I'm excited about getting back into a balanced DAC , I started out with a bal Pac then SE . I felt the balanced unit had a better presentation overall.
Lampizator announcement: launch of our all new TOTL HORIZON DAC
- Thread starter Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus
- Start date
Thanks for your comments regarding the Pacific SE versus balanced. My system is configured for balanced throughout, so purchased my balanced Pacific without auditioning the SE variant. It's nice that the Horizon supports both in the same unit.
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Bob, you need to come west for a weekend when Lukasz and Fred are here. Like you I love my Pacific (which BTW is SE) and can only imagine how much better the Horizon can be based on Lukasz comments in this thread. I believe that with the Horizon, Lukasz has hit a "walk off home run"
I recently added the Pacific to my system and courtesy of Lukasz @Lukasz "Lampizator" Fikus and Fred @LampiNA had the opportunity to hear a couple of tube options, PX25's and 242's. With the KR 5u4g rectifier the 242’s delivered more natural instrument tonality and better dynamics. I use a CJ GAT2 preamp with VAC 200iq mono blocs…
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Try some 46 tubes if you have the chance, 200iq is on my short list , well long list now after Horizon purchase
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Is the gz480 a gettable tube @Steve Williams? Also, I am really looking forward to meeting you and the folks from WBF along with hearing your exquisite system!
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
to my ears the bass with the gz480 is much better than the RK-KR 5u4g
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I agree with you Steve on that what you said about the "grip" signature that this tube brings to the mix. I can hear the same in my system, but be aware that this tube draws 4.8A off the PS, so it is not compatible with 5U4g rectifier. Whatever it is safe to use in Lampi DACs it is the question that just LF can firmly answer. I am not using it myself anymore after my service repaired twice amplifiers belonging to the customers which ended up with the burned power transformer. I will keep the brands quiet, to not cause any unintentional blackmouth. Also my multiple attempts to use it in amps as well brought me to the point when amps after long playback started to distort, but after switching off and getting back into 5U4g all problems gone. Just sharing that experience to keep in mind.
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Interesting. I’ve never had a problem with the tube. I’m not hearing any distortion. I keep the volume control on my Pacific almost always at -12 Db
Three reviewers from different parts of the world have clearly stated that in their view the Wadax reference dac is ’the best’ digital replay they have ever experienced. I have had no opportunity so far to listen the Wadax reference dac nor to the Horizon dac. Undoubtedly the Wadax reference is one heck of a dac. I will not use his exact words to me but Lukasz is very confident indeed that his Horizon dac will challenge ‘the best’ digital reply in the current audio world. He is going to visit me (as well) with the Horizon dac and I am very eager/curious to find out for myself.
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I'll let you know after he visits me in early February but Lukasz has made the exact same comments to me. Tough to imagine that not only is the Horizon much better than the Pacific but it will challenge all DAC's in the market now. I find that a very bold statement indeed however Lukasz had no hesitation in his voice when making those comments and it is something that IMO must be heard. The interest in the demos we are going to do at my house has been overwhelming so it is apparent Lukas has caught everyones attention with the release of the Horizon
I'll let you know after he visits me in early February but Lukasz has made the exact same comments to me. Tough to imagine that not only is the Horizon much better than the Pacific but it will challenge all DAC's in the market now. I find that a very bold statement indeed however Lukasz had no hesitation in his voice when making those comments and it is something that IMO must be heard. The interest in the demos we are going to do at my house has been overwhelming so it is apparent Lukas has caught everyones attention with the release of the Horizonuj
Lukasz claims to use the best technology available on this planet and that - apart from his company of course - nobody has access to it. Indeed, his claims about the performance of the Horizon dac are (very) bold. That said, I know Lukasz is not a person that makes such claims easily; you guys will have a very interesting gathering and undoubtedly a lot of fun.
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I think a step down from the hype building up here is required.
It is important to remember that technically on the test bench there's no way this new DAC will be world class. No tube DAC ever will be, especially one using tubes designed for power amps.
That said it may be possible for it to sound glorious with the right tube set up. I personally think that will be critical.
Also it must be remembered that it is just a DAC, and at this price level it's not even worth entertaining the idea of buying one unless you have much more money invested in the rest of your system than the price of the Horizon. Unless you are a very competent DIYer, or have scored some excellent second/third/fourth hand buys.
Am I wrong?
It is important to remember that technically on the test bench there's no way this new DAC will be world class. No tube DAC ever will be, especially one using tubes designed for power amps.
That said it may be possible for it to sound glorious with the right tube set up. I personally think that will be critical.
Also it must be remembered that it is just a DAC, and at this price level it's not even worth entertaining the idea of buying one unless you have much more money invested in the rest of your system than the price of the Horizon. Unless you are a very competent DIYer, or have scored some excellent second/third/fourth hand buys.
Am I wrong?
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