Lampizator Valve / Tube Rolling Review Thread

[jonstine]

I've got a question about rotating paired tube "sets" in a quad/balanced output. For reference, I have a Lampi Atlantic 3 TRP balanced DAC. I am running 2 different matched pairs of F2A tubes in front row vs back row. So row 1 is a matched pair, and row 2 is a different matched pair, but they are not a matched quad (which isn't necessary per Lampi). I've tried swapping them front to rear and back, but there really aren't any sound differences.

I also own another matched pair of older F2A tubes that I keep in reserve. I'd like to possible swap them in to prolong the life of all the F2As, but I want to do it correctly. Is there guidance for rolling in a potentially different pair in the balanced configuration? I also want to spread the older/newer tubes across the sound versus just having the older tube pair affect (positively or negatively) a single channel. Ideally, replacing the positive or negative leg for each channel would be the goal, but not sure which tube positions will accomplish that.

Or should I just replace one of the rows and rotate the others back in after 6 months, with the newer pair that wasn't replaced coming out and the previously replace newer pair going back in? Does that make sense? I'm basically asking if there is a methodology to rotating spare tubes in a Lampi balanced configuration, similar to rotating your spare tire through the other 4 wheels on a car.

 

[highstream]

Isn't it the balanced set up still left-right?

 

[jonstine]

Isn't it the balanced set up still left-right?

Not sure, that’s why I’m asking. If the 2 left banks are for only the left balanced, and right banks for right unbalanced, then I should rearrange my matched pairs anyway since I’ve currently got them matched by front and back rows.

Maybe it doesn’t make a difference which tube goes where from the Lampi perspective, but I would prefer to do it the right way.

 

[highstream]

Not sure, that’s why I’m asking. If the 2 left banks are for only the left balanced, and right banks for right unbalanced, then I should rearrange my matched pairs anyway since I’ve currently got them matched by front and back rows.

Maybe it doesn’t make a difference which tube goes where from the Lampi perspective, but I would prefer to do it the right way.

If you had an SE unit, the front two tubes would be alongside each other, left and right channels. Adding another pair for a balanced configuration doesn’t change that. My first thought, not having used balanced versions, is that it might not matter which tube was forward or back, as long as the two sides are similar overall in total. That said, I’d likely match side to side for optimal set up. But if you can’t do that, experiment.

 

[godofwealth]

I've got a question about rotating paired tube "sets" in a quad/balanced output. For reference, I have a Lampi Atlantic 3 TRP balanced DAC. I am running 2 different matched pairs of F2A tubes in front row vs back row. So row 1 is a matched pair, and row 2 is a different matched pair, but they are not a matched quad (which isn't necessary per Lampi). I've tried swapping them front to rear and back, but there really aren't any sound differences.

I also own another matched pair of older F2A tubes that I keep in reserve. I'd like to possible swap them in to prolong the life of all the F2As, but I want to do it correctly. Is there guidance for rolling in a potentially different pair in the balanced configuration? I also want to spread the older/newer tubes across the sound versus just having the older tube pair affect (positively or negatively) a single channel. Ideally, replacing the positive or negative leg for each channel would be the goal, but not sure which tube positions will accomplish that.

Or should I just replace one of the rows and rotate the others back in after 6 months, with the newer pair that wasn't replaced coming out and the previously replace newer pair going back in? Does that make sense? I'm basically asking if there is a methodology to rotating spare tubes in a Lampi balanced configuration, similar to rotating your spare tire through the other 4 wheels on a car.

I keep around a sufficient quantity of DHT tubes for my Pacific and simply swap one balanced set for another. I don’t track which tube is placed where. The cost of replacement tubes is much lower than the DAC. If you buy NOS 45s, it’s around $100-200. You get far fancier tube options of course if you splurge for WE 300Bs. My advice is to not fret about tube rotation. Life’s too short to worry about stuff like that. The point about owning Lampi DACs is tube rolling. Just keep a healthy set of replacement tubes. The point is to rotate through choices as your mood and fancy takes you. There’s no optimal or best tube set regardless of what people rank as their favorites. By experimenting you’ll begin to understand the nuances of each tube choice. Just like enjoying different cuisines, you don’t eat the same meal every time you dine out. Or drink the same wine.

