Lampizator Genya

Gentlemen, I am really thrilled by the fact that your impressions are mostly positive. I had to force this design upon our company, because it was not in line with the lineage, not in line with the price pyramid, not consistent visually and generally noone wanted it from the inside of the factory.
It could have been my spectalular flop personally but fortunately it is the opposite.
We started selling the PLUS version but the sonic difference is very small, I really like the base model. The PLUS has maybe a touch more defined and more controlled deeper bass. Which addresses the minor compaints above in this thread. We also have a 6N6P to ECC182 adapters so the changeover can be very quick. Tall chassis allows for the adapters and tall triodes. We just secured 10 more boards from Horizon engine upgrades so this will keep us working till the late end of summer.
 
Gentlemen, I am really thrilled by the fact that your impressions are mostly positive. I had to force this design upon our company, because it was not in line with the lineage, not in line with the price pyramid, not consistent visually and generally noone wanted it from the inside of the factory.
It could have been my spectalular flop personally but fortunately it is the opposite.
We started selling the PLUS version but the sonic difference is very small, I really like the base model. The PLUS has maybe a touch more defined and more controlled deeper bass. Which addresses the minor compaints above in this thread. We also have a 6N6P to ECC182 adapters so the changeover can be very quick. Tall chassis allows for the adapters and tall triodes. We just secured 10 more boards from Horizon engine upgrades so this will keep us working till the late end of summer.
Had I not purchased the Poseidon in early 2024 and I already had my Westminster Labs Quest 2 pre-amp (which I purchased this year), the Genya Plus would probably been my choice. It is more compact and fits into a rack shelf. Plus, I heard my system with the Horizon first and found the dynamic contrasts out of this world.

What I found out though is that the OEM tubes in my Poseidon are perfectly adequate as a DAC feeding my Quest 2. I hear greater separation, richer tone, trailing off sounds, etc. compared to the Poseidon used as a DAC and pre-amp; but, at twice the price with the Quest 2. I still use the Poseidon pre-amp inputs as a supplement doing double duty, to my Quest 2 for my 78 rpm turntable/post it's pre-amp and cassette deck while the extra Quest 2 inputs for R2R and DAT deck. The sound pass-through sounds sonically identical to direct feeding the Quest 2 using XLR output from the Poseidon (Westminster Labs Ultra XLR).

P.S. I don't stream and use the DAC for CDs only (16,100 currently), pending use for with a music server for thumb drives and hard drives.
 
Sublime, and Surreal

The Genya is my 7th LampizatOr DAC. From 2014 to 2021 I had a Big 5, Big 7, and then the Golden Atlantic TRP. In 2021 I moved to a Tiny House, and then to a boat, so sold my entire system. In that interim I had the Amber DAC/Amp, and then the Fezz Equinox (this is a damn good DAC for the money). Recently I moved back to a house, and am rebuilding a system. I picked up where I left off with the Atlantic TRP. A month later the Genya was announced so I jumped on board.

For reference I’ve also owned many Linn DAC/preamps (prior to 2014), a Meridian, 3 different Wavelength DACs, and the Chord Hugo TT2. And for reference, the Big 7 as it was, to my ears, is better than all of these. I also considered the Atlantic an endgame components – one I would been happy to own and listen to to the end of time. Even with that I was intrigued by the Genya and knowing what Lukasz could build.

I feel like I’m pretty familiar with the LampizatOr ‘sound’ and what to expect from a LampizatOr DAC (or so I thought), which is why it was a no-brainer to come back to the Atlantic when rebuilding a system.

The Genya though is something different entirely. I don’t know if it’s the particular tube, the no frills design, or the Horizon engine, but the sound doesn’t fit with the other LampizatOr DACs I’ve heard. For me, I’m still listening going back and forth between the critical listening and uncovering what’s different and what’s there, and just the pure enjoyment of listening for the sake of listening.

