LDMS Server

[heihei]

Worth noting I've had some issues running the LDMS into my Lampi GG2 via USB. This is more of a Lampi USB issue which I hadn't discovered, mainly as I previously used the SPDIF input. As such, the Lampi needs some updates to fix this.

I should say that Lucas has been super-helpful with this issue, and is not a reflection on his product, but wanted to flag to other Lampi users.

 

[Golum]

Worth noting I've had some issues running the LDMS into my Lampi GG2 via USB. This is more of a Lampi USB issue which I hadn't discovered, mainly as I previously used the SPDIF input. As such, the Lampi needs some updates to fix this.

I should say that Lucas has been super-helpful with this issue, and is not a reflection on his product, but wanted to flag to other Lampi users.

In full honesty I would not call it a Lampi issue but rather Amanero FW issue which Lampi is using. And it is related to DSD playback. So if your Amanero is set in the factory for Linux based servers it usually works normally with Windows based servers up until certain range - let say DSD128. For the above ones, Lucas updates the FW in Amanero board to the version which is "Windows" friendly and all is good and flawless (did the thing also in my GG2 as I was using Auralic before).

 

[Alrainbow]

I even offered to help the original owner-designer in making it better. This was provided through a third party who knows both of us.
I'm in no way being a wise guy here. So as I said for simple streaming try an LDMS it's a simple way to improve your system now. Also Lucas can help with improving your network setup too not spending thousands either. If one streams there is simple cheap thing to do that make real world improvements too.

 

[heihei]

In full honesty I would not call it a Lampi issue but rather Amanero FW issue which Lampi is using. And it is related to DSD playback. So if your Amanero is set in the factory for Linux based servers it usually works normally with Windows based servers up until certain range - let say DSD128. For the above ones, Lucas updates the FW in Amanero board to the version which is "Windows" friendly and all is good and flawless (did the thing also in my GG2 as I was using Auralic before).

Yes re Amanero issue, which is typically when sampling rate changes (not just DSD).

 

[Alrainbow]

This is them and can be fixed easily contact Fred or Norman.
It's pretty simple of a pcm thing. I had that issue too. I fixed it. It had to do with two clocks used at bit rate change.
Amanaro sounds best but has its issues

 

[Taiko Audio]

Ok thanks for a real world answer.
So as I have found having even real vpn running degrades the sound and if you are running team viewer too this makes it even worse.
Now before you say it's not like that on an SGM think lol. It does no matter what we do it's why you use I think a dual cpu main board to divide up duties. I've done this too. Two mainboards trumps a dual pc always. Lets not make this kind thread about the LMDS not become a bitter argument in facts and fiction.
Your SGM is a very well made product and I respect that.

I’m not sure if there’s a question needing to be answered here? If not I’d prefer to unsuscribe now and leave this thread to be about the lmds.

 

[wil]

LDMS Users: A couple of questions?

1.How are you connected from Server to Dac? Are you going through a Switch via ethernet?

In an email exchange with Lucas, I believe he is suggesting to go straight: Ethernet > Server > Ethernet > Dac (Lampi Pacific). I suppose under this scenario I would run another ethernet cable the 100' from the moderm to the server which would be dedicated to the audio. The other ethernet would go to a switch for other functions not related to sq.

I had originally planned on using the ballyhooed (and still in development) Uptone EtherRegen Switch which is designed to rid the ethernet line of noise and other problems.

So, I'm curious why bypassing such a switch is a good idea?

2. Is the server operation reliable all the time and not needing of attention? Plug and Play?
I currently have the Roon Nucleus and I like it's reliability.

3. How does the customization/optimization of the Server to one's specific audio system manifest itself?

4. Is there any concern locating the Server close in among the other system components?

5. I presently use streaming through Qobuz for 95% of my listening. Are there particular optimizations addressed to streaming?

