LampizatOr Baltic 3
- Thread starter VoicesInMyHead
- Start date
Lampizator website states Engine 53 Baltic 3 is not upgradeable to Engine 11 Baltic 3, so please share what you had done on your B3, or if you purchased a new Engine 11 B3 with upgrade/trade-in allowance for the old B3, or if the non-upgrade policy has changed.
I didn’t move from a Holo May KTE to the Baltic 3, but I was able to audition a May KTE (120v version) in my home for a couple of weeks prior to purchasing the Baltic.
it is a very impressive DAC. Clearly first rate build quality, engineering, and fit ‘n finish throughout. I liked everything about the May KTE. I would have been incredibly happy with it long term. But… there was something missing. It was super clean, articulate, and sounded elite, but it didn’t have that last little bit of organic analog “juice” that I was looking for. Sterile is not the right word, maybe a little dry compared to what I was hoping for.
I found all that I was missing in the Baltic 3 with some upgraded tubes (EML Mesh 5U4G regulator, NOS KenRad VT-231’s, and new Gold Lion ECC82 “Kevin’s Stash/Cryo” option). That added another $1k to the price of the Baltic 3, but absolutely elevated it’s ability significantly.
Ironically, I just discussed this afternoon doing a DAC shootout with the guy I borrowed the May KTE from. Looking at also throwing a Rockna Wavedream in the mix and possibly an Aries Cerat DAC, I think the Kassandra model, but not sure yet. Those are 3 REALLY strong R2R DACs vs. my little Baltic 3 go getter...(gulp) Looking forward to it though! Probably looking at late Jan or Feb. I’ll update once we’ve had a chance to listen to them together. I’m really intrigued..
@Gjo FYI I sent my Baltic 3 back for warranty repair 2.5 months ago and it accidentally got put away in a corner and forgotten about until 2 weeks ago when I followed up, and in recompense Lampi generously sent it back 3 days ago with the Engine 11 board and labeled "Baltic-4" - look at the photo of the back label attached... notice Lampi dropped the gain switch in the 4, not sure why. BTW with only 20 hours of burn-in it is a big upgrade to the 3, in my system at least. The most obvious improvement is soundstage dimensions are even larger and there is more resolution and instrument separation. Bass is also more defined. This is all happening using the stock tubes from the 3; it isn't clear to me Lampi has made any changes to the tube sockets, and on the back label it lists the same tubes I think that the 3 listed. I guess when Lampi announces the 4 on the website (probably soon given how heroic the language on the website is about the Engine 11) they will mention any changes regarding tube compatibility. As far as upgrading from a 3 to a 4 vis a vis the old trade-in program, I don't think that's going to continue, at least with respect to the Baltic line, hope I'm wrong though for everyone else's sake as the 4 is the best DAC I've had in my system to date, at least synergistically speaking. Can't think of a clearly better DAC under $15K right now on the market, can't wait to start tube rolling with it lol!
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Well, there is the Atlantic and B7 come to mind
. Congrats on the free E11, that was very generous of them. I wish they would have forgotten about my DAC when it was in for upgrades and done the same for me!Strange that the Lampizator website says no Baltic 3 upgrade to Engine11 and yet both of us have gotten one
Nothing sells like customer service except discounts or free stuff.
The factory has been dealing with an unprecedented volume of new DAC orders and in order to manage the workload we were forced to suspend the upgrade program for the moment We expect it to return in some form soon,--hopefully this quarter.
Shuguang GZ480. Who’d have ever thought that a chinese tube would be harder to track down than any grail nos models?
I would characterise this tube as being quite neutral and competent, in an similar fashion to the EML 5u4g, but without the spaciousness of the mesh anode EML 274b. It does every well without drawing attention to any particular colouration or weakness but imo ultimately lacks the ‘pixie dust’ magic of the best (most synergistic?) options.
I would characterise this tube as being quite neutral and competent, in an similar fashion to the EML 5u4g, but without the spaciousness of the mesh anode EML 274b. It does every well without drawing attention to any particular colouration or weakness but imo ultimately lacks the ‘pixie dust’ magic of the best (most synergistic?) options.
Just a small word of warning (don't be scared!), inspired by the rectifier test above I figured it was time to do some comparisons myself as there's been a couple new rectifiers passing by lately. While I loved the Bendix 6106 it was time to see how it stacked up against some of the others. Unfortunately I discovered that it has been running way to hot and actually burned the socket pretty bad. Soooo, lesson learned, if it seems a tube is becoming really really really warm, then maybe it actually is too warm... and make sure to always have proper ventilation!
Guys small help is needed - I got demo B3 again but I forgot which buffer tubes I can use at the back? Could somebody pls advise. Much appreciated!!
Am taking a new direction to see if the Melz can be beaten. A man in the know tells me yes but this approach only works for rca output, being a common cathode valve. Much as I hate adaptors, these Chinese ebay ones seem satisfyingly chonky.
I know of something betterListening to B3 with Mullard ecc32
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