The primary characteristics I would say is sublime. That says everything and nothing. Honestly though it’s hard to describe. At the beginning I added surreal – again everything and nothing – I’ve never heard anything like this.

Does it have all the good sound stuff – soundstage, depth, breadth, clarity, smoothness – absolutely! It is better than the Atlantic – absolutely. A couple others have said it may lack some bass – I can see that – and I’m fortunate to have both volume and crossover knobs on my speakers for bass, so I’m spared any lacking in that area. I did have to turn up the volume a few notches compared to the Atlantic though. Someone also said it seemed to have a more natural decay off notes, and I would agree with that. It seems to do well, as every LampizatOr I’ve heard, with almost any music or style. Brass and horns, women’s voices, piano is particularly good, hard-core rock, blues, and so on. I’ve had it burning in for about 200 hours now, it took at least 100 hours before it started to open up and sing.

I don’t listen to classical or symphonic music much, still I played some to discover more in the Genya. After listening to a few tracks, I am inclined to explore this part of my collection more. Each instrument – brass, woodwinds, strings, harpsichord, percussion – had a beautiful sound and intonation clearly distinct from all the others.

I played my favorites tracks – tracks I’ve played for decades – Chris Rea, Sarah McLachlan, The Wailin’ Jennys, Traveling Wilburys, Mark Knopfler, Blues Brothers, Ebba Forsberg, Jesse Cooke, and others. Perhaps it was lacking a stereo for over 3 years, but every song is even more of a joy to listen to. There have even been a few moments that I would call a double-take – I’m a bit stunned at the sound and what I’m hearing that I just freeze and listen deeper.

While I miss the glow of the tubes, and that box takes up a lot of space – the Genya is an stunning DAC. I have a new endgame component!



The rest of my system – Don Sachs Valhalla pre-amp/amp, Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer, Vaughn Zinfandel speakers with built-in subwoofer in each speaker. Speaker cables are Linn; VooDoo power cables for the speakers; IsoTek power bar; and the rest is Sablon – USB, interconnects, and 3 power cables.
Nice review. Curious about this model, as would be my first Lampi. Am a bit concerned about "lack of bass" though.....
 
Nice review. Curious about this model, as would be my first Lampi. Am a bit concerned about "lack of bass" though.....
I would encourage you to listen for yourself and come to your own conclusions. I auditioned the Genya in my room and it was exceptional. Every room has its own idiosyncrasies and every listener has their own biases.

There is a saying, "one man's ceiling is another man's floor." Only you know which floor you live on.
 
I would encourage you to listen for yourself and come to your own conclusions. I auditioned the Genya in my room and it was exceptional. Every room has its own idiosyncrasies and every listener has their own biases.

There is a saying, "one man's ceiling is another man's floor." Only you know which floor you live on.
I totally agree. There isn't a way to home audition these in the states is there?
 
My Genya arrived today and it's glorious. I've got many words for my thoughts on it already but I'll wait a little longer before posting them.

For now, here are some shots of the internals and tubes that came stock. From my basic research they appear to be some of the best you can get for the tube types.

6N6p are from the Novosbirsk factory, with Philips Miniwatt 6x5GT for rectifier.
I fancy a Bendix 5852 for rectifier but I have zero desire to roll the 6N6p quad. The type included as stock are some of the best you can find, it seems.

Genya's performance in stock – coming from an Atlantic prior to this – is, frankly, incredible. It's a huge jump up.

Others will know more than me regarding tubes, but the itch to roll is just not there for this unit. Taking off the cover is a pain, which a good thing imo. Stops you from tinkering!

I'll write up proper impressions after a few 100 hours or so, but thus far today is the best audio I've ever heard. Genya looking like a killer deal.

Genya internals:

PXL_20250708_203302446.jpgPXL_20250708_203312938.jpgPXL_20250708_203602092.jpgPXL_20250708_203618000.jpgPXL_20250708_203435277.jpgPXL_20250708_203342892.jpg
 
A follow up about the bass on the Genya. The Genya has plenty of bass in my system, I just noted that I had to turn up the volume a little on the built-in active subwoofers in my speakers from what it had been with the Atlantic.