 

[Golum]

Hi Wil;

1) In my case as I don't have an option via ethernet to Pacific like you I use USB from LDMS to GG2. Still, as I know quite many Pacific users most of them prefer USB connection vs Ethernet one but guess you can try both and decide.
2) Super reliable operation - no hiccups whatsoever
3) Sound wise it was spot on from the first moment so i didn't need any tweaks but he advised he can tune the server to your needs (guess to certain extend)
4) Sitting in rack with the rest of my gear - no issues at all
5) I'm streaming Tidal via Roon app and I don't think he had to deal with that at all, ie optimizing in any way

Hope this helps you a bit...

Cheers;
G

 

[wil]

Thanks Golum,

I’m inclined to stubbornly stick with ethernet all the way through as that’s what I’ve optimized my system for up to this point. And the results are good.

I have a Gigafoil optical isolator just before the Pacific which has had a positive impact on the ethernet. And the Uptone EtherRegen Switch may eventually replace or work in tandem with this. But I’ll get advice from Lucas is well on this.

 

[Alrainbow]

Thanks Golum,

I’m inclined to stubbornly stick with ethernet all the way through as that’s what I’ve optimized my system for up to this point. And the results are good.

I have a Gigafoil optical isolator just before the Pacific which has had a positive impact on the ethernet. And the Uptone EtherRegen Switch may eventually replace or work in tandem with this. But I’ll get advice from Lucas is well on this.

This is what I use https://www.emosystems.com/product/en-30/
Do not use at dac network input for best sound
Use this to isolate the audio network.
So use at the input to your audio network switch input.
Now you can try this at the dac network input too.
For me it's more beneficial for me at network input switch.
The network switch should be a giga speed switch and have a lps supply to it.
I don't use any expensive network switch aside from above
In my setup I use a lps fed router to feed my network switch. This removes all data traffic outside of the audio network switch
Also not using a router as a switch it does too many functions we don't need and may impact the network sound.
A slow or bad network does not studder only
Even if it does not studer it puts a vail on the sound.
I don't use any kind of optical isolation
While they do truly isolate they do so by software and data conversion to and from
Mine linked above is truly galvonic iso by an iso transformer no software and it's full giga speed.

 

[christoph]

Thanks Golum,

I’m inclined to stubbornly stick with ethernet all the way through as that’s what I’ve optimized my system for up to this point. And the results are good.

I have a Gigafoil optical isolator just before the Pacific which has had a positive impact on the ethernet. And the Uptone EtherRegen Switch may eventually replace or work in tandem with this. But I’ll get advice from Lucas is well on this.

But have you tried the USB Input on your Pacific and compared to the Ethernet-in?

If you want to go directly into the Pacific's Ethernet-in (without a Switch, directly from your Server, i.e. Nucleus atm.), you need to have a fix IP on the Server for this Scenario to work? I wasn't successful with just going from my SuperKomputer straight into the Pacific's Ethernet-in, it worked only with a Switch in front.
But I haven't tried fixed IP on the SK so far, only DHCP...

 

[Alrainbow]

But have you tried the USB Input on your Pacific and compared to the Ethernet-in?

If you want to go directly into the Pacific's Ethernet-in (without a Switch, directly from your Server, i.e. Nucleus atm.), you need to have a fix IP on the Server for this Scenario to work? I wasn't successful with just going from my SuperKomputer straight into the Pacific's Ethernet-in, it worked only with a Switch in front.
But I haven't tried fixed IP on the SK so far, only DHCP...

Christoph , in order to do this you need static IP on both , secondary network adapter in SK and and the Lan bridge in Pacyfic itself , simple Ptty to it will achieve this but you need password from Lampizator then edit the Lan config of the bridge, if you not fancying doing this then DHCP is the only way..

I can understand why in some systems LAN can sound "better", go with what sounds best to your ears.

When it comes to LDMS there is twin or quad output network card available as upgrade and this can eliminate entire network chain and have server connected directly to Lan bridge , NAS, Sotm renderer or what have you ...etc

this is something that Lucas helped me implement in my 32tb NAS

 

[wil]

I have not tried to USB on the Pacific. I made the decision when I ordered the Pacific with the ethernet card to dedicate to optimizing for that signal path. So, I honestly have no idea if that was the best decision or not!

