Lampizator Golden Gate

**sfox7076** · August 4, 2015, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by bonzo

Good stuff. This was a steal

Well, if he sells his DAC, he will buy mine. We have to see. Trying to make it win win for the both of us.

**wisnon** · August 4, 2015, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Norman,

If the cable runs are short, I can't come up with a logical reason why the Lampi balanced DAC in a balanced system would sound superior (i.e. noise floor, soundstage, etc.) to the Lampi SE DAC in a SE system. If my logic is flawed, please provide a technical explanation to the contrary.

Thanks so much,
Ken

Ken, as I posted before...every PCM chip is ALWAYS Bal output. the Bal Dac has Dual mono DSD implementation, so the signal sources start as Bal and SE is THIS case, is the compromise, as it demand a conversion, unlike with analog sources (normally SE starts with the advantage). On top of that, the Bal Dac runs a differential summator circuit that eliminates/cancels digital noise. This is what I got when I probed Lukasz with the same questions, as I know in general he is a SE lover.

Exactly why the SStage explodes, I dont exactly know...

**wisnon** · August 4, 2015, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by sfox7076

Well, if he sells his DAC, he will buy mine. We have to see. Trying to make it win win for the both of us.

Fingers crossed.

**wisnon** · August 4, 2015, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by bonzo

I think what Norman is saying is that chip is balanced in a dac so the whole balanced topology makes sense (as compared to analog where you can keep things in SE except in the case of long ICs where ground loop avoidance necessitates balanced). I wouldn't know

Yeah, what you said...

**Alpinist** · August 4, 2015, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

Ken, as I posted before...every PCM chip is ALWAYS Bal output. the Bal Dac has Dual mono DSD implementation, so the signal sources start as Bal and SE is THIS case, is the compromise, as it demand a conversion, unlike with analog sources (normally SE starts with the advantage). On top of that, the Bal Dac runs a differential summator circuit that eliminates/cancels digital noise. This is what I got when I probed Lukasz with the same questions, as I know in general he is a SE lover.

Exactly why the SStage explodes, I dont exactly know...

Thanks for the explanation Norman and Bonzo!

Ken

**astrotoy** · August 8, 2015, 01:40 AM

Does Lampizator only do two channel or is there a multichannel version? I am having problems figuring that out on his website. If not, any know if there are any plans in the future? Thanks, Larry

**bonzo** · August 8, 2015, 03:10 AM

2-ch, no MCh, not plans for any. Exasound does an MCH dac.

**astrotoy** · August 8, 2015, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by bonzo

2-ch, no MCh, not plans for any. Exasound does an MCH dac.

Thanks, K. I have the Exasound E28. I have been looking to see whether there is something even better. I am going to try the new Merging NADAC mch. Just wanted to see whether Lampizator was thinking about doing one also.

Larry

**Elescher** · August 8, 2015, 09:01 PM

IMG_1283.JPG IMG_1285.JPG IMG_1290.JPG IMG_1279.JPG IMG_1319.JPG IMG_1299.JPGSo I have had my GG for several weeks but haven't had a chance to get things hooked up and properly positioned. i spent most of this week reorganizing, a little painting, and running a couple new AC lines. My system has never sounded this ****** good. here are a few snapshots I took earlier today.

**joeinid** · August 8, 2015, 09:14 PM

VERY nice!

**Mike** · August 8, 2015, 09:17 PM

Beautiful setup!

**Elescher** · August 9, 2015, 08:04 AM

Thank you very much!

**wisnon** · August 9, 2015, 08:08 AM

Mercy, Mercy, mercy me!

That is my kinda Nirvana.

Where are you located?

As wonderful as SE is, eg what Bruce and Joe tell me about Bruce's system, I am beginning to think that Bal B7 or GG is the way to go for total immersion. A-Bill and Joe have elaborated much the same experiences. Bill said straight out the box he was 3D enveloped with the Bal B7 and is awaiting the bal GG. If I has Bal amps, that would be my preferred path as of right now. I think it takes less work to maxx out teh Bal than the SE setup…am I wrong?

Thanks for the gret pictures of your wonderful setup.

**Mr P** · August 9, 2015, 01:39 PM

I saw tonight that 6moons.com has the Golden Gate listed in the "Audio Previews" section. It will be interesting to see if they give it enough time to totally break in before they perform and write the review. I have had mine for nearly three months. Break in for me took about 10 weeks. That was with extremely heavy use and 10 days of run time for 24 hours/day. I felt there was still substantial improvement from week 6 to 10.

**Elescher** · August 10, 2015, 07:50 PM

Hi Wisnon,

I'm a big fan of your's and Joe's posts, so thanks for all the info you have provided to me without you even knowing. I live in White Plains, NY. I know you weren't directing your comment at me, but I don't even want to think about going balanced. I have never had a (top to bottom) balanced system. I must say though the few that I have heard have been quite impressive most notably with the imaging quality. I just never really equated the balanced with the soundstage. The systems I am referring to were pre 2010 hence no Lampi. I think for the amount of money I would need to spend to go to an all balanced system after all is said and done, I would be better off making my soundroom a foot and a half wider.