 

[jonstine]

Great insight, thanks to those that replied. With the 3 separately matched pairs of tubes, I’ll keep them matched in rows to spread the sound across both channels. I’ll try rotating in the fresh pair for the front row first, and will move them to the back row just to see if any difference in sound. I appreciate the assist. Cheers!

 

[cpcat]

I don’t rotate tubes like rotating tires. But….. I do experiment with the balanced configuration to find the absolute lowest noise level and hence the best matching front to back and left to right. For this reason I do mark the positions on the individual tubes.

For example, power the DAC and without a signal playing on the analog output, then slowly turn the volume up to maximum and note and measure the amount of background noise with an easily available SPL meter -which is downloadable for free on a phone, ie NIOSH. Then experiment by swapping tube positions to get the absolute lowest measured noise -and there you have the optimum matching of the tube set. Then, mark the positions of the tubes accordingly.

Over time I recheck and reposition the tubes as necessary to be sure, with normal tube wear, that the results do not need to be tweaked. In this way, I do suppose there is some amount of “tube rotation” analogous to “tire rotation”. But, when replacing, I would recommend replacing all four at once and then repeating the process.

 

[Zero000]

Tesla RD27AS - the filament voltage stability is right up there possibly the best in my considerably large collection of triodes.

Post for the techies I guess.

 

[StickMan451new]

Question on the balanced Lampizator Pacific DAC. My Pacific has a five position Rotary Switch that allows you to roll tubes. Position One is labeled, T-100, 300B, Pos Two is PX25, 101D, Pos Three is PX4, Position Four is 242, and Pos Five is labeled 45. I have used successfully 242’s and 300B’s; and they do sound noticeably different! The Manual indicates that 2A3 tubes can be also used but Which Position from above is the correct option?

 

[steve williams]

Question on the balanced Lampizator Pacific DAC. My Pacific has a five position Rotary Switch that allows you to roll tubes. Position One is labeled, T-100, 300B, Pos Two is PX25, 101D, Pos Three is PX4, Position Four is 242, and Pos Five is labeled 45. I have used successfully 242’s and 300B’s; and they do sound noticeably different! The Manual indicates that 2A3 tubes can be also used but Which Position from above is the correct option?

Be careful little grasshopper as you are about to enter a rabbit’s hole that can be long and deep with many side holes. The journey can offer prove to be fun and quite addicting. So beware as it does come with a price so have your pocket book ready. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Blake]

The Manual indicates that 2A3 tubes can be also used but Which Position from above is the correct option?

Double check that 2A3 reference in the manual.

I don't believe 2A3 is compatible with the Pacific. IIRC, it was compatible with some other, older DHT Lampi DAC's, like the Level 7.

*Subsequently Edited

 

[StickMan451new]

Blake, thanks. I will do that and I have also run this question by Lampizator USA. As soon as I get a firm answer I will post it here.

 

[Blake]

I could be mistaken, but, I *think* I inquired some years ago to Lampi Poland, as I have some cool AVVT 2A3 mesh plates I wanted to try in my Pac2, but was told no dice? But yes, let us know what you find out.

 

[cpcat]

2a3 are not compatible with my B7 MkII.

 

[Blake]

Okay, thanks on that. When you select the Big 7 MkIII on the Lampi NA site, it mentions 2A3, but maybe that is only MkIII?

 

[plasmod3]

Use the 245 setting.i didn't have a problem with my pac before

 

[cpcat]

WTH is a 245?

grin why can’t I use emojis here

old fashioned one

 

[StickMan451new]

What Tubes are you using in your Lampizator Pacific? What is your favorite?