Lukasz Has Done It Again

[Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus]

I am pleased to report that I took delivery of my demo Aphrodite yesterday evening. She is singing incredibly right off the bat and I plan to log as many hours as possible ahead of Capital AudioFest next week.

View attachment 160985

View attachment 160986View attachment 160987View attachment 160988View attachment 160989

Thats one heavy rack of a source !

 

[Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus]

Cathode-Grid-Anode.

In other words, triodes.

All things being equal the simplest solution is the best.

Throw everything else you can get away with throwing away, away.

Lest having extra shit in it can be justified as being better.

There is a lot of complexity in this design as far as I can gather.

That doesn't mean it is bad or great. But it does mean it is more complex.

Make of that what you will.

I will say in terms of real world experience that Ked's Russian KT based monos we tried a good while back have a nice, calm, easy going sound I would expect to hear from this DAC. Because that is the personality of these recent high power Rusky tubes.

So it isn't a bad choice even if rolling options are a bit limited in terms of technically optimal fitments.

That said it's still bonkers. Small signals and huge valves do provide massive headroom so it is an interesting path to explore.

I feel like you completely misinterpret our design, and you draw wrong conclusions from you misinterpretation, but who am I to know.

 

[Steve Williams]

Can you share more info about the new XDMI cable ? Tks.

I wish I could but I have been asked by the manufacturer not to divulge only because this was a beta version and there was still uncertainty as to whether it will come to market

I thought the cable was excellent. It had a beautiful mid and upper range as well as impressive bottom end. If there was a shortcoming the KBL IMO had a slightly better bottom end . Overall this cable was quite impressive

 

[Mobiusman]

Let me state from my perspective what many others have written about the Aphrodite launch at Steve and Cathy’s house this past week end. Like most have said,. this 4 day weekend was incredible, but then visiting Steve and Cathy is always incredible. They are such generous and amazing hosts, and good friends, which in my case has spanned the past 35 years. This long time friendship, which has included some extended traveling to Mexico and BC, plus serving as my regular audio nurse for me gives me a lot of history for comparison, with a number of shared experiences, not to mention building a special friendships .that I value very much.

This friendship led to Steve asking/nudging me to come to his house for the Aphrodite launch because of my love and lifelong interest in audio and music. He knew I needed to get out of my house and do something fun. To help me particpate he also offered me the chance to stay at his house along with Lukasz, and Fred Ainsley who have also become friends over the years as I owned a Horizon, and then upgraded to a 360. It was clear that because of Steve’s generosity he was becoming both a closer friend and audio mentor, always willing to share his audio insights and connections, while trying to help me regain my footing that I Iost from my stroke and my multi-year recovery and my lifelong love of audio and music.

Steve has been such a good friend that he truly was continually propping me up when I simply wanted to crawl into a crack because I was overwhelmed. Fortunately, he used our historic friendship and common love of music and audio vitality that was once at my core, but nowhere to be found recently. He clearly realized that I needed to get out of my house and regain the some of my old self. He also correctly realized tis launch party was the ideal tool for my current situation.

As Steve was planning this launch, for me there was a new twist that threatened to derail me showing up, because I needed a cane and recovering from severe sepsis triggered by radiation for prostate cancer, that triggered a major stroke that had me in a coma for two months and 5 months in assisted living. I was really essentially a different person, but one who was changing almost daily as I healed. Throughout this Steve and I were in regular contact as we dealt with our respective medical issues and challenges. As I have recovered during the past several years, I have been a bit of a hermit with essentially no travel and less active listening, although I have continued to grow my system and use it as a respite when I needed to take a break. He was always a cheer leader to me, regularly calling me to make sure I kept on chugging and keeping me involved in my life long quest for the ultimate system I started building when I was 5 at a SF audio show and I met Saul Marantz who was demonstrating his original fabled line of electronics and his straight tracking TT in SF. Marantz was talking to my father as I listened, and then, he stopped mid sentence to insure my father noticed my trance as I first felt “love”. He stopped the conversation to point out my fascination with the system. That feeling has never gone away and was seriously rekindled this past weekend at Steve’s Aphrodite launch. To make sure it was a truly special occasion, he designed a food fair at special reataurants for the four of us.

While my interest in audio has been life long, life’s recent challenges have tried to disrupt my passion, Steve has always been a renewing force to keep my interest and to stimulate my sometime waining moods during the past 5 years.His continual efforts kept me going. His constant nudging clearly promoted my healing and our friendship. There is no doubt that Steve’s efforts were critical to my healing and regaining a lot of the persona I lost from my medical problems.

