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
Lukasz Has Done It Again
- Thread starter Steve Williams
- Start date
Really is like a work of art, and a nice place to warm up the hands a bit during the winter…
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It enhances the "magic of Christmas" feeling
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
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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!!
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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
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
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?
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?
It is only filter 1:6 and modulators 1:4 so all in all 4x6= 24 combinations
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?
We were going to wait till the new year for the announcement, but I suppose the cat is out if the bag. Yes, we have a major update brewing for Q1 2026 of the Gulfstream which will be called the Gulfstream 2. It will be a major sonic step up from the prior generation sonically, aesthetically, build quality and feature wise, bringing some truly unique features to the market including a tubed digital output stage, 3x bnc and don't other goodies I will wait to comment on.
The execution of this server will be absolutely worthy of the Aphrodite and other flagship level DACs. I will probably debut this at the Florida Audio Expo in a few months.
I recognize that view and system
More from the Aphrodite Introduction
I was fortunate to attend the introduction of the new Lampizator Aphrodite DAC introduction at the home of Steve Williams.
One of the most memorable events was being picked up by Steve, Lukasz and Fred at my hotel on the way back to Steve’s home. It was a marvel and combo of Lampi and Tesla engineering that allowed 6 of us to cram into Steve’s Tesla. Luckily the journey was short and we soon were disembarking (more like a biscuit can popping) from Steve’s car to be confronted with his beautiful home.
Wow is all I can say. It’s a truly beautiful home. The home that Steve and Cathy his lovely and caring wife have built together is really something to experience. There are not many wives that would put up with an audiophile home invasion, cook all the yummy snacks, and be a perfect hostess.
As cool as it was I couldn’t wait to view Steve’s much storied room, his stereo system and of course the Aphrodite. We quickly made our way up the stairs to Steve’s unique listening room that’s worth a a tale or two by itself.
I knew from a few photos sent to me from some guy at LampizatorNA how large and impressive the Aphrodite was expected to be verses the Horizon 360. Once you behold the new Lampizator Aphrodite you quickly realize just how much more atmospheric real estate it occupies. The extra 3 or so inches taller the Aphrodite is makes the Horizon 360 look shrunken.
On Friday night I sat and stood in Steve William’s stereo room listening to his system with the Aphrodite DAC for the first time. I was enthralled by the sounds I heard. I don’t believe I’ve heard any of the components in Steve’s system ever before.
It was an exceptional listening experience and of course the Aphrodite was playing along with the Zelotons, Lamm, Taiko Olympus and so many other audio goodies I’ve never encountered before. It was very difficult for me to tell why his stereo sounded so uncannily like real music. Steve has certainly found some amazing gear and designed an exquisite room for it to play in.
Saturday morning the attending audiophiles arrived 9 am for the scheduled 9:45 meeting with Lukasz, Steve, and Fred. Each audiophile introduced themselves quickly for they wanted to get started. It was interesting meeting and seeing many of the denizen’s of The What’s Best Forum. Both Fred, Steve and Lukasz spoke about the conception and the design of the Aphrodite and took questions from the audience.
I chose not to listen that morning as I’d listened the night before and wanted to give others a chance. I sat outside the listening room and listened as Lukasz answered many questions about the extra Aphrodite that was on display. (How I wished now I had purchased this Aphrodite then and there but I really didn’t know I was for sale, and besides I still needed to witness and listen to the differences between the Horizon 360 and the Aphrodite. )
What I most desired and was most interested in participating this was scheduled at around 1 PM. Fred and Steve made sure to keep us on schedule Finally the Horizon 360 vs the Aphrodite.
Fred and Steve set up the two DACs for the session.
Every effort was made to make it as fair and equal in the contest. Both DACs were outfitted with their stock tubes. Fred and Steve made absolutely sure that the differences we would experience would be the two DACs not any other component.
Fred (under Steve’s careful scrutiny) and advice performed the task of connecting both DACs to Steve’s dual mono Lamm preamplifier. The goal being of course, to switch between the two DACs quickly and transparently so the shootout could commence.
I believe we started with the H360. I don’t remember the tracks we used exactly at this time there were so many eventually played.
But my impressions were as follows. The H360 through Steve’s system was exceptional. If I hadn’t heard the Aphrodite in his system the night before I would have been content with the sound. I was not seated in the prime listening chair at first (like the night before we took turns) but one could tell something was missing.
The magic from the night before was gone in comparison. One track I know we used was Queen Mary by Francine Thirteen. I’m not saying it’s my favorite music track and if you’ve not heard it in your system you have to try it. But be careful with the volume control until you’re sure your system can handle it.
I liked the sound of the H360 in Steve’s system. The sound was much more like I’m used to hearing at home, despite the major differences in my system and Steve’s.
