The fact that your focus has shifted to music enjoyment rather than analytical assessment of the sound is a very good development. I suspect you system is every bit as satisfying as mine at the very least.

charles1dad January 15, 2014 19:06

I believe that the sound your system is providing is truly convincing as you've put it together very wisely. I suspect that I'd simply love listening to music via your system. Organic, holistic, realism, emotion etc. These are the ultimate objectives to strive for music in your home.
Charles,

charles1dad January 12, 2014 22:23

Shawbros3,
Wow! That is such a generous offer, thanks very much. My good friend Jwm who went to the show with me has ordered the level 5. Lukasz said he'll get it in 2 weeks and will eventually bring to my home for a good listen.
I never said the Yamamoto equals the Lampizator level 7. The Yamamoto is deeply involving and conveys much emotion and music's beauty and passion.

The Lampizator could possibly take these desirable qualities even further perhaps. I totally agree with you in that Shigeki Yamamoto is an artist who's blessed with wonderful ears. He's able to get such natural beauty from his excellent but under appreciated DAC. Adding the Duelund CAST was the proverbial icing on the cake. Despite 3 full days of hearing ultra High End systems at CES I couldn't wait to get home to listen to my system.

There's a difference between high level audiophile hifi and pure natural music presentation, I'm completed in the camp of the latter category.
Lower power high quality tube amplifiers with good high efficiency speakers is the best combination for my upmost joy and satisfaction long
term. I'm really looking forward to hearing my friend's Lampizator in both our systems.
Charles,

charles1dad January 12, 2014 22:08

Shawbros3,
I met the builder of your Lampizator DAC this week in Las Vegas, he was friendly and very forthcoming. I'm impressed with his knowledge and attitude, he's one smart man. If I weren't so pleased with my Yamamoto DAC (with Duelund CAST capacitors added) I sure would be after his DAC. The level 7 with DHT tubes directly coupled to the DAC chip and Duelund CAST output caps is right up my alley(I have a DHT line stage and amplifier). I'd imagine that your Lampizator sounds wonderful!
Charles,

charles1dad January 11, 2014 23:38

Hi Shawbros3,
It wonderful to hear that the EML XLS were a good match with your system,
it can be risky taking advice from a stranger. I glad these tubes were a
successful addition.
By the way I agree with you concerning the Sistrum platforms. They are
very effective and definitely improve the sound quality in the direction of
more naturalness.
Charles,

charles1dad January 11, 2014 01:26

I believe the fuse is 3 amp slow blow but check amp back panel fuse holder to be sure. I adore the Yamamoto DAC , it went from "very good" to superb/ sublime level when I added the Duelund CAST capacitors. Shigeki Yamamoto just has a natural ability to create components that get to the core of musical beauty and soul. I know the Duelund is too expensive for him to implement at his targeted market price point. For me it was 450.00 well spend (understatement) putting them in this special DAC.
I have used the Sophie Royal Princess in the Franks and they were really good! But for very high value-performance ratio the EML XLS is tough to beat.
Your Lamp-Melody-Frankenstein is very well thought out and has to sound devine, again congratulations.
Charles,

charles1dad September 23, 2013 17:32

Hi Shawbros3,
This system must make beautiful music and sound natural and realistic.
We share the same Coincident Frankenstein amplifiers (you have
impeccable taste!). I've read nothing but good things about the Lampizator
DAC and I imagine your speakers convey your wonderful upstream
components, congratulations. How did you happen to settle on the
Frankenstein?

I use the Takatsuki and the EML XLS 300b, what 300b are you using?
I notice your preamp uses the 101d tube as does my Coincident line stage,
this DHT tube is very special in my opinion. I just love what it does for music reproduction.
Two friendly tips regarding the Frankenstein if I may,
1, Star Sound Sistrum or their Apprentice stands for the Frankenstein
(makes an excellent amplifier sound even better)
2, Synergistic Research Quantum fuse is a definite improvement over the
stock fuse (needs about 5 days of burn in).You will enjoy your fine system for many years I predict.

Charles,

charles1dad September 22, 2013 20:09