The first time I visited Steve and Cathy in So Cal, Steve said I have some people in Riverside I want to introduce you to and we made a voyage to Von Schweikert Audio. I was so smitten that I quickly bought a pair of Ultra 9’s and then had them modified with new plinths and removing of their skirts so they could accommodate the biggest CMS footers. These modifications made quite a huge overall improvement in the sound. In the process, thanks to Steve, I added another new friend, Damon Von Schweikert, who I now consider one of my very close friends.Throughout this long friendship with Steve and Cathy, he has been so generous in sharing his knowledge and connections, which have influenced me in many ways

Despite being a hermit, I have still been in regular contact with Steve who has always been eager to share his stereo experiences with me. I have owned a Horizon and now a Horizon 380, and anlso awaiting an Aphrodite in the next several weeks. Steve was also the inspiration for me to get Schnerzinger boxes to the point that we both have the same compliment of devices.These little antenna laden boxes do something that produces a global change in sound, that is readily noticeable when turned off. It is funny but the Schnerzinger addition has really helped my sound, but yet it is easy to miss if you are not informed and have a wonderful high resolution system.

Now I am coming to the end of my audio journey I am both pleased and sad. I am pleased because I derive so much listening pleasure and getting the crowning piece of my system after 65 years, and I have worked hard to make it what it is, not to mention have it called one of the best audio systems ever by my friend and manufacturer of my speakers.

The Aphrodite will be an amazing addition and in many ways the crowning jewel, but I may be adding another piece that is not yet out and am able to get one of the first units when it is released, a Lampizator streamer to replace my former Extreme, which threw a lot of curves at me and I downgraded, but with the Aphrodite, I need a streamer that is commensurate and then I will truly be done with my life long audio quest.

I want to end this post with some comments regarding Steve’s system. It is probably the best system I have ever heard, although mine is not far behind, but Steve has much more money than me and it shows in his system. Whereas the MSRP of mine is just under a million, I am sure that Steve’s is in excess of 2, possibly 3 million! I love his Zelaton Reference Ultra speakers, Damon thinks I need the VSA Ultra 7’s and 2 Shockwaves to power my much greater volume than Steve’s room. I now use 4 Westminster REI’s bridged and produces about 700+ watts per channel. We have the same Schnerzinger components thanks to Steve’s influence, and many have said before, one they are in, you cannot live without them. Steve and have essentially the same cabling, MasterBuilt Ultra, but will need new cables for the Aphrodite to connect to the new Lampi server. I would love to get the Taiko Olympus/I/O with all of the switches that Steve has, but that is way out of my budget.

Steve has always been an avid Lamm fan, but there was always a characteristic to the Lamm equipment that I was not fond of, BUT with the Aphrodite and the Zelatons, I do not hear it at all.

Best of all, Steve is one of my closest friends and has been an incredible supporter as I work to recover from my very serious medical problems. Simply put I could not have gone to this launch party if it was not for Steve. And, BTW it was one of the best experiences I have for a number of years.

I will write more when my Aphrodite comes in several weeks and when my Lampi server arrives at the end of the year. Thank you Steve, Cathy, Lukasz and Fred for all of your help and assistance. I could not have done it without you.

 

[Golum]

@Mobiusman One of the nicest posts I read in a long time…

 

[adamaley]

I am pleased to report that I took delivery of my demo Aphrodite yesterday evening. She is singing incredibly right off the bat and I plan to log as many hours as possible ahead of Capital AudioFest next week.

View attachment 160985

View attachment 160986View attachment 160987View attachment 160988View attachment 160989

So much digital goodness in one image

 

[Steve Williams]

@Mobiusman One of the nicest posts I read in a long time…

Russ is that kind of guy when you meet him. He's a near and dear friend who has had many serious setbacks in the past few years, so much so that he has , as he stated become somewhat of a hermit. When I heard he ordered Aphrodite and we talked about the event I was planning here, I felt the time has come for Russ to get out of the house and have a fun weekend with 30 other audiophiles. At first he was reticent but after we talked for several weeks he said he was in. I know the flight in and out was not an easy one but I arranged special service for him at each stop so that he wouldn't be rushed from gate to gate, especially now that he needed a cane to help him walk. Suffice it to say Fred, Lukasz and I met him at the airport and from there we went straight for a great sushi dinner. As the weekend progressed I could tell Russ was becoming himself again as we dined with so many people and he began opening up and finally became the guy we all remembered. Friday afternoon lunch on the sand in Laguna Beach brought smiles to his face. It was great to reminisce and to share some great music all weekend. I met Russ many years ago and it was music which provided the introduction and after many decades of friendship, it brought a smile to both our faces as we sat and listened to music.