Through the H360 the bass was much different than with Aphrodite. It was a lighter, less dense presentation the Aphrodite just took more control and put the hammer down. I believe Steve had flirted in the past with the addition of subwoofers to his system. But believe me with the Aphrodite installed there was no need at all. The sound was still focused, steady and pretty much echoed my memories of the Horizon 360 in my home and other experiences. Steve’s system with the H360 connected pretty much mirrored all the spatial cues, rhythm and pace that I’ve heard through my H360. I would also say that Lampi DACs have a special presentation and loyalty to the music that many of us are well acquainted with. The Horizon and the Horizon 360 are both DACs that stay true to the music. Since I’ve owned every new DAC that Lukasz has built since my two box Level Five you know I’m quite the fan.
The Aphrodite has that special Lampi sound that brings smiles to our faces but better than any of the other Lampizator DACs I’ve heard.
The spatial cues possess a realism that the H360 shares but just more of everything. A much larger more vivid soundstage which extends to the back and side walls and beyond. The soundstage in front extends well in front of the Zelotons and if the music track contains this information it can wrap around the listener. In movie terms the H360 treats one to the outstanding SOTA film experience that most modern theaters present while the Aphrodite is an IMAX experience. Yum!
The Aphrodite maintains a thicker, more realistic, more palpable, more gut wrenching experience that dares you to hold your feet and hands still while listening.
It’s the most powerful realistic DAC that Lukasz has produced. I loved it.
Fred, Steve, and Lukas actually handed me the iPad and left me there to play the music I brought plus any requests by others in the room. Steve was pretty protective of his room and system, I’d noted (and don’t blame him) so turning his system over to me was quite a vote of confidence.
Steve popped in several times to say, “Make sure you add that to my playlist!” and popped back out.
I carefully compared the sounds I heard at Steve’s with what I had at home.
As soon as I could and with much trepidation I flipped the system on and listened.
What did I hear?
I started by playing some tracks from my playlist I used at Steve’s.
I’ve a pretty good sonic memory and reached this conclusion.
My system sounded like Steve’s system when we switched and played through the H360. The sonic characteristics of my system and Steve’s with the H360 sounded as similar as they could with vastly different electronics and speakers.
But when I recalled the sound of the Aphrodite in Steve’s system to mine the main difference was the impact of the Aphrodite. The soundstage was larger wider and had more depth. The Aphrodite does the trick of being more transparent too and yet has much more weight (maybe a thickness) at the same time which I’m not sure how Lukasz pulled that off. The soft to loud dynamics are the best I’ve heard. Notes just jump when give their cues.
Steve’s system and mine sound very similar through the H360 when the same tunes are played through each.
But I loved what the Aphrodite did for Steve’s stereo system. The musical experience of Steve’s equipment and the Aphrodite was one the highlights of my music reproduction experiences. I suspect it was the same for the other listeners gathered in the room.
As a result I ordered an Aphrodite. It’s the best DAC I’ve heard with the caveat that I love Lampi DACs.
At this time I’ll disclose that I own and use the Space-Tech-Labs Super Tube Rectifier with my Horizon 360. If you’ve thought tube rolling was an exciting adventure and want to give your tube DAC the best possible please visit Al’s website. https://www.thebestamp.com/Accessories/Super_Rectifiers.php
I hoped that it would make my Horizon 360 sound so good that I wouldn’t need or want to purchase an Aphrodite. Well damn, while the Space-Tech Lab’s Super Tube Rectifier makes my Horizon 360 sound the best it can, it still is not the equal of the Aphrodite.
I love my Horizon 360.
It’s an amazing DAC and it’s been very fun to roll tubes that you all recommended.
But the Aphrodite is quite a beast and superior in every way.
I was fortunate to attend the introduction of the new Lampizator Aphrodite DAC introduction at the home of Steve Williams.
One of the most memorable events was being picked up by Steve, Lukasz and Fred at my hotel on the way back to Steve’s home. It was a marvel and combo of Lampi and Tesla engineering that allowed 6 of us to cram into Steve’s Tesla. Luckily the journey was short and we soon were disembarking (more like a biscuit can popping) from Steve’s car to be confronted with his beautiful home.
Wow is all I can say. It’s a truly beautiful home. The home that Steve and Cathy his lovely and caring wife have built together is really something to experience. There are not many wives that would put up with an audiophile home invasion, cook all the yummy snacks, and be a perfect hostess.
As cool as it was I couldn’t wait to view Steve’s much storied room, his stereo system and of course the Aphrodite. We quickly made our way up the stairs to Steve’s unique listening room that’s worth a a tale or two by itself.
