Lampizator Valve / Tube Rolling Review Thread

[bonzo75]

Ked according to Mark at Malvern Audio Research, my Big 7 had a clever valve microphony minimisation circuit.

Your GG1 (and Rob's) never had this circuit.

When my DAC went back to Lucasz they ripped this circuit out and replaced it with a circuit like your GG. My DAC is now as susceptible to microphony as any GG1 and my guess would be later GG DACs too.

Whilst this circuit sounds better, it is far more susceptible to microphony.

Possible. I also think it happens with some preamps. Since you have changed to lux, I don't think I will now face it at yours. Heihei has tried with Soulution he didn't have any problems, and I will soon, to check if mine has microphony with Soulution pre.

 

[bonzo75]

No KR or EML valve I have come across is silent.

Crazy claim.

Put your volume in 10 and tap the tube directly with no music on.

Why do you want to do that unless your wife asks you to role play Michael Fremer (who taps on every turntable)

 

[Zero000]

Actually now I remember yours did go particularly mad when we put Cunningham CX-345 in it. It was OK (for a DAC without the microphony reduction) with 101D.

I have a weird problem bi-amping with EML 45 GM. It hums madly when I use it. Then I put Tung Sol 6A3 in and it disappears. Or any other valve.

Unsure why.

 

[wisnon]

I told Marty the same thing. I don't know what causes the microphony. My Lampi got very micro phonic at Justin's but silent otherwise. Bill's, dctom, with 242, very silent.

Local power, preamp, local interference, etc?

 

[Zero000]

Tesla AD1 arrived today. Just a bit smaller than the EML version LOL.

It's way less microphonic than the EML. How do I know that without listening? Just put the EML valve close to your ear and tap the glass. The huge oversize appears to mean much longer filaments and they just ring to the tap. The Tesla is far quieter.

Now it's just a long wait for the adaptors so I can use them. But I can test them and I will post the results so we know what we've got here.

They are supposedly matched at 100% output ((as new). If I get 6ma/V from my tester for both we'll know that's true.

This is probably another Lampi world first as far as I am aware. Which is cool (in my book).

If anyone knows different say so and provide a link. It hasn't happened without a link

 

[Golum]

Tesla AD1 arrived today. Just a bit smaller than the EML version LOL.

It's way less microphonic than the EML. How do I know that without listening? Just put the EML valve close to your ear and tap the glass. The huge oversize appears to mean much longer filaments and they just ring to the tap. The Tesla is far quieter.

Now it's just a long wait for the adaptors so I can use them. But I can test them and I will post the results so we know what we've got here.

They are supposedly matched at 100% output ((as new). If I get 6ma/V from my tester for both we'll know that's true.

This is probably another Lampi world first as far as I am aware. Which is cool (in my book).

If anyone knows different say so and provide a link. It hasn't happened without a link

View attachment 59558

So Ilon is now beside cars and sending funny stuff into space into tube production? Smart guy

 

[Zero000]

So Ilon is now beside cars and sending funny stuff into space into tube production? Smart guy

LOL I was gonna.make a joke about that!

Nope this is the REAL Tesla and no blinkin' Cybertruck.

 

[Zero000]

As a coffee lover I thought the packing was excellent. Each valve packed in a small blue polystyrene holder, covered in bubble wrap and boxes from:

 

[wisnon]

Tesla AD1 arrived today. Just a bit smaller than the EML version LOL.

It's way less microphonic than the EML. How do I know that without listening? Just put the EML valve close to your ear and tap the glass. The huge oversize appears to mean much longer filaments and they just ring to the tap. The Tesla is far quieter.

Now it's just a long wait for the adaptors so I can use them. But I can test them and I will post the results so we know what we've got here.

They are supposedly matched at 100% output ((as new). If I get 6ma/V from my tester for both we'll know that's true.

This is probably another Lampi world first as far as I am aware. Which is cool (in my book).

If anyone knows different say so and provide a link. It hasn't happened without a link

View attachment 59558

At my old tube barn there wereblots of AD1. I never considered them due to the weird pins... I dont recall Tesla brand though, more like Telefunken.

 

[Zero000]

Well amazingly the adaptors turned up today so I am about five tracks in as I type.

Norman the Telefunken is expensive. I've put Tesla up against Telefunken a few times and Telefunken has never been appreciably better in any sense that have been able to isolate.

They are sounding super tight bass wise and incredibly quick versus other triodes.

Bass is subterranean compared to all other triodes I have.

Soundstage is truly very 3D both fore and aft of the speaker.

Microphony is seriously low. Miles better than the EML effort.

Mid range clarity and separation is outstanding

All the usual audiophile bullshit blah blah blah etc etc.

They are obviously top notch.

Only the vendor sent the wrong sockets. AD1 to B7. So I am using B7 to UX4. Looks kind of cool the AD1 is perched so high it is truly and obviously king.

Highly recommended already. If that changes I'll say.

 

[Zero000]

They are truly outstanding. I kid yee not.

Definitely the most dynamic triode so far.

Unquestionably better than any KR or EML I have heard. They are just plain crazy good.

You heard it hear (see what I did there?) first. Get it back to Lucasz someone.

They are plain mad.

 

[wisnon]

Justin...at my local tube barn....if not yet closed due to retirement...i could get them for perhaps 8 to 20 gdp each. Cant recall all the brands... I was never interested before. I will check to see if its still possible tomorrow.

 

[Zero000]

On stilts. Looks a bit odd to say the least.

After the above hype they can only disappoint.

We all know there's no real common agreement on what's best but there is a fairly good consensus on what the better valves are. This is definitely worth a try. They are seriously coherent, too.

 

[Zero000]

Justin...at my local tube barn....if not yet closed due to retirement...i could get them for perhaps 8 to 20 gdp each. Cant recall all the brands... I was never interested before. I will check to see if its still possible tomorrow.

Definitely do it, Norman. Tesla or Telefunken. If you can get the Teles that would be superb love to know what your thoughts on those would be but if you can get the Tesla's it's reletively risk free I would say. If they don't work for you I'd be amazed.

 

[Golum]

These work in dacs with 5 position selector?

 

[Zero000]

These work in dacs with 5 position selector?

Just run them on 4V heater. PX4 setting. Yes, they will work and be fine.

 

[Zero000]

They are quite hard to come by a decent matched pair i.e. there aren't many left.

I will post them to a forum member for a second opinion at some stage.

 

[wisnon]

i couldnt find any at the Barn...

 

[Zero000]

Not surprised.

OK a few days later and I can definitely state this valve significantly raises the bar over anything I have heard.

It is just stunning. I understand why EML tried to replicate it. They failed, but at least they tried.

There was one more on eBay sold as tested at 100% so I bought it. So if any of you can find one contact me if you want another.

What's really nice is the output level is not stupidly high like the KR 242. It beats the dynamics of that valve with total ease at a much more normal output level.

Preamp compatibility is therefore likely to be very good.

I am just dying for someone else to pick some if these up but I am so sure anyone who does will be in for a bit of a shock. I have been in awe for the past few days.

 

[Zero000]

BTW there are some untested Telefunken EBIII on eBay at the moment. If you feel lucky take a punt. I will test them for anyone for free

Obviously that is a big risk. And I can't vouch for their sound. But they just might be brilliant.