Introducing the LampizatOr Poseidon DAC

[tedwoods]

I've had the chance to listen to the Poseidon today and now I have a better understanding of what the word flabbergasted really means...
In my case, the effect was only the most musically unforced and un-mechanical reproduction I have ever heard...!!!

 

[LampiNA]

Exciting news! For those eager to experience the Poseidon DAC in action, we invite you to join us at Capital Audiofest 2024!

Our Poseidon DAC will be powering a top-tier system featuring the debut of the Songer Audio S1x speakers paired with Western Electric amplification. A similar setup made waves at Pacific Audiofest, and this showcase promises to be even better with Songer’s latest fieldcoil innovation.

Be sure to visit room 740—you won’t want to miss it!

Best regards,

Fred A.

P.S. I should also note that Lukasz Fikus will be in attendance and discussing his unique approach to DAC design in a panel on Friday, November 8th at 11AM. The panel will be moderated by Herbert Reichert and we anticipate a great crowd!

 

[SeagoatLeo]

ECC40 on the left, E81L on the right and AZ4 rectifier.

Are those required adapters approved for use by Lampizator? There have been some inferior quality ones that could hurt performance or the device. Whose are they manufactured by?

 

[takacs75]

Are those required adapters approved for use by Lampizator? There have been some inferior quality ones that could hurt performance or the device. Whose are they manufactured by?

They are manufactured by us. I’ve been using them for a while without any problem. A lots of WTB members and some Lampi dealers also use them.

 

[SeagoatLeo]

They are manufactured by us. I’ve been using them for a while without any problem. A lots of WTB members and some Lampi dealers also use them.

The ECC40 tubes sell for $40-50 each for Tungsram and Philips up to $150 to $500 for rarer versions. The E81L tubes are generally really inexpensive at $10 each. The AZ4 rectifier is generally $25 to $30. Are these the low cost alternative tubes that are superior sounding with adapters in the Poseidon or the more expensive versions such as a mesh plate AZ4 which is rare and very expensive or the high end Valvo or mini-watt Philips ECC40s?

 

[takacs75]

This the low cost version With better tubes Posseidon will sound obviously better. This is just an example that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make superior sound. Compared to the stock tubes the difference is huge, like having a totally different dac.
I’ve tried the Posseidon with ef802 tubes too (you need 8) and Valvo G2504. With them another big jump.

 

[SeagoatLeo]

This the low cost version With better tubes Posseidon will sound obviously better. This is just an example that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make superior sound. Compared to the stock tubes the difference is huge, like having a totally different dac.
I’ve tried the Posseidon with ef802 tubes too (you need 8) and Valvo G2504. With them another big jump.

I like the ability to purchase more common and inexpensive tubes. The ef802 sells for $3,000 to $6,000 for a set of 8 and one Valvo G2504 for $2,000. For wealthier folks. I chose the Westminster Labs REI as sounds as good as any tube amp I've experienced but solid state/no tubes. A 33,900 investment good for decades.
It is nice to know that my DAC/Pre-amp is potentially SOTA (Horizon DAC sounded faster and more dynamic but has an inferior pre-amp/line-out sound to the Poseidon).

 

[DasguteOhr]

then take ef804s if you like that pentode sound, they are in the best studio amplifiers in the world. you need a double noval 9 pin socket. the ef 802 is much more expensive because it is popular for neumann microphones, every musician or recording studio wants it because there is no alternative.

Product - BTB - Elektronik

EF804S Audio Special Pentode Verantwortlicher(EU): Antiquität Hersteller geschlossen,oder unbekannt

btb-elektronik.de

 

[takacs75]

then take ef804s if you like that pentode sound, they are in the best studio amplifiers in the world. you need a double noval 9 pin socket. the ef 802 is much more expensive because it is popular for neumann microphones, every musician or recording studio wants it because there is no alternative.