I've said here so many times that over my lifetime I have met so many friends along the way who also share the passion . So with all the pitfalls Russ, Im so glad that you journeyed out and made the trip here . I know it was difficult but to see the smile on your face made me feel that you were finally enjoying yourself as you interacted with so many people here that weekend. It's music we love but the friendships that are kindled along the way are lifelong.

 

[2ndLiner]

So much digital goodness in one image

What an eclectic, fascinating conglomeration of components you have!

 

[2ndLiner]

Russ is that kind of guy when you meet him. He's a near and dear friend who has had many serious setbacks in the past few years, so much so that he has , as he stated become somewhat of a hermit. When I heard he ordered Aphrodite and we talked about the event I was planning here, I felt the time has come for Russ to get out of the house and have a fun weekend with 30 other audiophiles. At first he was reticent but after we talked for several weeks he said he was in. I know the flight in and out was not an easy one but I arranged special service for him at each stop so that he wouldn't be rushed from gate to gate, especially now that he needed a can to help him. Suffice it to say Fred, Lukasz and I met him at the airport and from there we went straight for a great sushi dinner. As the weekend progressed I could tell Russ was becoming himself again as we dined with so many people and he began opening up and finally became the guy we all remembered. Friday afternoon lunch on the sand in Laguna Beach brought smiles to his face. It was great to reminisce and to share some great music all weekend. I met Russ many years ago and it was music which provided the introduction and after many decades of friendship, it brought a smile to both our faces as we sat and listened to music.

I've said here so many times that over my lifetime I have met so many friends along the way who also share the passion . So with all the pitfalls Russ, Im so glad that you journeyed out and made the trip here . I know it was difficult but to see the smile on your face made me feel that you were finally enjoying yourself as you interacted with so many people here that weekend. It's music we love but the friendships that are kindled along the way are lifelong.

And you too, Steve!

 

[Steve Williams]

Tube Rolling With Aphrodite-This Man's Experience

I've had my Aphrodite for the past month and as I promised Lukasz, I would stick to the stock tubes and not engage in any tube rolling until he and Fred arrived for the Aphrodite launch at my house last weekend where 30 people attended. I kept my promise and as I posted earlier I was more than pleased with the stock tubes which were PSvane and KR KT-88 , The more I listened the more I liked the sound. It was full, with accurate timbre, tone and dynamics. For my ears it was lacking nothing. I even adhered to Lukasz suggestion to place the PSvane in the rear row and the KR KT88 in the front row. This was an easy set up. In fact, out of the box to my rack, set up was less than 15 minutes.

I lived with this sound for three weeks and I must admit that my curiosity re tube rolling was present everyday, but a promise was a promise and no changes were made until last Friday when , with 8 attendees we decided to venture out. I must admit that was quite curious. The first test we did was not tube rolling but rather changing the PSvane to the front row and the KR KT-88 to the rear row

everyone was instructed to listen and to remain silent as to the their thoughts until we played the same files over again. No changes were ever made to the gain control on my preamp.

People were then asked what their observations were and much to our amazement everyone was 100% agreed. Switching from front to back row and vice versa immediately changed the sound. What we heard with the change were the same songs but they sounded like they were heard over a radio rather than a sound system. The feeling and emotion we all sensed with the initial set up was totally lost. The life seemed to have been drained and what we heard was quite musical but lacked the realism, tone and dynamics which we initially heard'

All agreed however that a true test was not an A-B but rather an A-B-A. Hence the row placement was switched to the original position and the same files were payed and wow, the emotion, rhythm and dynamics were immediately back. No one could explain why as all tubes were KT-88 but the row positionseeed to be a huge factor

Result 100% agreement

Next test we did was to change from KT-88 to KT 170 again same files with no change in the gain level. The sound was too large, sounded heavy and bloated regardless of whether the KT-170 tubes were in the front row or rear row.

