LampizatOr Golden Atlantic + TRP

[Zero000]

I just found out that my GA TRP has the old Amanero USB while the new ones have the JLsound USB. Anyone has thoughts on how they both compare? is it worth sending the unit to Poland to have this upgraded?

I just briefly looked at the JL sound website and they have product (board) called I2SoverUSB

Products - I2S over USB Audio

What is this exactly? Can this module be installed on the Lampi to get I2S capability?
Thanks in advance for your answers

Yes I have the JL in my Lampi.

I2S is just the input interface to the DAC. The Amanero does the same thing - feeds the I2S.

 

[perfusionist]

Yes I have the JL in my Lampi.

I2S is just the input interface to the DAC. The Amanero does the same thing - feeds the I2S.

Thanks. Yes the USB feeds the I2S, but I believe it throws out all the reclocking done before and uses its own clock. With a dedicated I2S input, I believe I can still send my reclocked data @ 512 DSD. Again, its just me, I feel SPDIF is slightly better than USB when it comes to jazz and female vocals for me and I am convinced that its because of the reclocking done before. SPDIF is limited to 192 Khz, hence looking for I2S.

 

[perfusionist]

New tube alert:

sophia electric EL34 blue tubes.

I think I’ve found a tube that has the mid range characteristics of the GEC KT66 and the bass and output of the Tesla EL51s. Someone was selling them on usaudiomart and I bought the pair for $125. Didn’t expect much from it but I was pleasantly surprised.

the mid range voices keep getting better and better. The piano transients are better and the bass is certainly better than the KT66. The tubes also look sexy

here are some pics.

 

[highstream]

Which rectifier is that?

 

[Zero000]

Thanks. Yes the USB feeds the I2S, but I believe it throws out all the reclocking done before and uses its own clock. With a dedicated I2S input, I believe I can still send my reclocked data @ 512 DSD. Again, its just me, I feel SPDIF is slightly better than USB when it comes to jazz and female vocals for me and I am convinced that its because of the reclocking done before. SPDIF is limited to 192 Khz, hence looking for I2S.

The basic card isn't galvanically isolated.

What you want is the basic board, the oscillator board fitted with Crystek ocillators and an internal power supply to feed it all.

BTW I felt both coax and optical where better than the Amanero. I have yet to try the basic JL card even though I have had it installed for more than a week.

I have covered all this on the tube roller's thread.

 

[perfusionist]

Which rectifier is that?

Shugang 274B

 

[perfusionist]

Shugang 274B

i am literally falling in love with these Sophia tubes. AMAZING mid range! I am kinda forced to say it’s even better than the GEC KT66 ! If someone else tried these, please please let me know what you think

 

[Shredder]

Hey. Based on the rave reviews, I am interested in the NOS GEC KT66s. I know that the grey glass/back base is considered the best. What about the clear glass/brown base? There seem to be more of those available. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Shredder]

BTW, which Sofias? This thread is so long now that it is difficult to go back though it to find such a detail. thanks.

 

[Shredder]

Sophias

 

[perfusionist]

BTW, which Sofias? This thread is so long now that it is difficult to go back though it to find such a detail. thanks.

Yes the GEC KT66s are awesome tubes. I bought them for 700 a pair on eBay. However I think you can get the Sophia EL34s online brand new for 250 a pair and in my humble opinion, they are on par with the NOS KT66s. If you like female vocals and mid range, you'll love the GEC KT66s.

My clear tubes are great, I have heard that the dark tubes are better, but I think the clear ones are equal to the black ones. I guess @shadowlight has a pair (dark tubes) that he may be looking to sell.

 

[perfusionist]

Sophias

Sophia EL34. I posted a pic of the tubes / boxes. Check out my earlier post

 

[Shredder]

Got it. I should have seen that. Love the blue. I see the el34-st on line. Is that the same thing?

 

[highstream]

It's called the EL34-ST. Jeff Day goes into the background of it and the current 274B at https://positive-feedback.com/audio...-electric-el34-st-and-aqua-274b-vacuum-tubes/

$700 for a pair of GEC KT66's! Whew, I paid a UK dealer about $260 in Sept 2019 for two similar NOS singles pulled from a Quad II amp.

 

[Shredder]

Thanks much.

 

[perfusionist]

Got it. I should have seen that. Love the blue. I see the el34-st on line. Is that the same thing?

Yes, the EL 34 ST.

 

[perfusionist]

Yes, the EL 34 ST.

I am tempted to try the Sophia Electric 274B rectifier tubes now hehe

 

[perfusionist]

I am tempted to try the Sophia Electric 274B rectifier tubes now hehe

Sorry guys, for my repeated posts. I can't contain my excitement, I am simply in aww by how awesome these tubes are! Its been a while since I've heard such a huge difference!

 

[perfusionist]

@Shredder i wasn’t that impressed with the psvane tubes (both rectifier 274b and output tubes)

my fav combination is (was)

1. usaf 596 rectifier with GEC KT66
2. Usaf 596 with Tesla el51

now the new fav is

1. shugang 274b with Sophia el34

I am yet to try the Sophia’s with the usaf 596.

the good news is the shugang 274b can be bought for 30 bucks.

 

[Shredder]

@Shredder i wasn’t that impressed with the psvane tubes (both rectifier 274b and output tubes)

my fav combination is (was)

1. usaf 596 rectifier with GEC KT66
2. Usaf 596 with Tesla el51

now the new fav is

1. shugang 274b with Sophia el34

I am yet to try the Sophia’s with the usaf 596.

the good news is the shugang 274b can be bought for 30 bucks.

Very helpful, thanks. I just ordered a quad on the Sophia's. Very excited.