Product - BTB - Elektronik

EF804S Audio Special Pentode Verantwortlicher(EU): Antiquität Hersteller geschlossen,oder unbekannt

btb-elektronik.de

then take ef804s if you like that pentode sound, they are in the best studio amplifiers in the world. you need a double noval 9 pin socket. the ef 802 is much more expensive because it is popular for neumann microphones, every musician or recording studio wants it because there is no alternative.

Product - BTB - Elektronik

EF804S Audio Special Pentode Verantwortlicher(EU): Antiquität Hersteller geschlossen,oder unbekannt

btb-elektronik.de

I’ve tried both tubes. The ef802 was clearly better.

 

[DasguteOhr]

I’ve tried both tubes. The ef802 was clearly better.

This is only due to the inappropriate working point of the device, otherwise the race would have ended differently. Trust me.
example recommended tubes are ecc88, 6np6 and 6h30 tubes at that place. They all works good at 90 volt anode voltage but they need different current to bring all out their performance to shine. ecc88 10mA, 6n6p 25mA and 6h30 35mA. if you don't change the cathode resistor you never know what is possible.
therefore it is important to know what type of operating voltage to use and the size of the cathode resistor to find the best tube. in my opinion. finding the right point on the working line of the tube means that you no longer need tube rolling.
Of course it's fun to try out different tubes to find your personal favorite sound, but you'll probably miss the really good tubes without adjusting the operating point. Have fun with
your tubes I'm glad you found your favorite tube.

 

[geetee1972]

Hi chaps - I'm more or less ready to order a Poseidon to replace the Golden Gate MK1 I have had for the last four years (it was a recon model and has served me exceptionally well; I run KR Audio 242 tubes as my preferred sound). I guess I am looking for a little insight and advice ahead of placing the order around the best way to get the most from it or indeed any other insights people might have that I haven't considered.

The system it will be placed into is as follows:

Lucas Audio Labs LDMS MiniMax Server - DAC - Concert Fidelity PreAmp - Silvercore 833 MKII amps, hORNS FP15s. Signal cables are sorted, as are power amp power cables. The front end electronics only have cheap MCRU cables but they do plug into a Shunyata Hydra Triton. Everything is isolated and stablised on dedicated shelves and Graphite Audio IC35 Premium cone/pucks.

 

[Elect37]

New to the hobby
can someone explain on the Poseidon DAC

What does the Rectifier tube do?
what does the Octal tubes do?
What does the Novak tubes do?

 

[geetee1972]

New to the hobby
can someone explain on the Poseidon DAC

What does the Rectifier tube do?
what does the Octal tubes do?
What does the Novak tubes do?

Probably what you really want to know is what they are in the context of what makes a difference to the sound quality.

Rectifiers convert AC to DC; they actually make a substantial differnce to the sound so changing out a cheap one for something of better quality can make an appreciable difference and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It's generally accepted that the Ricado Kron Anniversarry 5u4g is one of the best rectifiers you can buy, but individual tubes cost £400 and they do eventually need replacing. New old stock items from the past can cost £70 and sound almost as good.

The Noval tubes are on the input stage of the DAC and the Octal tubes are on the output stage. It is the Octals that make the biggest difference in sound and are the ones to experiment with rolling.

If you're using the unit single ended you don't need the full compliment of tubes in place; you can use two and two plus the rectifier.

 

[Elect37]

Probably what you really want to know is what they are in the context of what makes a difference to the sound quality.

Rectifiers convert AC to DC; they actually make a substantial differnce to the sound so changing out a cheap one for something of better quality can make an appreciable difference and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It's generally accepted that the Ricado Kron Anniversarry 5u4g is one of the best rectifiers you can buy, but individual tubes cost £400 and they do eventually need replacing. New old stock items from the past can cost £70 and sound almost as good.

The Noval tubes are on the input stage of the DAC and the Octal tubes are on the output stage. It is the Octals that make the biggest difference in sound and are the ones to experiment with rolling.

If you're using the unit single ended you don't need the full compliment of tubes in place; you can use two and two plus the rectifier.