Best.

**joeinid** · August 10, 2015, 08:05 PM

Thank you for the kind words. ANY Lampizator is stunning. You will love the music that these amazing dacs make. Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Elescher

Hi Wisnon,

I'm a big fan of your's and Joe's posts, so thanks for all the info you have provided to me without you even knowing. I live in White Plains, NY. I know you weren't directing your comment at me, but I don't even want to think about going balanced. I have never had a (top to bottom) balanced system. I must say though the few that I have heard have been quite impressive most notably with the imaging quality. I just never really equated the balanced with the soundstage. The systems I am referring to were pre 2010 hence no Lampi. I think for the amount of money I would need to spend to go to an all balanced system after all is said and done, I would be better off making my soundroom a foot and a half wider.

Best.

**wisnon** · August 10, 2015, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Elescher

Hi Wisnon,I'm a big fan of your's and Joe's posts, so thanks for all the info you have provided to me without you even knowing. I live in White Plains, NY. I know you weren't directing your comment at me, but I don't even want to think about going balanced. I have never had a (top to bottom) balanced system. I must say though the few that I have heard have been quite impressive most notably with the imaging quality. I just never really equated the balanced with the soundstage. The systems I am referring to were pre 2010 hence no Lampi. I think for the amount of money I would need to spend to go to an all balanced system after all is said and done, I would be better off making my soundroom a foot and a half wider.Best.

Thanks for the kind words.

**Alpinist** · August 15, 2015, 12:04 PM

Hi All,

Do you think the Lampi GG (Balanced or SE) will be at the NY Audio Show in November? This might be my best chance to hear one. Since my system is unbalanced from source to preamp and balanced from preamp to amps, I'm definitely leaning towards the SE and would spend the difference on some high-end tubes. However, I would love to give the balanced GG a listen to see what all the hubbub is about. If there are some advantages to the GG balanced over SE beyond normal balanced vs. SE differences, I would have to consider it.

Ken

**bonzo** · August 15, 2015, 12:12 PM

You will end up not liking it if you hear it at a show

**joeinid** · August 15, 2015, 12:16 PM

Ken,

If you have XLR inputs on your preamp, I'd STILL consider the Balanced Lampizator GG regardless if your preamp is truly balanced or not. I think a balanced Lampi might be a little quieter over an SE version.

**wisnon** · August 15, 2015, 01:29 PM

Instead of the NYC show, I would beseech the Long Island guys, ie Joe, Bruce, Gopher and Berto to invite you over for a listening session at their convenience and hear them nicely broken in, in a real world setup. Bruce has SE, Joe has Bal and Ferd/Rob could have either or both.

**socfan12** · August 15, 2015, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi All,

Do you think the Lampi GG (Balanced or SE) will be at the NY Audio Show in November? This might be my best chance to hear one. Since my system is unbalanced from source to preamp and balanced from preamp to amps, I'm definitely leaning towards the SE and would spend the difference on some high-end tubes. However, I would love to give the balanced GG a listen to see what all the hubbub is about. If there are some advantages to the GG balanced over SE beyond normal balanced vs. SE differences, I would have to consider it.

Ken

Originally Posted by bonzo

You will end up not liking it if you hear it at a show

I agree, bonzo. I heard it last year at the NYAS and walked away just after a few minutes. I think they were having some technical difficulty and it did not show well. Given all the poz feedback here I'd be interested in hearing it again...

**Elescher** · August 15, 2015, 01:43 PM

Ken,

I have the GG SE. i am am in White Plains only about 3 miles from where the NY show will be held. I'd be happy to have you over for a listen anytime. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Steve

**joeinid** · August 15, 2015, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

Instead of the NYC show, I would beseech the Long Island guys, ie Joe, Bruce, Gopher and Berto to invite you over for a listening session at their convenience and hear them nicely broken in, in a real world setup. Bruce has SE, Joe has Bal and Fred/Rob could have either or both.

I hope to have my balanced GG next week.

**Alpinist** · August 15, 2015, 04:53 PM

Thanks Steve and Joe, it is greatly appreciated! And thanks Norman and Allen for steering me in the right direction.

The Lampi Balanced vs. SE choice has me going back and forth. I know in my head what should be optimal in my system but I won't know in my heart until I hear it myself.

Ken

**berto** · August 15, 2015, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by bonzo

You will end up not liking it if you hear it at a show

Lampizator delivers pulchritudinous sounds at NYAS '14 | DAR

I'm the co-distro and live in South Bellmore, Long Island. I've owned 8 Lampizator DACs including two B7s. Currently I have a SE Lite 7 now playing with Elrogs 300bs and i love it. Getting my 9th Lampi, a SE Golden Gate next week and would be happy to host anybody who wants to hear it. Got some WE 422a rectis that I look fwd to trying as well.