To get a sense of the bass, I have used the first two tracks of the Wag the Dog soundtrack for years as a measuring stick. Mark Knopfler wrote that soundtrack. Those two tracks have fantastic deep and clear bass.

As others have said - each system is different.
 
This is a follow up to my first post about the new LampizatOr Genya. I’ve run the DAC in more (at least 300 hours), and also had a trip out of town to clear my memory. I’ve also added a Sablon Prince power cord on the Genya, and a Sablon Gran Corona to the Valhalla.

Sidenote on Sablon - I’ve always been impressed with all the cables from Mark Coles at Sablon Audio. I know power cables can make a difference in sound quality. The addition of both of these is significant, and helps bring the Genya into its own even more.

Before going further, as I previously wrote the Genya is unlike anything I’ve heard before from LampizatOr. While I’ve had many DACs, I’ve never had anything in my system even close to the Genya to compare to. I’ve been to several audio shows and heard some great systems, those have all been short sessions (10-15 minutes) and rarely with music I’m very familiar with and played over and over. The memory of those had faded so even those aren’t a good remembrance to compare to.

Perhaps the closest was a system I heard at Pacific Audio Fest in 2023 which had Spatial Audio speakers, a LampizatOr Pacific with the Don Sachs Valhalla. That was one of the best systems I’ve ever heard.

Back to the Genya - it’s in a different league which makes it so hard for me to write about straight out.

It’s mesmerizing! With the Prince cable the sound is more textured and smooth, and still so incredibly detailed. The detail is clear and it just flows like water. Overall the sound has opened up and broadened. It’s engaging - a key for me in any system. A few songs bring out full goosebumps as has been in the case with other components, with the Genya, those goosebumps persist even more so. There is a great balance across all the instruments and frequency ranges.

An analogy … the Atlantic would be a really nice 4Runner - completely capable of handling anything well; the Genya though is a Range Rover which will take you anywhere, and in smooth comfort and style.

The Genya is simply amazing! It’s a beautiful addition to my system that I am so completely and thoroughly enjoying!

A final note on the Atlantic - this review isn’t meant to throw any shade on the Atlantic. To me the Atlantic is still an endgame component. I could be very happy listening to an Atlantic for the rest of time. The Genya is certainly better, and the Atlantic holds its own incredibly well.
 
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A final note on the Atlantic - this review isn’t meant to throw any shade on the Atlantic. To me the Atlantic is still an endgame component. I could be very happy listening to an Atlantic for the rest of time. The Genya is certainly better, and the Atlantic holds its own incredibly well.
What I would add to this – and I agree with everything else you said – is that considering the price difference between Atlantic and Genya, I did not expect to get so much more in terms of performance.

I feel like Genya offers a unique proposition in terms of price/performance. I cannot fathom spending more at this stage.

Depending what tubes were in Atlantic, I sometimes struggled to place the rhythm of certain tracks. The flow wasn't quite right. Either too stodgy or too lean. With Genya everything just sounds exactly where I want it to be. It sounds so effortless while doing so much.

And I reckon my unit doesn't even have 100 hours on it yet.
 
I just fount this review on line with a follow up comparison directly of the Genya Plus equipped with Philips ECC182 versus the regular Genya and the findings are in agreement with how I feel about this matter. So I enclose the link for your eyes:
 
Gentlemen, I am really thrilled by the fact that your impressions are mostly positive. I had to force this design upon our company, because it was not in line with the lineage, not in line with the price pyramid, not consistent visually and generally noone wanted it from the inside of the factory.
It could have been my spectalular flop personally but fortunately it is the opposite.
We started selling the PLUS version but the sonic difference is very small, I really like the base model. The PLUS has maybe a touch more defined and more controlled deeper bass. Which addresses the minor compaints above in this thread. We also have a 6N6P to ECC182 adapters so the changeover can be very quick. Tall chassis allows for the adapters and tall triodes. We just secured 10 more boards from Horizon engine upgrades so this will keep us working till the late end of summer.
Sounds like Lukasz you need to force a few more designs given success of Genya. Looking forward to getting the Plus! Hope you get to sign it!
 
