True...but amber 3 is a step up from Amber 2. Circuit more refined and optimised according to Lukasz.My buddy got back to me and he didn't want me to list everything without checking with Parts Connexion, but it appears the upgrade consisted of numerous diodes, resistors, caps, silver wiring, and a high quality fuse.
This list likely is not everything, but should give an idea of the updates.
Granted the SFD-2 was, and still is according to the above used value estimate, more expensive than the Amber 2 and Amber 3. It could be as simple as the SFD-II using better components. So maybe a more appropriate comparison would be with the Atlantic or Golden Atlantic where there are better components in the DAC.
All comparison was done purely with PCM. A3 is using the e53 and I'm sure that this makes it so good. I have latest GG2 and to me A3 was very close in terms of reproduction. I still liked mine better as it had more of everything but difference was not night and day. And yes DHTs add magic but still - they should for the price gap involved .For the Amber 3 listening was the source PCM? Also, I see Golum has a GG, so from that perspective how does the Amber 3 compare to the GG2 on PCM? I believe they are both using the new 53 engine, so that is common among them. I know the GG2 has the DHT going for it and the ability to swap different tubes - so the sound will be different from that perspective.
I could get my Amber 2 upgraded to Amber 3, but I'd hate to put down the money and then have my buddies SFD-2 still sound so much better.
A fascinating professional review was just published by Dave Hanson, one of the editors of Enjoy the Music.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1019/LampizatOr_Amber_III_DAC_Review.htm
Thanks for your efforts, Dave!
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