Best,
Rob

**wisnon** · August 17, 2015, 04:51 PM

Real English version likely soon at 6Moons.

Ackward translation here: https://translate.google.com/transla...C622&edit-text

**Alpinist** · August 17, 2015, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

Real English version likely soon at 6Moons.

Ackward translation here: https://translate.google.com/transla...C622&edit-text

Terrific in-depth review with tremendous detail and many pictures. The translation is fine and I could follow the entire article.

Thanks for posting, Norman.

Ken

**wisnon** · August 18, 2015, 04:56 AM

Welcome Ken, I enjoyed reading it too.

**Alpinist** · August 18, 2015, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

Welcome Ken, I enjoyed reading it too.

Anyone who is considering purchasing a Golden Gate should definitely read this in-depth review.

Ken

**Audiophile bill** · August 18, 2015, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Anyone who is considering purchasing a Golden Gate should definitely read this in-depth review.

Ken

I read the review and it reaffirmed my decision to go from big 7 to golden gate. Can't wait to hear the holy grail....can it get any better?

**bonzo** · August 18, 2015, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by Audiophile bill

I read the review and it reaffirmed my decision to go from big 7 to golden gate. Can't wait to hear the holy grail....can it get any better?

Yes, if you upgrade your tubes and your streamer

**Audiophile bill** · August 18, 2015, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by bonzo

Yes, if you upgrade your tubes and your streamer

Yes indeed. Plan, as you know, is to go western electric all over and sort out a decent computer transport. Oh and some shun mook foo for good measure.

**Adyc** · August 26, 2015, 08:28 AM

My balanced GG arrived yesterday. Photo together with Berkeley RS. Two DAC giants. I have Berkeley for a few months now. Too early to tell which one is better. Give me a few days to form an opinion.

IMG_0218.jpg

**Alrainbow** · August 26, 2015, 09:03 AM

What is your source ?

**Adyc** · August 26, 2015, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Alrainbow

What is your source ?

SOTM SMS-100 running LMS

**Alrainbow** · August 26, 2015, 09:43 AM

Thanks

**bmoura** · August 26, 2015, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Adyc

My balanced GG arrived yesterday. Photo together with Berkeley RS. Two DAC giants. I have Berkeley for a few months now. Too early to tell which one is better. Give me a few days to form an opinion.

IMG_0218.jpg

Always fun to have a comparison between DAC giants. A balanced Golden Gate, that should be something!

**Audiophile bill** · August 26, 2015, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Adyc

My balanced GG arrived yesterday. Photo together with Berkeley RS. Two DAC giants. I have Berkeley for a few months now. Too early to tell which one is better. Give me a few days to form an opinion.

IMG_0218.jpg

Hi,

I would be cautious about comparing a fresh golden gate as the caps really do need some time on them before any evaluation. Other than that, enjoy!

Cheers,

Bill

**Elberoth** · August 28, 2015, 01:15 AM

There it is, after looooong wait:

**Elberoth** · August 28, 2015, 01:27 AM

There it is, after looooong wait:

**Alpinist** · August 28, 2015, 01:41 AM

Adam,

I better put on a bib because I am drooling over your balanced GG!

Best,
Ken

**joeinid** · August 28, 2015, 01:51 AM

Adam,

Well done on the color scheme. I should have duplicated yours. Can't wait to unbox mine, it arrived today.

So exciting.

Originally Posted by Elberoth

There it is, after looooong wait:

**Alpinist** · August 28, 2015, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Adam,

Well done on the color scheme. I should have duplicated yours. Can't wait to unbox mine, it arrived today.

So exciting.

Congrats Joe!!! Christmas has arrived early around here! I'm not sorry that I've waited on my purchase as I'll have the opportunity to read all of your reviews as your balanced GG's break in.

Enjoy,
Ken

**Ritmo** · August 28, 2015, 05:10 AM

Very nice Adam!

**MDP** · August 28, 2015, 08:45 AM

Congrats Adam! I bet it will sound as good as it looks.

**Mike** · August 28, 2015, 08:53 AM

Congrats Adam. I should be getting mine today. Anyone want me to do a SE GG vs Balanced GG before I ship off the SE GG?

Oh, I have 4 NOS WE300b's sitting and waiting for the new Balanced GG.

**Steve** · August 28, 2015, 09:02 AM

Very nice! I like the colour combination too. Do they do blue meters?

**joeinid** · August 28, 2015, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Steve

Very nice! I like the colour combination too. Do they do blue meters?

That's what I have, blue ring LED, blue meter with silver front. Nice!

**sfox7076** · August 28, 2015, 10:40 AM

My GG arrived Wednesday. Will hook it up tonight. I think I will use el cheapo tubes for the first 10 hours or so, then on to WE 274B/300B or 101Ds. Fun stuff.

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