Lukasz Has Done It Again

[Steve Williams]

Aphrodites - @Steve Williams, @hifirabbit, @Whbgarrett, @Mobiusman,
If you have a minute, can you share which server you use and which digital input you are using (usb, xdmi, i2s, etc) and any comparison findings?
Also if you are finding certain inputs need longer break in.
Thank you!

also JYACO who attended last months event purchased the demo unit that Lukasz also sent to discuss the unit with attendees outside the listening room

 

[ctydwn]

Really is like a work of art, and a nice place to warm up the hands a bit during the winter…

 

[2ndLiner]

Really is like a work of art, and a nice place to warm up the hands a bit during the winter…

It enhances the "magic of Christmas" feeling

 

[keithc]

View attachment 162864

How warm does it get? For example I thought on the Horizon before the tubes were ran tame to preserve a long life...

Is the patterned copper surface custom or the default? It looks super cool.

 

[ctydwn]

How warm does it get? For example I thought on the Horizon before the tubes were ran tame to preserve a long life...

Is the patterned copper surface custom or the default? It looks super cool.

They just give some warmth off, chassis warm to the touch. About the same as the top of the Taiko Olympus. Nowhere near hot.
Yes, the copper top plate one of the default options, and while there is a matte black option (and here all black w a little matte silver), really glad to have taken Fred’s advice as it is an understated complementary look w the tubes

 

[Whbgarrett]

How warm does it get? For example I thought on the Horizon before the tubes were ran tame to preserve a long life...

Is the patterned copper surface custom or the default? It looks super cool.

It definitely runs warm, much more so than the H360.

 

[Mobiusman]

My Aphrodite arrived on Monday, but was left on my driveway (thanks DHL)! Fred came by yesterday to help get this beast into my house and get it set up. First impressions besides its weight are it looks attractive and elegant. Even at first turn on it sounded very good, but way inferior to what I am hearing less than 24 hours later. I was very impressed with my Horizon 360, BUT as others have said, this is a whole new level that most of us probably were not aware existed.

During my 65 years in high end audio and MANY different components, this piece is truly in its own class. While I am sure it still has a way to go on the break-in front, I would be thrilled if this was the best it will be, but have in good authority from both Lukasz and Steve Williams, it will probably take at least several weeks for it to truly start to stabilize. My system is at its thus far pinnacle. Who knows where it is going? It certainly compliments my system, more than any previous system change (100’s over the years) and in my opinion betters anything I have heard at any of the many high end shows that I have attended.

Other than its physical size and beauty, the first thing I noticed and keep watching as it changes and improves with every time I listen, is the midrange with the bass in close pursuit. There is no way I could go back to the H360, as good as it is. Let me start with the sound stage. In the past sound stage has been described at its best as “way beyond the speakers”. The Aphrodite’s sound stage fills all aspects of my listening room, almost like a liquid adjusting to a strange shape vessel with absolutely no voids any where.

The next thing I hear and SEE, yes I visually see it, which is what happens with the best of very high end systems. My system is quite simple, but extremely high quality and very well set up. I have VSA Ultra 7’s with 2 VSA 12” Shockwaves, which Damon Von Schweikert spent close to 8 hours tuning out all of the room’s standing waves.

When I listen now, it is truly almost impossible to compare to the system with the H360. What I see in addition to the musicians is an electron microscope version of the music (I know I am mixing mediums) insuring the best resolution of all of the music’s components. It is SO smooth and enveloping and makes me realize all of my previous system iterations and audio show best sounding systems cannot compare sonically. If I was not hearing it at 24 hours, I would not believe it is possible.

Said another way, it is the best visual image I have ever seen or heard for slightly any where!! I don’t use the word blessed very often, BUT I am already blessed to have the Aphrodite in my system. According to Fred from Lampizator NA, my unit is #7 and in my opinion the best DAC unparalleled. The improvement is continuous and essentially impossible to describe because it is like it came from outer space I am not theatrical, but this unit is that good. I am still trying to determine the best words to describe what I am hearing and yes, seeing.

I am going to stop here because I am drooling on my computer and have no doubt that whatever I write it will be superseded by the end of the day. This piece is a must for anyone who can afford it, but it also means there will a number of H360’s on the used market at good prices. Thanks for reading this post, but I needed to spread the word.