I knew from a few photos sent to me from some guy at LampizatorNA how large and impressive the Aphrodite was expected to be verses the Horizon 360. Once you behold the new Lampizator Aphrodite you quickly realize just how much more atmospheric real estate it occupies. The extra 3 or so inches taller the Aphrodite is makes the Horizon 360 look shrunken.
On Friday night I sat and stood in Steve William’s stereo room listening to his system with the Aphrodite DAC for the first time. I was enthralled by the sounds I heard. I don’t believe I’ve heard any of the components in Steve’s system ever before.
It was an exceptional listening experience and of course the Aphrodite was playing along with the Zelotons, Lamm, Taiko Olympus and so many other audio goodies I’ve never encountered before. It was very difficult for me to tell why his stereo sounded so uncannily like real music. Steve has certainly found some amazing gear and designed an exquisite room for it to play in.
Saturday morning the attending audiophiles arrived 9 am for the scheduled 9:45 meeting with Lukasz, Steve, and Fred. Each audiophile introduced themselves quickly for they wanted to get started. It was interesting meeting and seeing many of the denizen’s of The What’s Best Forum. Both Fred, Steve and Lukasz spoke about the conception and the design of the Aphrodite and took questions from the audience.
I chose not to listen that morning as I’d listened the night before and wanted to give others a chance. I sat outside the listening room and listened as Lukasz answered many questions about the extra Aphrodite that was on display. (How I wished now I had purchased this Aphrodite then and there but I really didn’t know I was for sale, and besides I still needed to witness and listen to the differences between the Horizon 360 and the Aphrodite. )
What I most desired and was most interested in participating this was scheduled at around 1 PM. Fred and Steve made sure to keep us on schedule Finally the Horizon 360 vs the Aphrodite.
Fred and Steve set up the two DACs for the session.
Every effort was made to make it as fair and equal in the contest. Both DACs were outfitted with their stock tubes. Fred and Steve made absolutely sure that the differences we would experience would be the two DACs not any other component.
Fred (under Steve’s careful scrutiny) and advice performed the task of connecting both DACs to Steve’s dual mono Lamm preamplifier. The goal being of course, to switch between the two DACs quickly and transparently so the shootout could commence.
I believe we started with the H360. I don’t remember the tracks we used exactly at this time there were so many eventually played.
But my impressions were as follows. The H360 through Steve’s system was exceptional. If I hadn’t heard the Aphrodite in his system the night before I would have been content with the sound. I was not seated in the prime listening chair at first (like the night before we took turns) but one could tell something was missing.
The magic from the night before was gone in comparison. One track I know we used was Queen Mary by Francine Thirteen. I’m not saying it’s my favorite music track and if you’ve not heard it in your system you have to try it. But be careful with the volume control until you’re sure your system can handle it.
I liked the sound of the H360 in Steve’s system. The sound was much more like I’m used to hearing at home, despite the major differences in my system and Steve’s.
Through the H360 the bass was much different than with Aphrodite. It was a lighter, less dense presentation the Aphrodite just took more control and put the hammer down. I believe Steve had flirted in the past with the addition of subwoofers to his system. But believe me with the Aphrodite installed there was no need at all. The sound was still focused, steady and pretty much echoed my memories of the Horizon 360 in my home and other experiences. Steve’s system with the H360 connected pretty much mirrored all the spatial cues, rhythm and pace that I’ve heard through my H360. I would also say that Lampi DACs have a special presentation and loyalty to the music that many of us are well acquainted with. The Horizon and the Horizon 360 are both DACs that stay true to the music. Since I’ve owned every new DAC that Lukasz has built since my two box Level Five you know I’m quite the fan.
The Aphrodite has that special Lampi sound that brings smiles to our faces but better than any of the other Lampizator DACs I’ve heard.
The spatial cues possess a realism that the H360 shares but just more of everything. A much larger more vivid soundstage which extends to the back and side walls and beyond. The soundstage in front extends well in front of the Zelotons and if the music track contains this information it can wrap around the listener. In movie terms the H360 treats one to the outstanding SOTA film experience that most modern theaters present while the Aphrodite is an IMAX experience. Yum!
The Aphrodite maintains a thicker, more realistic, more palpable, more gut wrenching experience that dares you to hold your feet and hands still while listening.
It’s the most powerful realistic DAC that Lukasz has produced. I loved it.
Fred, Steve, and Lukas actually handed me the iPad and left me there to play the music I brought plus any requests by others in the room. Steve was pretty protective of his room and system, I’d noted (and don’t blame him) so turning his system over to me was quite a vote of confidence.
Steve popped in several times to say, “Make sure you add that to my playlist!” and popped back out.
I carefully compared the sounds I heard at Steve’s with what I had at home.
As soon as I could and with much trepidation I flipped the system on and listened.
What did I hear?
I started by playing some tracks from my playlist I used at Steve’s.