Yes that is what I was asking thank you Very much!!
When you say, Single ended ??
I am using USB in and balanced out

 

[geetee1972]

Yes that is what I was asking thank you Very much!!
When you say, Single ended ??
I am using USB in and balanced out

Well, then assuming your inputting into a true balanced amp, you'll need the full compliment of tubes on both the input and the output stages. May I also suggest you explore using SPDIF rather than USB? If you can get hold of a good SPDIF cable to try you might be surprised with the results.

The GEC 6j5 tubes are apparently the ones to aim for:

 

[Elect37]

Well, then assuming your inputting into a true balanced amp, you'll need the full compliment of tubes on both the input and the output stages. May I also suggest you explore using SPDIF rather than USB? If you can get hold of a good SPDIF cable to try you might be surprised with the results.

The GEC 6j5 tubes are apparently the ones to aim for:

So I use my Mac Book Pro as my streamer into the Intona 7055-C which you probably know is a Galvanic isolator which is USB. I do also have the Holo Red which is not hooked up (not as simple) which is a streamer and Galvanic isolator and does have SPDIF. But correct me if I am wrong I use HQ Player for up sampling and SPDIF I thought did not sample up as high?

 

[geetee1972]

So I use my Mac Book Pro as my streamer into the Intona 7055-C which you probably know is a Galvanic isolator which is USB. I do also have the Holo Red which is not hooked up (not as simple) which is a streamer and Galvanic isolator and does have SPDIF. But correct me if I am wrong I use HQ Player for up sampling and SPDIF I thought did not sample up as high?

Well, we're moving a little away from my technical expertise, but, yes, in general I think you're right, SPDIF doesn't convey high res files. Except, it does. At least, it does from my music server, but that's becuase the guy who designs and builds it - Lucas Audio Labs, LDMS Minimax - is a bit of a genius and has worked out a way to play high res files over SPDIF. I had to have an upgraded SPDIF output retrofitted to the music server, which wasn't cheap (about $1500) but it was a very worthwhie upgrade. I can play up to DSD256 via the SPDIF output. I honestly couldn't say how this is done, whether it means they are converted to something lower before output or if the high res file is now going over the SPDIF. I don't know, but i do know it sounds wonderful and I much prefer all files, even high res ones, played over the SPDIF cable compared to USB. And I've A-B-A tested USB cables up to about $8k against my $3k SPDIF and it was only at that level did I start to think the USB pulled ahead.

I used to use my Macbook Pro before I took delivery of the LDMS (there's a thread here dedicated to that unit and an excellent full length review here) and was floored by how much better it was. It was a monumental shift.

 

[Elect37]

Well, we're moving a little away from my technical expertise, but, yes, in general I think you're right, SPDIF doesn't convey high res files. Except, it does. At least, it does from my music server, but that's becuase the guy who designs and builds it - Lucas Audio Labs, LDMS Minimax - is a bit of a genius and has worked out a way to play high res files over SPDIF. I had to have an upgraded SPDIF output retrofitted to the music server, which wasn't cheap (about $1500) but it was a very worthwhie upgrade. I can play up to DSD256 via the SPDIF output. I honestly couldn't say how this is done, whether it means they are converted to something lower before output or if the high res file is now going over the SPDIF. I don't know, but i do know it sounds wonderful and I much prefer all files, even high res ones, played over the SPDIF cable compared to USB. And I've A-B-A tested USB cables up to about $8k against my $3k SPDIF and it was only at that level did I start to think the USB pulled ahead.

I used to use my Macbook Pro before I took delivery of the LDMS (there's a thread here dedicated to that unit and an excellent full length review here) and was floored by how much better it was. It was a monumental shift.

I will check it out.
Thank you so much for your help

 

[b345t]

Hey guys, my Poseidon arrived on Monday and is burning in with amazing results. I’ll share some pics soon and describe what I’m hearing. It has exceeded my already very high expectations.

 

[geetee1972]

Hey guys, my Poseidon arrived on Monday and is burning in with amazing results. I’ll share some pics soon and describe what I’m hearing. It has exceeded my already very high expectations.

Out of interest, how long ago did you place the order?