My Aphrodite has been on for slightly less than 50 hours and is continuing to break in, and not surprisingly even the break in is unlike any I have ever experienced. Increased integration in sound is occurring to be the norm, but with the Aphrodite the perspective from which it projects the soundstage and the nature of all of the composite sounds is beyond what I expected or could have imagined. It is like it is alive and growing in its capabilities, but growing to totally incomprehensibleinto previously inc dimensions, with each spurt more amazing than the prior.

I also have to remind myself that my current streamer is fine, but far from the best and the sound is still amazing. I can’t wait till my Lampizator Gulfstream 2 arrives along with 3 MasterBuilt cables for the triple BNC connections to the Aphrodite.

Plain and simple it is audio adventure beyond any I have encountered during my 65 year quest because it makes every component sound better than I could have imagined!!

 

[Mobiusman]

Lukasz, If you are reading this thread, I want to tell you that you have changed my listening enjoyment more than any prior piece of equipment or person has ever done for me during my 65 year audio history, I have observed many pieces break in and their impact on my sound. Granted, I have a very good core system, Westminster Quest 2 and Monologue, plus two pairs of bridged REI’s, all connected with MasterBuilt ultra cables, driving VSA Ultra 7’s and two 12” shockwaves, tuned beautifully by Damon Vonschweikert, who is a master at tuning his speakers and a close personal friend. I also have an ARS Machinae with a My Sonic Labs Signature Platinum cartridge.

Never before have I enjoyed my systems as much as now, and that is with a Lumin Streamer, but awaiting your Gulfstream 2 hopefully sometime in January. I am hoping that Fred’s estimate that I will get the first one is accurate, because I am sure it take the system and it’s sound to a whole new level.beyond my comprehension. I hope when is all done, including a new rack worthy of the Aphrodite, that you will take me up on my offer to go out on my boat with Fred/Don for some fresh caught seafood since I live on Barnegat Bay, where some of the best scallops in the world call home.

Should you visit, not only will you hear my impressive system, but we will dock and dine for whatever you fancy.
From our conversations during the launch I know that you very much believe the quality of life is about experiences that truly stand out. There is zero doubt in my mind that even just having the Aphrodite in my system for about 100 hours has already started rejuvenatng my listening enjoyment.

Thank you my friend.

Russ

 

[Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus]

Here another one just landed

 

[Steve Williams]

is any one else running single ended besides me

 

[christoph]

is any one else running single ended besides me

SE here as well.

 

[christoph]

Any Aphro owners here?

If yes, have you already played with the plethora of Filters and Modulaters and their infinite number of combinations?

Or simpler asked, what is your favorite numbers combination?

 

[Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus]

It is only filter 1:6 and modulators 1:4 so all in all 4x6= 24 combinations

 

[Sampajanna]

Lukasz, If you are reading this thread, I want to tell you that you have changed my listening enjoyment more than any prior piece of equipment or person has ever done for me during my 65 year audio history, I have observed many pieces break in and their impact on my sound. Granted, I have a very good core system, Westminster Quest 2 and Monologue, plus two pairs of bridged REI’s, all connected with MasterBuilt ultra cables, driving VSA Ultra 7’s and two 12” shockwaves, tuned beautifully by Damon Vonschweikert, who is a master at tuning his speakers and a close personal friend. I also have an ARS Machinae with a My Sonic Labs Signature Platinum cartridge.

Never before have I enjoyed my systems as much as now, and that is with a Lumin Streamer, but awaiting your Gulfstream 2 hopefully sometime in January. I am hoping that Fred’s estimate that I will get the first one is accurate, because I am sure it take the system and it’s sound to a whole new level.beyond my comprehension. I hope when is all done, including a new rack worthy of the Aphrodite, that you will take me up on my offer to go out on my boat with Fred/Don for some fresh caught seafood since I live on Barnegat Bay, where some of the best scallops in the world call home.

Should you visit, not only will you hear my impressive system, but we will dock and dine for whatever you fancy.
From our conversations during the launch I know that you very much believe the quality of life is about experiences that truly stand out. There is zero doubt in my mind that even just having the Aphrodite in my system for about 100 hours has already started rejuvenatng my listening enjoyment.

Thank you my friend.

Russ

i dont have my Aphrodite yet, but fully agree with this sentiment! Lukasz, you have changed my life! Very grateful.
I am also interested in the Gulfstream. I know this isn‘t a thread for this, but any more information?