Golden Gate DAC arrives.
- Thread starter Blue58
- Start date
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Just got word from Lukasz my Balanced GG is shipping tomorrow! I'm a happy boy!!!
Huge Congratulations Bruce. I absolutely love my balanced GG with volume control. It is the single most satisfying piece I have ever heard or owned. Can't wait for your thoughts on it.
Some more info for you here on Emile's (EDBK / Taiko Audio) evolving power supply Norman. I anticipate my dual rail version for the Aries / Regen being ready in a couple of weeks time. Hopefully Blue58 / Barry will be around to put it through its paces.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/sound-galleries-music-server-25805/
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The latest review by Marek Dyba.
http://www.highfidelity.pl/@main-2542&lang=
It is still in polish (it will probably end up beeing translated), but you can try google translate.
http://www.highfidelity.pl/@main-2542&lang=
It is still in polish (it will probably end up beeing translated), but you can try google translate.
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Just got tracking from DHL. It will arrive on Monday!! Where's that emoji for the Happy Dance??
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Was it really that noticeable??
I just saw a DHL truck headed past the dealership toward Issaquah on I-90!
any update, Joe? Comparison with the Devialet would be interesting as well since they are near the same price point.
I am a tube lover at heart. As much as I love some solid state, tubes rule. The VAC has more meat on the bone and a sweeter tone, which I love. Bass is not as tight/authoritative but rounder and full nonetheless. I love the super quiet Devialet and for a second system, family room, etc, it's superb, but for what audiophiles crave, I'll take the VAC, or above all, my Conrad Johnson GAT/ART combo. Nothing has been able to best my Conrad Johnson gear.
Hi Joe,
How do your balanced Lampi 211 mono amps rate compared to the VAC and ART amps?
Best,
Ken
Thanks Keith!
I am sorry to go so far off topic but here are some of my thoughts.
For me, that's a tough one because the retail prices are so different. The ART monos are $39K, the VAC 160i SE is $15.5K and the 211's are $11K.
If my Strads were more efficient and a little easier to drive, I think the 211's could be the winner for my personal taste. The Strads need more power to strut their stuff.
The 211's are wonderful. I think my 211's may need a little more break in. They do not have the brute power of the ART amps, 85 wpc vs 275 wpc, but are similar in a lot of ways. I think the 211's have a more in the room or forward (in a good way) 3D presentation. It's like you can reach out and touch the music with the 211's. The ART monos have tremendous layering and depth. The 211's are voiced just a little sweeter vs the ART monos which seem slightly more neutral. The ART monos control my Strads a little better, but I do not listen loud.
The VAC also has 85 wpc like the 211's. Bass is not as powerful, but what's there is articulate and accurate. The VAC has air, separation, depth and width, but is not as forward. It is more even and reserved, but is also an overall great performer. It does not immediately impress like the others, but the more you listen, the more you realize how complete it sounds. For example, like the Dartzeel 108 amps that I've had before, the VAC seems anemic, especially in the bass. But as you listen, you realize that it's all there and can surprise you, out of nowhere, how much that is actually in the music. It sort of sneaks up on you. The 211's are a little bolder (maybe a tiny but flashy, again in a good way) and stays that way (you really need to hear the 211's - voiced like a Kondo). The VAC grows on you like a song you like at first, then absolutely LOVE with a few more playings. It is absolutely wonderful.
The ART monos (especially with the GAT) can do it all and are totally grainless.
All these amps are superb in the right system and simply freaking outstanding with my Lampizator Golden Gate.
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Joe, I know it's tricky for you to hear them because there may be poor/zero existence in the US as we speak, but the Nat Audio amps are simply stellar.
My Nat SE2SE monos w/a quad of NOS '48 GE 211s are conservatively rated at 65W/ch, but have the uncanny knack of combining the best of SS presentation ie drive, headroom, stability - w/the best of tubes ie texture, harmonic correctness, delicacy, inner light and intuitive communication. There are also the Nat Transmitters at 120W/ch using giant Phillips tetrodes, and the quite scary 170W/ch Magmas SETs using the biggest tubes in audio - you can fry a breakfast for six on these monsters!
The SE2SEs form an almost psychic connection w/my 101dB/1M eff - zero x'over Zu Audio Definitions 4 spkrs (Zu interestingly got my cash instead of the Stradivari which was in pole position to be bought prior to hearing Zu) .
My Nat SE2SE monos w/a quad of NOS '48 GE 211s are conservatively rated at 65W/ch, but have the uncanny knack of combining the best of SS presentation ie drive, headroom, stability - w/the best of tubes ie texture, harmonic correctness, delicacy, inner light and intuitive communication. There are also the Nat Transmitters at 120W/ch using giant Phillips tetrodes, and the quite scary 170W/ch Magmas SETs using the biggest tubes in audio - you can fry a breakfast for six on these monsters
!The SE2SEs form an almost psychic connection w/my 101dB/1M eff - zero x'over Zu Audio Definitions 4 spkrs (Zu interestingly got my cash instead of the Stradivari which was in pole position to be bought prior to hearing Zu) .
Those are NAT transmitters, 120w. Spirit's are smaller lower powered, and the Magmas are newer and 160w. They have only one tube as having multiple tubes drives tubes out of sync with each other eventually, and complex music does not sound right. Fewer tubes the better.
I confess to have been lusting after this brand, but you are right, tough to get in the US because of limited dealers. I'll do more research and see if I can arrange a demo.
Happy you love the Zu, I've never heard them.
Happy you love the Zu, I've never heard them.
Joe, I know it's tricky for you to hear them because there may be poor/zero existence in the US as we speak, but the Nat Audio amps are simply stellar.
My Nat SE2SE monos w/a quad of NOS '48 GE 211s are conservatively rated at 65W/ch, but have the uncanny knack of combining the best of SS presentation ie drive, headroom, stability - w/the best of tubes ie texture, harmonic correctness, delicacy, inner light and intuitive communication. There are also the Nat Transmitters at 120W/ch using giant Phillips tetrodes, and the quite scary 170W/ch Magmas SETs using the biggest tubes in audio - you can fry a breakfast for six on these monsters
The SE2SEs form an almost psychic connection w/my 101dB/1M eff - zero x'over Zu Audio Definitions 4 spkrs (Zu interestingly got my cash instead of the Stradivari which was in pole position to be bought prior to hearing Zu) .
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