100% agreement

Next we decided to get a feel for my TFKN E55L in place of the KT-88 initially in the front row in place of the KR-KT-88 with the PSvane in the rear row. I love this tubes in my H360 using TP adapters. Once again same files with no change in the gain. No matter whether the E55L was in the fron ir rear row once again the sound became ludicrous and boomy. Gone was the feeling of presence and involvement that we al had with the stock KT-88 . There was no change whether the E55L was in the front or rear row. They were just too overpowering in my system. Once again we did an A-B-A test and result wa 100% agreement

Final test was with my beloved rectifiers. I have 2 of each and all required TP adapters

All 3 rectifiers have been used with my H360 and I loved them all , each bringing something different to the sound

We removed the KR 5u4g and inserted the Valvo AZ 12 with TP adapters . Again we did an A-B-A test , same files, same gain control. The AZ 12 ws my rectifier of choice ion the H360 as it was somewhere in between mt other two adapter, the Valvo G2504 mesh plate and the TFKN RGN 2004 mesh plate. I also loved these in the H360 . To my ears in the H360 , the RGN 2004 was the most musical and the G-2504 was the most muscular and the AZ 12 ws somewhere in between the two.All three of these were amazing in my H360

Results. Initially the AZ 12 was used with TP adapters. Upon changing rectifiers the sound was very pleasant, dynamic with excellent tonal quality but just a little laid back from the stock KR 5u4g. Nonetheless we all liked it until Fred went back to complete the test and reinserted the stock KR 5u4g. Immediatel everyone smiled and said the stock tubes restored that sense of presence, with just perfect timbre, tone and dynamics

We all agreed that if we didi only an. A-B test we would easily have used the AZ 12 as it was very pleasant to the the ear. By way of comparison, if the stock rectifier was worth a dollar, the AZ 12 was worth about $0.80

Next up was the TFKN RGN 2004 which for my ears was always the most musical but a little laid back from the G2504 and the AZ12

Again the RGN 2004 pair were used with TP adapters . All of us really enjoyed what we heard. The sound was open, airy and extremely enjoyable . Again if we did only an A-B test all of us would have been immensely happy with this rectifier. But then we went back to the stock rectifiers, and immediately all of us were again lit up. Ther was just a logical presence and a feeling of reality when we went back to the stock rectifiers

A-B-A test 100% agrement,,,,stock rectifier was again preferred

Final swap was to the Valvo G2504 solid plate rectifier each again with TP adapters

Initial impression was probably the best of the 3 we rolled. Everyone stood at attention and listened very closely. The sound was deep, full, palpable with very realitistic timbre, tone and dynamics. We all liked and said, this was the best of the three. Then Fred switched back to the stock rectifiers and something changed, once again for the better. What we heard was pretty much the same time, tone and dynamics, yet the stock rectifiers seemed to impart a more natural sound with a greater sense of presence and reality. To everyone's ears, they were just more of everything

again by way of comparison if the stock KR 5u4g was worth dollar the RGN 2004 was worth $0.90-$0.95. And by way of comparison if the stock KR 5u4g was worth a dollar the G-2504 was worth $1.00 t0 $105. We all seemed to prefer the G-2504 of the 3 we tested but once again Fred said, the test is not over and he replaced the stock rectifiers

Immediate consensus was everyone again stated that the stock rectifier conveyed the most of everything

100% agreement

So what does this prove....well for everyone's ears, in my room and my speakers and electronics the stock tubes were the hands down favorite

BUT that doesnt mean that in another room with different speakers and electronics a different result wouldn't found

It proved to all of us that tube rolling is alive and well with Aphrodite and as I posted several days ago. I would encourage everyone to live with the stock tubes for several weeks to get a feeling of a starting point. This likely will be different for everyone BUT remember once do a change and listen, always use the same files, with the same gain and then ALWAYSlisten again to the original tubes before making your minds up

These are just my (our) findings in my room, my system, I have little doubt that this is not the sine qua non but rather my room

It was quite revelational, thanks to Fred and his skills in rapid tube changing where our ears remained still somewhat in tune to what we just heard

The FINAL Comparison

we compared the Aphrodite with stock tubes t the H360 also with stock tubes, each played using XDMI input....same files and same gain

Everyone loved the H360.It is a truly remarkable and musical DAC yet when we switched to the Aphrodite, all bets were off. There was just more of everything. A fuller and more palpable sound stage , a sense that you could just reach in and grab every singer or touch every instrument. There was once again a true sense of immediacy and presence and a you are ther feeling (yet if you listen to the H360 you hear the same thing....but once you hear the Aphrodite, it cannot be unheard

So these are just my impressions and suggestions. There was complete unanimity with everyone present. There were no dissenters. Both great DACs....both quite receptive to tube rolling, so to everyone reading, experiment and enjoy. Do it with others in your room and always go back to the stock tube and then ask everyone's thoughts

My takeaway is that my itch and curiosity has been scratched and I come away feeling the magic with the stock tubes.

