Golden Gate Lampizator

[vegman1973]

I'd just like to say a massive thank you to Greg & GPoint Audio for really helping me with my new Golden Gate Dac.

My other Lampizator was no slouch but this GG is something to behold. The 3D soundstage and detail is phenomenal. I've only had it a few days but it's really starting to come in to its own.

Here's a few pics
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161024/9f0e33a1321f4651d5e0157360a3fd8b.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161024/14023626b2ff3986af6022884e773b59.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161024/c7a9e42d0809901fd9dde8333f69dad8.jpg



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[User211]

What recti and triodes are in there?

[vegman1973]

Hi, my Rectifier is a very special JAN CD-R 1641 with Nos Slyvania 45's
I'm very pleased with the results in resolution and tone.


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[Firebottle]

I've heard the Golden Gate a few times and it has stunning resolution :)

[vegman1973]

Thank Firebottle,
Yes I remember you saying your friend has one. I'm chuffed to bits to finally have one in my system. I feel very blessed [emoji18]


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[User211]

Blessed and relieved of a lot of dosh!

Great DAC enjoy.

[vegman1973]

It wasn't as much as I was expecting to pay. Got a great deal for my old Lampizator at GPoint Audio
What Lampizator are you running User211?


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[User211]

Big 7. One of the very first. You had a Lite 7, no?

[vegman1973]

It was a special Lite 7 with tube Rectifier


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[User211]

Are those "Cool Wood" discs on the DAC Mook copies?

[bumpy]

What signal are you feeding it?

[vegman1973]

Yes, apparently same wood? I'm partial to a bit of foo here and there.
I'm running DSD via my laptop through regen. Plus BNC through from CD player


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[vegman1973]

Yes, apparently same wood? I'm partial to a bit of foo here and there.
I'm running DSD via my laptop through regen. Plus BNC through from CD player


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171028/7ae51f521739a80a1960bf70fd8532db.jpg
Got the chance to listen to GG2 last Sunday. Sporting a pair of EML limited edition 45’s very very nice. Sounded great as well



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[vegman1973]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171028/7ae51f521739a80a1960bf70fd8532db.jpg
Got the chance to listen to GG2 last Sunday. Sporting a pair of EML limited edition 45’s very very nice. Sounded great as well



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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171028/469d42291ef775c667780f9d13cd1640.jpg
Also new Lampizator Pacific [emoji7] what a piece of kit that beast is. 30kg solid brass outer shell.



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[bonzo]

Hi Vegman, you should upgrade your recti to KR Lampi 5u4g recti, and for triodes use either of KR PX25 or the special edition of Lampi 45s from EML.

[User211]

Or maybe the Ricardo Kron 300B in that there Pacific. I would have gone to Harrogate but it was just too far.

[vegman1973]

Hi Vegman, you should upgrade your recti to KR Lampi 5u4g recti, and for triodes use either of KR PX25 or the special edition of Lampi 45s from EML.

I’ve just bought the PX4’s Ked. I also have 242’s and nos 45’s. I’d love a pair of limited edition 45’s but nobody’s selling those bad boys. As for Rectifier I have a few nos ones


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[vegman1973]

Or maybe the Ricardo Kron 300B in that there Pacific. I would have gone to Harrogate but it was just too far.

I preferred the sound of the GG2 with limited edition 45’s. Think the Pacific will be better when you can tune roll


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[vegman1973]

I preferred the sound of the GG2 with limited edition 45’s. Think the Pacific will be better when you can tune roll


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Tube


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[User211]

I preferred the sound of the GG2 with limited edition 45’s. Think the Pacific will be better when you can tune roll


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Maybe you just didn't like the KR RK 300B, then. Those (Ked's) EML Ltd Ed. 45s sound good my B7, but I didn't like the EML solid plate 45 much at all.

I suspect a GG2 will out perform a Pacific if you don't like the valves in the Pacific, or vice versa.

Which is your fave valve, Scott?

[vegman1973]

Maybe you just didn't like the KR RK 300B, then. Those (Ked's) EML Ltd Ed. 45s sound good my B7, but I didn't like the EML solid plate 45 much at all.

I suspect a GG2 will out perform a Pacific if you don't like the valves in the Pacific, or vice versa.

Which is your fave valve, Scott?

Well I’ve tried Gold Lion 300B they were ok but the one tube failed after only 100hrs
Then I was using Nos 45’s which seemed very musical. Then I bought 242’s and they just blew me away. Now I’m ready for a change and my new PX4’s are just burning in. First impressions are very positive. How about you?


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[bonzo]

Well I’ve tried Gold Lion 300B they were ok but the one tube failed after only 100hrs
Then I was using Nos 45’s which seemed very musical. Then I bought 242’s and they just blew me away. Now I’m ready for a change and my new PX4’s are just burning in. First impressions are very positive. How about you?


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If the 242s worked in your system no other tube will sound close. 242s sometime distort due to high gain and impedance mismatch with pre, but if they work, they will kill everything else.

Btw, 300bs are all different, and I have already tried the special 300bs from the Pacific.

As for PX4, the PX25 and the special 45s are both better than the PX4s - but usually both may not work in a particular system, one or the other will. This is due to the fact that each Lampi and system have different gains, and there is some impedance matching with the pre.

[bonzo]

Scott, are you Bill's friend Scott? Why don't you try his recti, it will outperform your NOS'

[vegman1973]

Scott, are you Bill's friend Scott? Why don't you try his recti, it will outperform your NOS'

Yes I’m Bill’s mate. I enjoy experimenting with different Rectifiers. I suppose I’ll get the KR 5u4g eventually. As for tubes I’m enjoying the burn in of the PX4 after 242
We all have our own preferences [emoji106]


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[walpurgis]

Why would various rectifier valves 'sound different'? Surely there's only one type of DC?

