Introducing the LampizatOr Poseidon DAC
- Thread starter Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus
- Start date
I’m not clear on what this sentence in the manual means “It is possible and allowed to listen to one phase only if you use single ended amplifierr. Simply remove the tubes you don’t need.“ Does the reference to “single ended amplifier” really mean using the unbalanced RCA output on the Poseidon? I find it difficult to believe that the type of amplifier (I.e. truly balanced vs single ended) has anything to do with which tubes are in use on the Poseidon. But then again I may be incorrect about that.
Another question, if a user’s configuration allows them to “listen to one phase only” does that affect the sound quality? Or does that mean that the tubes that are removed are simply not being used in the circuit at all regardless if they are there or not so removing them has no effect on sound quality for that user’s configuration.
I don’t mean to be stirring up any trouble here, I would just like to try to understand which tubes are in use for which configuration, and if tubes are removed for a given configuration does it compromise sound quality to remove them. Also does using Bypass mode effect which tubes are used.
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I‘m not a technician, may I suggest that you contact the Lampizator support directly. What I understand:
- either in balanced or single ended mode, input and output tubes are used
- in balanced mode, all tubes must be equipped
- in single ended mode only one phase pair (L and R) must be equipped
- wrt SQ, it should be neglectable, which phase
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What does anyone/everyone think of the "Neptune," which is a Poseidon without the dac, i.e. just as a preamp. I wonder how that would sound with a Horizon.
I was of the understanding that “single ended” operation requires that the positive phase of the circuit be employed. A balanced circuit is symmetrical and requires a positive and negative phase in order to be truly balanced.
In my dac (TRP) single ended operation allows for the removal of the two rear power tubes (negative phase). Running balanced requires that all four sockets be populated.
In my dac (TRP) single ended operation allows for the removal of the two rear power tubes (negative phase). Running balanced requires that all four sockets be populated.
I have already bought Neptune from Lampi.
I use it between my Pac2 and my Wavac MD805m monoblocs.
It is by far the best upgrade I have done in a very long time.
I have tried Horizon on several occasions, but I prefer Pac2 + Neptune.
Synergy between Neptune and Wavac is phenomenal. If anyone is considering getting a preamp - definitely include Neptune on your shortlist.
Of course like always with preamps - impedance matching (output of preamp vs. input of power amps) is a key for great sound.
Key benefits of Neptune in my setup:
1. sound is much more dynamic
2. individual instruments are super natural
3. significantly more precise positioning on the scene, width and depth greatly extended
4. incredible resolution
So I am a super happy Neptune owner at the moment.
Correct, sorry for a potential confusion, they have XLR inputs to studio standard, according to the manufacturer.They might only have XLR-in (like my Kronzilla, for whatever reason) but they are NOT balanced.
Wavac PR-T1 has output impedance of 600 ohms, Wavac MD-805m has input impedance of 10k ohms.
Neptune output impedance is 400 ohms. I have read somewhere that input impedance should be at least 15 times higher than output impedance.
I am not an expert at all on those matters but Neptune is a perfect match and excellent preamp in my rig.
I have tried few others, but I preferred Neptune.
My experience with preamps is that you always need to check whether it fits into a given setup (source and power amps). Sometimes there is a synergy sometimes there isn't any. So trying it out in your own system is a must before making any opinion.
I think this is true for any component, not just preamps. Synergy is critical at this level, along with matching the sound to your preferences. These were leading factors in landing on the system I have today, although I know there are some that will disagree on the amp-speaker match I think they're amazing together.
It took 3 months rather than one month, but its now happened.....Only a quick 48 hour demo unfortunately but a few things were obvious in that time. Previous DAC is a Pac2.
Objectively the Poseidon has better clarity. Noticeably so. And its an easy type of clarity too, rather than an enhanced treble you sometimes get. Poseidon is if anything less "sharp" than my previous setup, but clarity was still better. How? Instrument separation and quieter background. Much better on the Poseidon, and I was picking up on details that I was previously unaware of. Stereo picture better too.
Subjectively though, maybe a bit more "sterile", the Pac2 is quite lush and rich, not so, or at least not in the same way, with the Poseidon. Obviously tube choices can alter this, but I would say the Pac2 is slightly more engaging, but again this is subjective and depends on your system/room/ears/preferences. Pac2 maybe slightly pacier/better timing, but again tube choice could sort this, I think I may be able to put the E83Fs from the Pac2 into the LHS, will need to check, but they are quite lively and could easily be the difference. Its a very subtle effect though, I dont think many people would even comment on it.
Overall then, more clear, accurate and more neutral, with better staging than a Pac2
Thank you for this report anyoldears!
If you have any experience with the Baltic 4 how would you say the Baltic 4 compares sonically to the Pacific 2 on the one hand and to the Poseidon on the other hand?
If you have any experience with the Baltic 4 how would you say the Baltic 4 compares sonically to the Pacific 2 on the one hand and to the Poseidon on the other hand?
No sorry, I've never listened to one. The only other Lampi I have heard is the Amber a while ago.
@Anyoldears, thanks for the impressions! What tubes are you using in your Pac2? You mention E83F for anode loading, but what output and rectifier?
Direct comparison in the same rig:
EAR
Shindo Monbrison
PWL (two models)
Cabre Stradivari (shockingly impressive preamp from late 80'ties - almost impossible to obtain. Not as good as Neptune but tone wise complete magic)
Hattor (passive)
I was debating myself whether to continue search, but sound with Neptune is so good that I decided not to continue search and follow same path as a friend of mine. Never tried Wavac PR-T1 as super difficult to come by.
Friend of mine has got similar electronics (Pac1 + Wavac MD805m monos, while I have Pac2+Wavacs) and decided for Neptune first. I am limited on size of my room/listening space (so I use Usher DMD Be10 speakers). In his case, he has two sets of amazing speakers in a dedicated room (Destination Audio and also Avantgarde Trio G2 with bass horns). Effect of putting Neptune into his rig was exceptional for both speaker sets.
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