburma has been using F2a’s since taking delivery of his TRP and he keeps going back to a select few 6J5’s that he owns. Indirectly heated triodes in the TRP seem to work hand in hand with each other and I have no doubt that you will be able to find a set that will provide the qualities you’re searching for.

 

[Designsfx]

A follow up on the 7193/2c22 and euro versions CV6/E1148.

AND, the KenRad is amazing sounding with layers and layers of tone, wide/layered quiet stage, and tremendous realistic presence with easy detail. Nothing over empasized, linear and a widely extended warmish sonic palate. For me, total immersion....

I want to thank our good friend @budburma for all of the help and insight with the 7193! After a few side conversations I followed his lead and purchased a quad from a supplier he pointed me to. The tubes and Xuling adapters arrived yesterday and tonight was my first experience with these.



Earlier this morning I unpacked everything and set them in the dac for a long warm up period just to get them settled. After running them for almost 8 hrs it was time to listen.
These are a very interesting tube as they seem to impart some of the qualities of other tubes I own but here they are combined into one tube.

My purchase was for a quad of JAN CRC Ken-Rad 7193’s dated as 1943. While I’ve read many others impressions on this line of tubes and the differences between brands/models I have to say this quad has so far been a total surprise for me.

On my first listen these sound very similar to an old set of metal 6J5’s I own with regard to their overall output and drive. The main differences I’ve noticed so far is that the 7193 (at least this quad) has more of an overall lush tonality than the 6J5. I believe this stems from its high frequency response as well as its midrange production. High frequencies are not shrill nor are they overly diminished. Reverb tails go on well into the background yet they seem to match the overall air that surrounds other instruments within the space. This counters some presentations where it seems a false sense of higher frequency information is suddenly opened up (and with it background noise) in an effort to support hearing decay.

While the high frequency detail seems to be very natural with these tubes the midrange is very nice as well. I can clearly differentiate individual notes/elements within the space with nothing becoming overly congested or lost within lower frequency information.

The bass response provided is where these change from being similar to my other 6J5’s and start behaving more like a 6SN7GT. I have a quad of 1950’s Ken-Rad 6SN7’s that I use because when it comes to low frequencies they dig deeper than most. So far the KR 7193‘s have for the most part exceeded their performance.

As this is my first evening with these I’m sure things will get even better but so far these have proven to be positive in two areas. I’m really impressed with what I’m hearing!

 

[budburma]

If someone here could provide me with the size measurements of the outside shipping box for their A3 TRP, I'd appreciate it. Mine was damage in transit to the US and I need to get a suitable replacement. Thanks for your help.

@Wjhen so great that you have such a beautiful portfolio of tubes and the experience to compare Atlantic generations and engine versions. I look forward to your impressions! I have a pair of NOS Tung-sol VT94D I'd be happy to sell. PM me if you're interested.

For me, I like the laid back nature of the Sylvania 6J5gt quite a bit. Their natural presence, especially midrange, is an ok trade-off for their somehat shy bass - that seems to be a general ("all generalizations are simple minded" DOH) Sylvania trait in my experience. The bass shyness can be augmented with Recti in this case.

While I was just getting a good seat in the 7193 family theater with more listening to be done, the KenRad seemed the best all around performed to my ear and liking. My rig is single ended, too, and I wonder what effect that migh have on these tubes presentations; probably available somewhere in these threads, but I haven't explored that question,. I'm looking forward to what @Designsfx discovers in his thorough and enthusiastic evaluations.

I know that I tend to like the easy going sonic, rounded soundscapes lit from within rather that highlighted with brisk dynamic contrast - I imagine my VAC/Daedalus combo and speaks to that. I can't comment on the current Lampi line-up and different signatures, but can say that the A3 TRP was difficult for me to listen to for 300 or 400 hours as it sounded too aggressive. Only the encouragement and insight/experience of others on this forum and elsewhere convinced me to wait for it to change and it's now a pure joy to listen to...well, when it can be listened to....and hopefully will be again once it's evaluated and hopefully put back together again.

That said, I still harken to the tubes that are, to my ear, a bit...err... 'taming' might be the right word. It's always a balance and so easy to tip one way or the other, but so much fun to try and strike, find and then upset trying to improve on it and find again. Looking forward.

 

[Agent86]

If someone here could provide me with the size measurements of the outside shipping box for their A3 TRP, I'd appreciate it. Mine was damage in transit to the US and I need to get a suitable replacement.

+ 1 on the question on the outer shipping box dimensions on the Atlantic 3. Let's help our friend @budburma get the proper replacement size.

 

[Sablon Audio]

It’s probably the same as my Baltic, 10.00kg, 57.00cm x 31.00 cm 62.00cm

 

[budburma]

It’s probably the same as my Baltic, 10.00kg, 57.00cm x 31.00 cm 62.00cm

Sounds right! Off I go. Grazie mille.