Golden Gate DAC arrives.

Have any full output distortion measurements been published anywhere for the NAT amplifiers ? Particularly the Magma.
I would be most interested in such, given the nature of the distortion curve inherent with rising output from SET amplification.
 
Have any full output distortion measurements been published anywhere for the NAT amplifiers ? Particularly the Magma.
I would be most interested in such, given the nature of the distortion curve inherent with rising output from SET amplification.

Not sure, but from what I have heard one of their key qualities is low distortion. Amazing how clean the magmas sound even when you crank up the volume.
 
Not sure, but from what I have heard one of their key qualities is low distortion. Amazing how clean the magmas sound even when you crank up the volume.

As always, transducer load dependant, The Magma's are without doubt an interesting amplifier, however I more than expect that they would still choke at 92+db on the CLX's
 
As always, transducer load dependant, The Magma's are without doubt an interesting amplifier, however I more than expect that they would still choke at 92+db on the CLX's

I doubt that - give a direct call to Nikic by going to the NAT Audio website. I think they can drive high current as well for the stats
 
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.

In other words you're an amplifier polygamist....
 
Congrats!
 
Can't wait for you to hear it Mike. I know several others are waiting for your opinion as well.... ;)

Dang, it looks sooooo sweet.

I can't wait for Mike to hear it to
You fellows make sure to let me know...
 
Huge congratulations Bruce. I know you will love it.
 
http://www.lampizatorna.com/downloads/

Hi Bruce,

please remember some some tubes are not compatible with the balanced version of the Lampizator dacs.

Thank-you sir! So just a generic one and not one specific to the GG? Ok.. So the button on the front is a Stand by??

It's only been playing 2-3hr and it sounds "alright". Nothing to write home about. I'm sure the sound will change over the next month or so. It's got a ways to go, that's for sure. The main thing is it sounds so thin with no body. I'll keep it running 24x7 until RMAF
 
The caps in the power supply take a few months to break in
 
What are your stock valves Bruce? 101D, 300bs, will provide very different presentations, as will PX4 and others. Also rectis.
 
Thank-you sir! So just a generic one and not one specific to the GG? Ok.. So the button on the front is a Stand by??

It's only been playing 2-3hr and it sounds "alright". Nothing to write home about. I'm sure the sound will change over the next month or so. It's got a ways to go, that's for sure. The main thing is it sounds so thin with no body. I'll keep it running 24x7 until RMAF

Any pictures of the Dac installed in your rack?
 

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