Hi all,

I’ve been enjoying watching the conversation unfold around GENYA, and wanted to chime in with a bit of background and context, since a few folks have asked how it compares to Horizon or where it sits in the LampizatOr lineup.

GENYA is a bit of a unicorn—a limited-production DAC that shares the exact same digital engine as the Horizon, repurposed from a surplus of those high-end boards that were just too good to let sit idle. Rather than let them go to waste, the team at LampizatOr built them into something new: a fully balanced, dual mono DAC without volume control, screen, or any unnecessary complexity.

We’ve heard a lot of folks describe GENYA as a “Horizon Lite,” but in practice, it’s not so much “lesser” as it is different. If Horizon is the full-tilt flagship with all the bells and whistles, GENYA is the distilled essence of what made it great—streamlined, and arguably more suited to people who already run proper preamps and don’t need extra digital features.

Production is extremely limited—around 50-60 units total worldwide, and there are no current plans to continue manufacturing it once we run out of engines. .

I took on five units available in the U.S. at the original $17,500 price (before the upcoming 25% tariff increase that will impact future pricing). They’re ready to ship domestically. Feel free to reach out here or by email to claim one of these.

Best,

Fred A.
 
Do we know the difference in production for the genya and the genya plus and why Lukasz decided to do it this way? They both sound special dacs. Just interested to know what drove the decision making
 
Behind the scenes I understand Lukasz wanted to make this project specifically for his mentor, honoring him with the 6n6p circuit. His arm was twisted by a customer and friend with a stockpile of Bendix 6900 tubes he was excited about so Lukasz created that version.

As Lukasz implies in his post above, most people, especially without rare and exquisite 6900/csf type tubes, will be happiest with the regular Genya.
 
Behind the scenes I understand Lukasz wanted to make this project specifically for his mentor, honoring him with the 6n6p circuit. His arm was twisted by a customer and friend with a stockpile of Bendix 6900 tubes he was excited about so Lukasz created that version.

As Lukasz implies in his post above, most people, especially without rare and exquisite 6900/csf type tubes, will be happiest with the regular Genya.
Awesome colour Fred. Thx so much.
 
My Lampizator Genya has landed a few weeks ago and it's nothing short of a ‘next level’ audio experience for me, completely redefining what I thought was possible from my system. This isn't just an incremental step. The Genya is significantly above my previous Atlantic. I don't say that lightly given how incredible the Atlantic is. The leap in performance from Atlantic to Genya feels as significant as the jump I experienced from Holo May to Atlantic, which at this level I consider pretty extraordinary.

I haven’t heard Poseidon or anything above that, so I cannot compare and I won’t speculate...because I can’t! I also only listen on headphones (Abyss 1266). That there is more beyond Genya, I don't doubt for a moment.

What I will say is that I'm truly floored by everything I listen to with Genya. Every genre. I'm discovering an understanding of PRAT I didn't truly grasp before, as I've been tapping my foot since Genya went on. It's so good I feel like I can just leave Genya as is without needing to fine-tune tube combos for specific tracks or albums. This means I can get a lot more speed without the usual sonic tradeoffs I've encountered elsewhere.

It's truly have your cake and eat it territory. In fact, I'd make the reckless statement that this might be one of the last instances where paying twice as much still delivers twice the performance. At least at this level of spending that I’ve encountered.

