Pacific dac: Lampizator's new top of the line dac

adamaley

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Apr 15, 2016
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Minnetonka, MN
Can the guys using the USAF 596 rectifier kindly speak about what it brings to the table vs the KR 5U4G and what output tube they prefer it with? Thanks in advance.
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
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In short the 596 has the lowest noise floor period
And unless you have one you would not understand how much noise is there.
It also allows for a more close up presentation over all. This is great for studio or small live events
Next it has more air then the tube your using as I own one
It does have less depth in stage and a bit less air then the we 274 b or tak these tubes do have a better over all size and depth and air but less intamacy and higher noise floor
There is no perfect tube but the 596 in all LAMPI dacs I own
Pac
Gg2
On loan trp it's as above
As for output tubes of your system can handle the stock non RK 242 get a pair. They have the high est gain of any tube and speed that makes it very visceral yet still musical
After this combo is in and you make some adjustments that maybe needed It's for me the best digital presentation I ever heard at my place
Ask questions and if I can help I will
So now let the minions jump in for the kill.
 

LampiNA

Well-Known Member
Jun 30, 2015
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I too am a big fan of the 596 Al discusses. For some reason or other, I don't love it as much in my Pacific system (synergy) but in my Golden Gate 2 system it is a great choice. I'll echo what Al says about noise floor and focus and intimacy, but add that it does bring things a lot closer together--it tightens the stage if you will. My reference setup is in a significantly small space than Al's, so I do notice it more at my home, but it's a small trade off for what that tube does right.
 
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astrotoy

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astrotoy

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Al, Thanks. I see that Woo sells it with an adapter. Is that necessary to use with the Pacific?

Larry
 

adamaley

Well-Known Member
Apr 15, 2016
580
541
228
Minnetonka, MN
In short the 596 has the lowest noise floor period
And unless you have one you would not understand how much noise is there.
It also allows for a more close up presentation over all. This is great for studio or small live events
Next it has more air then the tube your using as I own one
It does have less depth in stage and a bit less air then the we 274 b or tak these tubes do have a better over all size and depth and air but less intamacy and higher noise floor
There is no perfect tube but the 596 in all LAMPI dacs I own
Pac
Gg2
On loan trp it's as above
As for output tubes of your system can handle the stock non RK 242 get a pair. They have the high est gain of any tube and speed that makes it very visceral yet still musical
After this combo is in and you make some adjustments that maybe needed It's for me the best digital presentation I ever heard at my place
Ask questions and if I can help I will
So now let the minions jump in for the kill.

Thanks, Al, for this breakdown. I do use the KR 242 with the RK 5U4G, and occasionally switch in the Tak 274B recti for a change of pace. The RK 5U4G is definitely more quiet and resolving - I agree it doesn't do Z-plane layering like the Tak, but over time, I've come to realize you could get those attributes from elsewhere in the chain (new preamp really helps). The Tak is a mid-range monster though. I'm interested in the USAF 596 hoping it bridges the gap somehow between the two, and, from your description, it sounds like it does.
 

Marcin_gps

VIP Donor/Industry Expert
Jun 24, 2015
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Thanks Marcin. Does this work with Windows 10 and which firmware version?

Actually, I've just found out that the latest Amanero firmware doesn't support Kernel Streaming (KS) which is the recommended output for JPLAY.

Regards,
Marcin
 

Alrainbow

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Dec 11, 2013
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Actually, I've just found out that the latest Amanero firmware doesn't support Kernel Streaming (KS) which is the recommended output for JPLAY.

Regards,
Marcin
Good to know even though I use j river alone I too use kernel streaming ty for posting
 
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cmchan

Well-Known Member
Aug 24, 2018
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Yes, it does. Firmware is independent. You can use it with the firmware that is currently loaded in your DAC.

Regards,
Marcin
Actually, I've just found out that the latest Amanero firmware doesn't support Kernel Streaming (KS) which is the recommended output for JPLAY.

Regards,
Marcin
Thanks for confirming Marcin. I’m planning to reinstall an older verson of the Amanero Firmware (2002b) to enable JPlay + KS, unless there are any other workarounds.
 
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Alrainbow

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Dec 11, 2013
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Does your dac have a vol control ?
Can you try j river ?
Do you use an active preamp ?
 

cmchan

Well-Known Member
Aug 24, 2018
23
52
120
Does your dac have a vol control ?
Can you try j river ?
Do you use an active preamp ?
Hi Al. No vol control on my Pacific (Balanced). I have a SGM Extreme and using a Dave Slagle Emia Silver Balanced Passive Autoformer.
 

bonzo75

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Feb 26, 2014
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Thanks, Al, for this breakdown. I do use the KR 242 with the RK 5U4G, and occasionally switch in the Tak 274B recti for a change of pace. The RK 5U4G is definitely more quiet and resolving - I agree it doesn't do Z-plane layering like the Tak, but over time, I've come to realize you could get those attributes from elsewhere in the chain (new preamp really helps). The Tak is a mid-range monster though. I'm interested in the USAF 596 hoping it bridges the gap somehow between the two, and, from your description, it sounds like it does.

Agreed the Tak buffs up the midrange and puts it forward and totally bores me
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
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Agreed the Tak buffs up the midrange and puts it forward and totally bores me
As I laugh at your comment one question comes to mind
Is your perception to be for all lol. Hope all went well for you and hope to see you soon hahaha.
I mean this buddy
 
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Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
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Hi Al. No vol control on my Pacific (Balanced). I have a SGM Extreme and using a Dave Slagle Emia Silver Balanced Passive Autoformer.
Do you have an active pre after the vol control ?
Also is this device galvonic isolating as well ?
 

wisnon

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2011
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Do you have an active pre after the vol control ?
Also is this device galvonic isolating as well ?
autoformer is passive...but SGM should have galvanic isolation. Top quality server.

Pity as Vol Ctl plus active pre takes Lampi to another level for those who know what they are doing.
 

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