My plan at present is to get the best server I can afford and run the signal through the new Uptone switch (when it comes out).

 

[Number9]

I would assume huge majority of the population strolling around this forum has never heard about this music server but on the other hand, I for certain know that several of the esteemed members of the forum heard it and also posses it in their systems. Also LDMS as a brand has been participating quite intensively on the HiFi shows last year (Munich, Zurich, Athens, UK) so consumers are slowly but surely getting to know them. I've been introduced to Lukas when I jumped into LampizatOr ship and since we've been quite a lot in contact as he's been a really valuable source of help HiFi wise in general and of course digital source wise.
Having Auralic Aries Femto for quite some time I started to feel that this part of the chain is becoming a weak link and that it is the right time to move fw. Having a chance to hear the LDMS in @christoph system during one of our sessions last autumn, I made a decision to order LDMS with dedicated LPS.
Order was made primarily due to liking of what I've heard and secondly due to the fantastic post sales service he is offering (confirmed from several sides who already use LDMS).
After a long cold winter and with the spring finally coming, last Wednesday Lukas arrived to my place for a nice HiFi weekend with several other guys which was planned for months in advance and installed the long awaiting top model of his server. Entire process of installation went silk smooth - basically plug and play - installed the Roon on my tablet and voila - we've been in business and we could begin with listening sessions.
Before I jump to that, tech spec of the server I don't know and I did not ask - the only thing I know is that it can up sample if needed to DSD512 without any issue. It's Win16 Server based which is of course hard core moded for audio playback and the big portion of the secret sauce is there.
Sound wise honestly everything is just so much better that it's kind of difficult to describe or maybe just saying "so much better" explains it all. Dynamics, conveying of the emotions, soundstage, musician pinpointing, stage as a whole, decay, bass tightness and extension,... you name it - the improvement is there and not by small margin but rather significant.
Maybe things should improve further with some burn in but even if they stay as they are now I'm a super happy customer/owner of LDMS.

Thanks a lot Lukas!

Few pictures for the illustration:

View attachment 50044 View attachment 50045 View attachment 50046 View attachment 50047

Those Vienna's are real beauties!! How do you like them? Anything in particular stand out that led you to these?

 

[Golum]

I have not tried to USB on the Pacific. I made the decision when I ordered the Pacific with the ethernet card to dedicate to optimizing for that signal path. So, I honestly have no idea if that was the best decision or not!

My plan at present is to get the best server I can afford and run the signal through the new Uptone switch (when it comes out).

Wil I really like you approach - just keep pushing

 

[bonzo75]

Wil I really like you approach - just keep pushing

audiophiles are midwives to each other

 

[Golum]

Those Vienna's are real beauties!! How do you like them? Anything in particular stand out that led you to these?

Thanks a lot! They really look great "live" and above all in my space they perform magnificent. Had many friends who never heard VA before which were quite stunned with the performance of those. How I picked them up - I'll answer 100% honest - by leap of faith...I've been looking for a new pair of speakers in the price range I dedicated, went to different shows to listen, been taking my electronics to many audio stores (difficult here in CH to have a home demo) and I just could not find anything what i liked much more than my previous LS (Usher minidancer 2 DMD). So at the end I just got mentally tired and nervous and a dealer of mine offered me those VAs. I read about them all I could find and just ordered them as I had a good guts feeling about them...rest is now history

 

[Golum]

audiophiles are midwives to each other

That's how you see yourself now?

 

[spiritofmusic]

Ked loves a timed Caesarian and then has no qualms comparing your baby/babies to all the others in maternity.

 

[Legolas]

There's an interesting 2 box Paul Pang server that apparently is the only quad switch unit in existence, rrp €7k. It would be relevant maybe to reference the entry LDMS at the same price against it.

Re LDMS, what does the €15k unit give you that the €7k one doesn't? And €15k is in esteemed company, w the Pink Faun 2.16x, and the SGM Evo just €5k more.

I haven't heard of that, I can't see it on Pang blog or online. Have you any details? Where did you here about that?