Let's talk specifics about what's left my jaw open:

The vocals are simply to die for. Talk about vocal intimacy whether it’s powerful metal or soft ballads. There are tracks where I've yearned for more intimate, forward vocals, and now I'm getting them. Listening to Scott Walker's 'Bouncer See Bouncer', the experience is one of in-the-vocal-booth intensity and detail but with the luminosity of live performance. On Nirvana’s Unplugged album, Kurt’s every breath and subtle inflection is beautifully articulated, pulling you closer to the emotion on each track.

The bass on this thing is next level versus the Atlantic. It's more intense and reaches much lower than the Atlantic. When A$AP Ferg's 'New Level' came on I can honestly say I'd never heard bass like that before.

And it’s not about sheer volume of bass either. The texture is glorious. Like honey on the right track. I’m thinking Amethyst by Deafheaven here. Not a track that I’ve ever considered for bass response. It’s never been problematic. With Genya it demands to be paid attention to.

Speed is a standout characteristic. The Genya is much faster in transients, no comparison, even when pitted against the many very fast tubes I rolled in the Atlantic.

Beyond just speed the overall timbre is remarkable, particularly with drums. Guitar tones are also a highlight. The tonality is rich, detailed, with immense texture, and the decay on instruments sounds perfect. For instance, the upright bass on Miles Davis's 'So What' (sorry, audiophile cliche!) left me mesmerised, and that trumpet tone is just MILES in your ears. Unfiltered. This also extends to the treble, which offers exceptional extension and a refined, sweet detail without any harshness. ‘Reflection’ and ‘Schism’ by Tool reveal shimmering cymbals with palpable texture and airy decay, while ‘Grail Overfloweth’ by Cocteau Twins showcases delicate, intricate high-frequency details, and vocals with a natural, unforced airiness. Liz Fraser has never sounded so good.

Regarding imaging and soundstage, there's so much space, but instruments never feel disjointed or not part of a whole. With classical music, the resolution is phenomenal; you can discern the intricacies of separate sections, horns to strings to woodwind, all etched immaculately on the stage. While good DACs generally do this, I haven't heard it executed to this degree before. The soundstage stretches so wide and so deep that it truly exceeds the room boundaries and develops in your imagination beyond the walls and ceiling. Tracks like ‘The Ballad of Bill Hubbard’ from Roger Waters' Amused to Death album create a genuinely spherical, immersive experience where sounds appear far outside the headphones and even behind you. And I had to listen to Michael Jackson's ‘Billie Jean’ to confirm what I had already heard. And yes, every element occupies its own distinct, rock-solid space, demonstrating phenomenal precision.

The dynamic range and punch are nothing short of phenomenal. Listening to Mahler's Symphony No.6 and Daniil Trifonov's Rachmaninov Concerto No.3 delivered concert-like dynamics that I'd always hoped to hear but wasn't sure I would.

As for resolution, those days of recessed mids with 1266 are just so far in the rear view mirror it’s almost comical. 1266 is smooth and tonally dense like never before without any loss of detail.

Speaking of which: Genya extracts an unprecedented amount of fine detail and nuance. Listening to Dave Brubeck's ‘Take Five’ Joe Morello's intricate drum work and Paul Desmond's saxophone reveal stunning clarity and micro-dynamic shifts. Meshuggah’s live performance of ‘New Millennium Christ’ is a masterclass in transparency, where every drum stroke and the resonance of the guitar body are brought to life. It just puts you right in the audience.

An unexpected byproduct of the Genya has been the profound impact it's had on tube rolling my Red October. Previously, swapping GEC U52s for Mullard GZ34 metal base tubes could make the sound feel too linear or clinical with the Atlantic. I could never get the balance right. But now those GZ34s are working in the most brilliant way, making EDM and metal addictive. For example the trance track 'Discovery' by Protonica hits seriously hard.

Ultimately, the Genya makes it feel like I can pick a genre, then hear it the best I've heard it represented before. This entire experience has left me with an overwhelming desire to sit here and listen to everything I own.

Which I’m now doing.
 

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