LampizatOr Baltic 3

[jadedavid]

I had a B3 /4 with Volume control.
Using the built in volume control it sounded good.
but could not compete when a preamp was added to the chain.

 

[Campo007]

I had a B3 /4 with Volume control.
Using the built in volume control it sounded good.
but could not compete when a preamp was added to the chain.

Thanks for the response. I have a B3 with VC on the way. I will try it both ways. Just wanted to read other owners thoughts.

 

[WildPhydeaux]

Anyone running the B3 with volume control as a preamp into a power amp?

If so, how does the sound differ compared using a separate preamp?

I don't have a Baltic, rather, I had an Atlantic3 TRP, single ended with volume control. I would bet that the implementation is virtually the same.

It was quite possibly the most transparent analog VC I've ever used on a DAC. When compared to arguably one of the most transparent VC in an Ayre preamp (actually a variable gain control) I could perceive zero difference. The wonderful sound of the Lampi DAC with its tubed output stage came through equally well either way. So at that point it comes down to preferences, number of sources, how many remotes you want to use etc.

If your preamp is less than excellent you'll be better served by the Lampizator VC, in my experience and opinion.

Cheers,
Robert