As the saying in golf goes, "go to school one's putt". ....Lukasz pretty much hit the nail on the head when he dared people to find better tubes. I used my best ones and came very close.....different flavors to all, and all very enjoyable but at the end of the night it was interesting to note that there was no disagreement in my room

Kudos to Lukasz and to users, enjoy the magic for you....one man's passion can be another man's poison, so please don't let me dissuade you from the fun of your own discovery

So here I am stating that my vintage NOS tubes are all for sale. And BTW the member who bought my H360 brought his Amplitrex and tested all of my tubes and ALL tested strong . Reach out to me by PM if interested . Triodes are no longer used in Aphrodite so I have two matched quads of TFKN EF802 with TP adapters also for sale

 

[ctydwn]

amazing. thank you for sharing in detail. and from a very discerning set of listeners. this is extremely notable in the context of tube rolling compared with the 360. excited to receive the aphrodite shortly and it gives me a sense of calmness not to start researching and go down the tube rabbit hole like with the 360 (which i truly have enjoyed, albeit very expensive). that all said, looking forward to discovering perhaps a better combo with the Aphrodite down the road

 

[Steve Williams]

amazing. thank you for sharing in detail. and from a very discerning set of listeners. this is extremely notable in the context of tube rolling compared with the 360. excited to receive the aphrodite shortly and it gives me a sense of calmness not to start researching and go down the tube rabbit hole like with the 360 (which i truly have enjoyed, albeit very expensive). that all said, looking forward to discovering perhaps a better combo with the Aphrodite down the road

There is no wrong answer. It’s whatever is best for your ears. I’m sure there will be some great findings but speaking now only for myself my rabbit hole dives are over.

 

[ctydwn]

that sounds great. if anyone interested in $40k worth of tubes let me know as well! fire sale

 

[ctydwn]

Let me state from my perspective what many others have written about the Aphrodite launch at Steve and Cathy’s house this past week end. Like most have said,. this 4 day weekend was incredible, but then visiting Steve and Cathy is always incredible. They are such generous and amazing hosts, and good friends, which in my case has spanned the past 35 years. This long time friendship, which has included some extended traveling to Mexico and BC, plus serving as my regular audio nurse for me gives me a lot of history for comparison, with a number of shared experiences, not to mention building a special friendships .that I value very much.

This friendship led to Steve asking/nudging me to come to his house for the Aphrodite launch because of my love and lifelong interest in audio and music. He knew I needed to get out of my house and do something fun. To help me particpate he also offered me the chance to stay at his house along with Lukasz, and Fred Ainsley who have also become friends over the years as I owned a Horizon, and then upgraded to a 360. It was clear that because of Steve’s generosity he was becoming both a closer friend and audio mentor, always willing to share his audio insights and connections, while trying to help me regain my footing that I Iost from my stroke and my multi-year recovery and my lifelong love of audio and music.

Steve has been such a good friend that he truly was continually propping me up when I simply wanted to crawl into a crack because I was overwhelmed. Fortunately, he used our historic friendship and common love of music and audio vitality that was once at my core, but nowhere to be found recently. He clearly realized that I needed to get out of my house and regain the some of my old self. He also correctly realized tis launch party was the ideal tool for my current situation.

As Steve was planning this launch, for me there was a new twist that threatened to derail me showing up, because I needed a cane and recovering from severe sepsis triggered by radiation for prostate cancer, that triggered a major stroke that had me in a coma for two months and 5 months in assisted living. I was really essentially a different person, but one who was changing almost daily as I healed. Throughout this Steve and I were in regular contact as we dealt with our respective medical issues and challenges. As I have recovered during the past several years, I have been a bit of a hermit with essentially no travel and less active listening, although I have continued to grow my system and use it as a respite when I needed to take a break. He was always a cheer leader to me, regularly calling me to make sure I kept on chugging and keeping me involved in my life long quest for the ultimate system I started building when I was 5 at a SF audio show and I met Saul Marantz who was demonstrating his original fabled line of electronics and his straight tracking TT in SF. Marantz was talking to my father as I listened, and then, he stopped mid sentence to insure my father noticed my trance as I first felt “love”. He stopped the conversation to point out my fascination with the system. That feeling has never gone away and was seriously rekindled this past weekend at Steve’s Aphrodite launch. To make sure it was a truly special occasion, he designed a food fair at special reataurants for the four of us.