[vegman1973]

Why would various rectifier valves 'sound different'? Surely there's only one type of DC?

It’s all to do with voltage and type of Rectifier. I sold my EML 5u4g as I found it far too laid back for my taste.


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[walpurgis]

I've not experimented with rectifier valves, but as long as the current demands of the amplifier are met and the DC quality is good, would there be an influence on the sound? I find it hard to grasp how, as it's not part of the signal handling.

[vegman1973]

I've not experimented with rectifier valves, but as long as the current demands of the amplifier are met and the DC quality is good, would there be an influence on the sound? I find it hard to grasp how, as it's not part of the signal handling.

I’m only going on my own experience. But to my ears there’s definitely a difference. And because the Lampizator is very flexible when it comes to Rectifiers + DHT there’s a lot of playing to be had [emoji41]


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[vegman1973]

I’m only going on my own experience. But to my ears there’s definitely a difference. And because the Lampizator is very flexible when it comes to Rectifiers + DHT there’s a lot of playing to be had [emoji41]


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https://www.head-fi.org/threads/dubstep-girls-massive-5ar4-5r4-5u4g-rectifier-review-comparison-rectifer-tube-rolling-thread.694525/

Have a read at this



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[walpurgis]

I’m only going on my own experience. But to my ears there’s definitely a difference

I don't doubt differences can be heard. But I'd love to know why. I'd also like to know if a good sold state rectifier is as audibly acceptable, as they do feature in some good amplifiers.

There's not much chance of Lampizator equipment coming my way these days. Retirement means funds need to be kept well in check! :rolleyes:

[User211]

Scott, are you Bill's friend Scott? Why don't you try his recti, it will outperform your NOS'

Given that you haven't heard his "NOS" in his system, how can you possibly say that?

Also, Ked doesn't own a system and hasn't for a long time. His list of valve pecking order isn't actually based on long term ownership, it is based on quick comparisons done on other people's systems. Even if it was, I am not sure it would be any more valid.

Preferences can alter pretty quickly with changes elsewhere in your system, and you have the flexibility to fine tune via the DAC, which can be a very helpful facility to have. With a recent crossover change, my notional valve pecking order list has changed.

There is no best valve.

[bonzo]

Justin, I had the tubes on my Big 7 when I had the system - I owned 242, 300b, 101d then.

Trials are not quick, in some systems they are repeated and across systems. Also, if I find in one system Valve X performs the best, that guy continues to enjoy Valve X for many months after that. Regarding rectis, many have tried many, and the KR has always been the favorite apart from the Takatsuki which I haven't heard so won't comment on. I also had many NOS rectis with my big 7.

The differences in deltas are consistent when they work - sometimes they just don't, e.g you can put the special 45s in and they will sound wimpy if they do not work. They are always noisier than the KR valves but that is fine for the people who like them.

I understand your preferences altered with crossover, they will also alter with upstream electronics.

[bonzo]

Also, let me clarify what I am trying to say - if 242s do not fit your electronics or crossover, it is worth tuning the Lampi till it does. It is gain + o/p voltage not sure what Lukasz does, but the strategy should be to build around that. Of course, you first need to be convinced that's worth the trouble and so better, which can only be achieved by finding out a system in which the 242 works to see what the jump in delta is. Analog guys do it all the time when they match tonearm to cart and the gain of the cart to the phono. Digital guys seldom or ever do that.

[vegman1973]

I don't doubt differences can be heard. But I'd love to know why. I'd also like to know if a good sold state rectifier is as audibly acceptable, as they do feature in some good amplifiers.

There's not much chance of Lampizator equipment coming my way these days. Retirement means funds need to be kept well in check! :rolleyes:

I’ve bought a solid state Rectifier and put it in Lampizator. All the magic went for me. There’s some magic in them there tubes [emoji6]


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[vegman1973]

If the 242s worked in your system no other tube will sound close. 242s sometime distort due to high gain and impedance mismatch with pre, but if they work, they will kill everything else.

Btw, 300bs are all different, and I have already tried the special 300bs from the Pacific.

As for PX4, the PX25 and the special 45s are both better than the PX4s - but usually both may not work in a particular system, one or the other will. This is due to the fact that each Lampi and system have different gains, and there is some impedance matching with the pre.

What are your thoughts on the Kr Rk 300b’s Ked?


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[bonzo]

What are your thoughts on the Kr Rk 300b’s Ked?


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Hi not yet sure, they were not the best match for a high gain system we tried them in, so will have to try in something like Bill's system to check.

I think when people talk about valve preferences and system match, I am not referring to tonal preference and match, e.g rolled off valve for a bright system etc. I am referring to a gain and impedance match valve, as that is where things go wrong

[vegman1973]

Hi not yet sure, they were not the best match for a high gain system we tried them in, so will have to try in something like Bill's system to check.

I think when people talk about valve preferences and system match, I am not referring to tonal preference and match, e.g rolled off valve for a bright system etc. I am referring to a gain and impedance match valve, as that is where things go wrong

Ok. I’d be interested in a listen also. You should head up North to Sheffield with then [emoji106] and the KR 5u4g


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[vegman1973]

Loving the sound of my new PX4’s I’ve changed the Rectifier to an old French 5r4gy double D getters. Must admit it’s a good match and very musical [emoji41]


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