I’ve a pretty good sonic memory and reached this conclusion.
My system sounded like Steve’s system when we switched and played through the H360. The sonic characteristics of my system and Steve’s with the H360 sounded as similar as they could with vastly different electronics and speakers.
But when I recalled the sound of the Aphrodite in Steve’s system to mine the main difference was the impact of the Aphrodite. The soundstage was larger wider and had more depth. The Aphrodite does the trick of being more transparent too and yet has much more weight (maybe a thickness) at the same time which I’m not sure how Lukasz pulled that off. The soft to loud dynamics are the best I’ve heard. Notes just jump when give their cues.
Steve’s system and mine sound very similar through the H360 when the same tunes are played through each.
But I loved what the Aphrodite did for Steve’s stereo system. The musical experience of Steve’s equipment and the Aphrodite was one the highlights of my music reproduction experiences. I suspect it was the same for the other listeners gathered in the room.
As a result I ordered an Aphrodite. It’s the best DAC I’ve heard with the caveat that I love Lampi DACs.
At this time I’ll disclose that I own and use the Space-Tech-Labs Super Tube Rectifier with my Horizon 360. If you’ve thought tube rolling was an exciting adventure and want to give your tube DAC the best possible please visit Al’s website. https://www.thebestamp.com/Accessories/Super_Rectifiers.php
I hoped that it would make my Horizon 360 sound so good that I wouldn’t need or want to purchase an Aphrodite. Well damn, while the Space-Tech Lab’s Super Tube Rectifier makes my Horizon 360 sound the best it can, it still is not the equal of the Aphrodite.
I love my Horizon 360.
It’s an amazing DAC and it’s been very fun to roll tubes that you all recommended.
But the Aphrodite is quite a beast and superior in every way.
Steve it was such a pleasure to finally meet you. It is indeed a remarkable DAC that one needs to hear to understand its enormity. I still have yet to even venture out and mess with the modulators and filters as what I hear each day gives me no reason to consider those options. After almost 3 months with the DAC I remain steadfast in my decision to use only the stock tubes. We did an A-B-A test on that Friday evening and everyone thought the NOS vintage tubes we used sounded wonderful until we went back to the stock tubes and 100% present that evening all agreed , stock was best
I had a king's fortune in vintage tubes that were wonderful in the H360 but somehow their magic on the Aphrodite was surpassed by the stock tubes. I have sold my entire trove of vintage tubes save for the last of 4 Valvo G2504 solid plate . This one remains for sale if anyone is interested. My days of tube rolling and that deep dive down the rabbit hole are now but a fond memory
This past week I had the pleasure of hosting "the king of Lampi tube rolling", Sampajanna, all the way from Taiwan who has an Aphrodite on order and wanted an audition with the stock tubes. I know he was very fond of what he heard. I suspect many will continue to change out tubes and it is certainly possible. Whatever tubes worked in the H360nwill also work in Aphrodite but be prepared for a sonic difference. There is no right or wrong. For my ears however the stock tubes delivered the "full Monty"
Happy Holidays to all
I had a king's fortune in vintage tubes that were wonderful in the H360 but somehow their magic on the Aphrodite was surpassed by the stock tubes. I have sold my entire trove of vintage tubes save for the last of 4 Valvo G2504 solid plate . This one remains for sale if anyone is interested. My days of tube rolling and that deep dive down the rabbit hole are now but a fond memory
This past week I had the pleasure of hosting "the king of Lampi tube rolling", Sampajanna, all the way from Taiwan who has an Aphrodite on order and wanted an audition with the stock tubes. I know he was very fond of what he heard. I suspect many will continue to change out tubes and it is certainly possible. Whatever tubes worked in the H360nwill also work in Aphrodite but be prepared for a sonic difference. There is no right or wrong. For my ears however the stock tubes delivered the "full Monty"
Happy Holidays to all
We did not compare tubes at Steve’s house when I was there, but I now fully understand why he doesn’t want or need to change anything. His system is one of the best I have ever heard and I would be content to just turn the lights down and let go into the music for days if I was him as well. Beautiful and engaging sound.
I am so excited for my Aphrodite. Interestingly, like the other Steve above, I was considering the soundlabs rectifier and then the Aphrodite dropped and so I went that direction instead.
I am very excited about the Gulfstream 2 as well. I cannot wait to read more, find out the price and the interesting connection it will make with the Aphrodite. I suspect a Lampi digital chain will be super potent.
I am so excited for my Aphrodite. Interestingly, like the other Steve above, I was considering the soundlabs rectifier and then the Aphrodite dropped and so I went that direction instead.
I am very excited about the Gulfstream 2 as well. I cannot wait to read more, find out the price and the interesting connection it will make with the Aphrodite. I suspect a Lampi digital chain will be super potent.
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