While my interest in audio has been life long, life’s recent challenges have tried to disrupt my passion, Steve has always been a renewing force to keep my interest and to stimulate my sometime waining moods during the past 5 years.His continual efforts kept me going. His constant nudging clearly promoted my healing and our friendship. There is no doubt that Steve’s efforts were critical to my healing and regaining a lot of the persona I lost from my medical problems.

The first time I visited Steve and Cathy in So Cal, Steve said I have some people in Riverside I want to introduce you to and we made a voyage to Von Schweikert Audio. I was so smitten that I quickly bought a pair of Ultra 9’s and then had them modified with new plinths and removing of their skirts so they could accommodate the biggest CMS footers. These modifications made quite a huge overall improvement in the sound. In the process, thanks to Steve, I added another new friend, Damon Von Schweikert, who I now consider one of my very close friends.Throughout this long friendship with Steve and Cathy, he has been so generous in sharing his knowledge and connections, which have influenced me in many ways

Despite being a hermit, I have still been in regular contact with Steve who has always been eager to share his stereo experiences with me. I have owned a Horizon and now a Horizon 380, and anlso awaiting an Aphrodite in the next several weeks. Steve was also the inspiration for me to get Schnerzinger boxes to the point that we both have the same compliment of devices.These little antenna laden boxes do something that produces a global change in sound, that is readily noticeable when turned off. It is funny but the Schnerzinger addition has really helped my sound, but yet it is easy to miss if you are not informed and have a wonderful high resolution system.

Now I am coming to the end of my audio journey I am both pleased and sad. I am pleased because I derive so much listening pleasure and getting the crowning piece of my system after 65 years, and I have worked hard to make it what it is, not to mention have it called one of the best audio systems ever by my friend and manufacturer of my speakers.

The Aphrodite will be an amazing addition and in many ways the crowning jewel, but I may be adding another piece that is not yet out and am able to get one of the first units when it is released, a Lampizator streamer to replace my former Extreme, which threw a lot of curves at me and I downgraded, but with the Aphrodite, I need a streamer that is commensurate and then I will truly be done with my life long audio quest.

I want to end this post with some comments regarding Steve’s system. It is probably the best system I have ever heard, although mine is not far behind, but Steve has much more money than me and it shows in his system. Whereas the MSRP of mine is just under a million, I am sure that Steve’s is in excess of 2, possibly 3 million! I love his Zelaton Reference Ultra speakers, Damon thinks I need the VSA Ultra 7’s and 2 Shockwaves to power my much greater volume than Steve’s room. I now use 4 Westminster REI’s bridged and produces about 700+ watts per channel. We have the same Schnerzinger components thanks to Steve’s influence, and many have said before, one they are in, you cannot live without them. Steve and have essentially the same cabling, MasterBuilt Ultra, but will need new cables for the Aphrodite to connect to the new Lampi server. I would love to get the Taiko Olympus/I/O with all of the switches that Steve has, but that is way out of my budget.

Steve has always been an avid Lamm fan, but there was always a characteristic to the Lamm equipment that I was not fond of, BUT with the Aphrodite and the Zelatons, I do not hear it at all.

Best of all, Steve is one of my closest friends and has been an incredible supporter as I work to recover from my very serious medical problems. Simply put I could not have gone to this launch party if it was not for Steve. And, BTW it was one of the best experiences I have for a number of years.

I will write more when my Aphrodite comes in several weeks and when my Lampi server arrives at the end of the year. Thank you Steve, Cathy, Lukasz and Fred for all of your help and assistance. I could not have done it without you.

Thank you for sharing this incredibly personal story. Your resilience is an inspiration and i imagine speaks to many of us with lesser struggles, but struggles nonetheless. Congratulations on your next soon to be received addition. What an incredible system you have assembled. Wishing you all the best and know u have helped some of us (me) put things into perspective, prioritize what is most important and appreciate the friendships that can result through this hobby and forum that transcend just audio into nurturing our lives. (speaking of excitement, will also share thoughts of the aphrodite’s synergy with VS speakers soon as well)

 

[LampiNA]

For those who couldn't join us at the launch event, I recorded Lukasz' introduction and speech.

 

[nonesup]

Lukasz, what is the estimated lifespan in hours for each of the three types of valves?