Lampizator Golden Gate 3 Impressions

[highstream]

Definitely, those who prefer a “neutral” sound, as opposed to a bit of warmth, will likely not like what I do. Yet, I would never characterize their choices as not good, since for them they obviously are good, e.g., the RK 5U4G that rubbed me wrong. There was a matter of QC and longevity about Sophia tubes raised frequently some years ago. I haven’t come across much of it more recently, and haven’t experienced myself 1-2 years in, but one never knows. As for their RP 300B and the GG3, tbd.

 

[highstream]

The upgraded GG2/3 arrived a couple of nights ago and it sounds great with the earlier Sophia Royal Princess 300B Electric and their current 274B Aqua (the older Princess 274B, which came along, is not nearly as good). The 300B's I have are the same tubes that Jeff Day reviewed for PF in 2012 -- the best 300B's he'd heard -- and Jack Roberts did in 2014 for dagogo in a comparison with the current production NOS WE 300B, which he ultimately preferred on balance. In any case, the current Sophia Royal Princess Electric (Ltd. Ed.) 300B is an upgraded version. Whether I'm going to stay with these Sophia's is to be seen, but it won't be because they are "not good," but rather that I find something even better in the context of my tastes. Thinking about the current WE, Taka and an EML 45 Anniversary if it can be found.

 

[christoph]

The upgraded GG2/3 arrived a couple of nights ago and it sounds great with the earlier Sophia Royal Princess 300B Electric and their current 274B Aqua (the older Princess 274B, which came along, is not nearly as good). The 300B's I have are the same tubes that Jeff Day reviewed for PF in 2012 -- the best 300B's he'd heard -- and Jack Roberts did in 2014 for dagogo in a comparison with the current production WE300B, which he ultimately preferred on balance. In any case, the current Sophia Royal Princess Electric (Ltd. Ed.) 300B is an upgraded version. Whether I'm going to stay with these Sophia's is to be seen, but it won't be because they are "not good," but rather that I find something even better in the context of my tastes. Thinking about the current WE, Taka and an EML 45 Anniversary if it can be found.

It would make much more sense to ask for tube recommendations only in ONE thread
I would suggest this one https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-valve-tube-rolling-review-thread.26478/post-835983
where I already answered this exact question you are asking here again

 

[highstream]

It would make much more sense to ask for tube recommendations only in ONE thread
I would suggest this one https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-valve-tube-rolling-review-thread.26478/post-835983
where I already answered this exact question you are asking here again

My post here was a follow up to a recent discussion, not to ask a question. As I think you’re aware, I did ask a question on the other thread. I’ve also reported a site glitch about the other thread where my Watch list doesn’t show it, even though at the thread it shows me watching. That means I have to search for it each time (so thanks for the link).

 

[highstream]

Just found out that Lampi has moved the Big 7, GG and Pacific to the Legacy category, no longer to be made (or updated) except as a custom order. Production efficiency appears to be largely behind this, although probably also facilitated in part by the quality of Engine 11. Wish I knew about this before going for a used GG and upgrade two months ago. Have to imagine there are or will be some Lampi owners not happy to find out their great dac is now a financial dead end.

 

[keithc]

Just found out that Lampi has moved the Big 7, GG and Pacific to the Legacy category, no longer to be made (or updated) except as a custom order. Production efficiency appears to be largely behind this, although probably also facilitated in part by the quality of Engine 11. Wish I knew about this before going for a used GG and upgrade two months ago. Have to imagine there are or will be some Lampi owners not happy to find out their great dac is now a financial dead end.

Despite that.... a SET Lampi will probably continue to be highly valued

 

[charles1dad]

PS

Despite that.... a SET Lampi will probably continue to be highly valued

My thought as well. Sound quality will/should be the dominant factor.
Charles

 

[highstream]

Wide-eyed optimists

 

[highstream]

Does your GG3 hum internally? If so, with everything else off can you hear it from your listening position?

 

[Golum]

Just found out that Lampi has moved the Big 7, GG and Pacific to the Legacy category, no longer to be made (or updated) except as a custom order. Production efficiency appears to be largely behind this, although probably also facilitated in part by the quality of Engine 11. Wish I knew about this before going for a used GG and upgrade two months ago. Have to imagine there are or will be some Lampi owners not happy to find out their great dac is now a financial dead end.

I spoke with Yoda two nights ago and we touched base regarding "Legacy" products.
All three will be present in the portfolio and produced based on the orders. They are not discontinued nor will be. Thing is, he said, that with the usage of DHT tubes he achieved pinnacle of what can be done hence introducing new models like Pac 2/3/4/5 does not make sense and it's not fair to end users so no new revisions will be done except those 3 which are now placed under Legacy name. He tried to find some better name then legacy but could not come up with one, so they remained placed as such on the web site.
So with this I believe this story can be put aside and you can happily enjoy your GG3s, PAC and B7s.

 

[highstream]

Thanks. I’d be enjoying it a bit more, but… Started the weekend with three hums, now down to two, one 60 Hz and one 120Hz, the latter seemingly coming from the GG internals and audible from the listening position. I tried it from a different electrical circuit and it was still there, so either the condo has a ground loop or the GG is noisy (starts when I plug in a rectifier).

Gene

 

[highstream]

The Lampi site write up on the GG now mentions the KR T-100 tubes. Anyone tried them? Is an adapter needed? The site seems to says so -- "Also with mechanical adapter of the socket...," even though it's a 4 pin.

 

[Golum]

They are too big and cant be placed into the socket as is so they need extender adapter ux4 to ux4. Had them at home and did not try as i did not have those adapters. Guys who tried not crazy about them..

 

[highstream]

They are too big and cant be placed into the socket as is so they need extender adapter ux4 to ux4. Had them at home and did not try as i did not have those adapters. Guys who tried not crazy about them..

Lampizator Valve / Tube Rolling Review Thread

Apparently no more 242s, neither RK nor KR, are currently being produced and none are available -according to LampiNA via Lampi/Lukasz. So…as above. . I’ll buy if anyone has them. Need a quad ideally.

www.whatsbestforum.com

 

[highstream]

Thanks. I’d be enjoying it a bit more, but… Started the weekend with three hums, now down to two, one 60 Hz and one 120Hz, the latter seemingly coming from the GG internals and audible from the listening position. I tried it from a different electrical circuit and it was still there, so either the condo has a ground loop or the GG is noisy (starts when I plug in a rectifier).

Gene

Follow up: I took my GG3 over to a local shop's test bench. The EML 45's didn't start up on first try, but after swapping in the Sophia's and then coming back, they came on. The result was dead silence.

Right now, everything is piled into my living room due to water damage awaiting rebuild, but when that clears up I'll have to look for the 120 Hz culprit elsewhere.

 

[christoph]

Sorry to hear about your turmoil

 

[highstream]

Thanks. I didn't realize that there was a water intake valve to the dishwasher (which I never use) that could go bad on its own. Lucky I came down to make dinner not too long after it did. Another condo had the same thing happen at virtually the same time, but the owner was spending Xmas back east.