Okay, this thread has a cheeky title based on the other long thread that heads in the other direction, but it is my truth. I started in digital audio and was digital exclusive for ten years. I got my system sounding pretty epic with lots and lots of work. I decided to give vinyl a try around six months ago and got my first rig. I wasn't sure I would like it. I wanted a simple package that would be easy to set up, so I opted for an all Goldnote analog system, with their flagship table and cartridge and lesser phono with extra power supplies for the TT and phono. I ended up loving the feel and touch of vinyl as well as the ritual. When buddies are over, it is so much fun to spin records. I love everything about it. But the sound was nowhere near the quality of my digital. Could the fun of it last when the SQ was clearly not there? As a result, I contemplated cashing in on analog. I am so glad I didn't... I decided to try upgrading the phono stage first to see if that could get me closer to the SQ of my digital side. I listened to a bunch of brands and was confused about a direction. Since much of my digital bliss has been based upon my Lampi dacs, I thought I would look into their phono as well. I did some research and even had the fortune to talk with Lukasz about it at a show. Unsure about an analog product from a company famous for digital, I vacillated. But, in the end, I decided to pull the trigger on a VP4 Silver. It just arrived with balanced out. I love the look of it with the nixie tube display that matches my Horizon perfectly on the shelf. Cutting to the chase: It is still running in, but the upgrade is massive! The VP4 is liquid and smooth with a much bigger soundstage than the entry-level Goldnote. It is worlds above, as it should be comparing the price of the two. The VP4 has all the detail of the small Goldnote, while also being velvet due to the tubes. The Goldnote made vinyl sound like an inferior digital. The VP4 has a very different sound to my digital, which I really like, as it encourages me to listen to more vinyl and brings something unique to the table. It really is so smooth, open, clear and addictive. In fact, it very much reminds me of what my first Lampi dac did for me when I moved from the Dave to the Pacific. The VP4 is the Pacific/Horizon of phono stages 
It has brought my vinyl rig up to the level of my digital side and on many albums it can even pass it in terms of the soul and connection to the music. I plan on upgrading my TT next year as well now that the bug has bitten. The VP4 has got me wondering how far past digital I could go with a better TT. For now, I am loving the Goldnote flagship w/ VP4 Silver combo! My friend said they are an ideal pair since the Goldnote is fast and detailed and the VP4 is smooth and warm.
The VP4 has got me wanting to listen to records more and more. I am not just doing so for the fun or ritual, but actually for the sound. There is something very addictive about what it does to music. If any of you are thinking that Lampizator is only a digital company that makes dacs, think again. This phono is spectacular. A local friend who has been into vinyl for decades and has a very nice setup came by and was also very impressed with the upgrade. As for my non-audiophile friends: My one buddy said "Wow! you can swim in the sound it is so palpable. That thing is amazing!" Even my wife said "good sound!" for the first time ever!! And she is a trained classical musician who worked professionally (she now teaches).
Needless to say, I am very, very happy with the VP4. I am excited to see where this goes as it continues to break in over the coming weeks. I will keep you posted!
It has brought my vinyl rig up to the level of my digital side and on many albums it can even pass it in terms of the soul and connection to the music. I plan on upgrading my TT next year as well now that the bug has bitten. The VP4 has got me wondering how far past digital I could go with a better TT. For now, I am loving the Goldnote flagship w/ VP4 Silver combo! My friend said they are an ideal pair since the Goldnote is fast and detailed and the VP4 is smooth and warm.The VP4 has got me wanting to listen to records more and more. I am not just doing so for the fun or ritual, but actually for the sound. There is something very addictive about what it does to music. If any of you are thinking that Lampizator is only a digital company that makes dacs, think again. This phono is spectacular. A local friend who has been into vinyl for decades and has a very nice setup came by and was also very impressed with the upgrade. As for my non-audiophile friends: My one buddy said "Wow! you can swim in the sound it is so palpable. That thing is amazing!" Even my wife said "good sound!" for the first time ever!! And she is a trained classical musician who worked professionally (she now teaches).
Needless to say, I am very, very happy with the VP4. I am excited to see where this goes as it continues to break in over the coming weeks. I will keep you posted!
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