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RDSChicago

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  1. Two questions. I have the Big 7 which I love with Amanero USB: 1. I see references on this thread to firmware updates. Can I load this update myself? If so, does anyone have instructions? 2. I am now using my Lumin as a DACstrsmer in another system and am connecting to the DAC from a laptop. I do have an iFi Micro iUSB3.0 which supposedly reduces noise generated via computer audio. This product is well reviewed on some sites but trashed in Audio Science review. Any suggestions from those who use a laptop as to optimizing performance on the Lampi and whether I’d hear better results from a streamer? Thanks.
  2. Try one out. This also has a great DAC and phono stage which one wouldn’t get in a separate amp and preamp.
  3. I recently purchased a Denon PMA-A110 and am loving it. At first I thought it sounded a bit harsh and sterile compared to other amps I have but now I’m really seeing the positives including enormous power and the bass control that comes along with a high current amp. Yet this amp also has a smooth midrange and treble. Great decay on the notes. Color me impressed and I have some fairly high end amps to compare it to, including Pass and Naim. The Internal DAC is also terrific streaming Qobuz right from my laptop. When comparing the internal DAC with my Lumin or Lampizator DACs, it’s a fairly close contest and that’s a huge compliment to the Denon. It also has a built-in MM and MC phono stage which I haven’t tried. Some tend to be audio snobs at times and don’t think that a big box brand like Denon can compete with should I say the more artisanal audiophile brands. But when one considers that larger companies like Denon have the financial wherewithal to spend significant dollars on engineering and R&D which the smaller audio brands likely cannot do, it makes sense that if Denon wanted to put out a showpiece product, it certainly could. This anniversary amp is undoubtedly that showpiece. Your mileage may vary, but for those in the market for an integrated amp that does it all (except it doesn’t have a built-in streamer), this one-box solution is well worth a demo.
  4. I too have a PMA-A110 and am loving it. At first I thought it sounded a bit harsh and sterile compared to other amps I have but now I’m really seeing the positives including enormous power and the bass control that comes along with a high current amp. Yet this amp also has a smooth midrange and treble. Great decay on the notes. Color me impressed and I have some fairly high end amps to compare it to, including Pass and Naim. The Internal DAC is also terrific streaming Qobuz right from my laptop. When comparing the internal DAC with my Lumin or Lampizator DACs, it’s a fairly close contest and that’s a huge compliment to the Denon. Some tend to be audio snobs at times and don’t think that a big box brand like Denon can compete with should I say the more artisanal audiophile brands. But when one considers that larger companies like Denon have the financial wherewithal to spend significant dollars on engineering and R&D which the smaller audio brands likely cannot do, it makes sense that if Denon wanted to put out a showpiece product, it certainly good. This anniversary amp is undoubtedly that showpiece. Highly recommended.
  5. I had the same issue. Great review BTW. I am feeding the X1 into a Lampizator DAC but am really enjoying the X1 as a standalone DAC as well. Almost every bit as dynamic and weighty as the Lampi and perhaps more detailed.
  6. I’m having trouble getting tune-in on my X1 to work as well. Peter, can you advise? Thanks.
  7. I just purchased an X1 and have a Lampi Big 7. I keep on comparing each DAC and I have to say that I am enjoying the X1 immensely as both a DAC and streamer. I didn’t imagine it would be as weighty or as musical as the Lampi but I’m happily surprised it is. Very impressive DAC besides being an excellent streamer. And the optical set up is noticeably more quiet than straight Ethernet cable into the DAC.
  8. Thanks. I thought the Technics might be doing all of the clock and jitter benefits that straight USB might not do. Guess not
  9. That’s exactly the question I’m asking. Will Qobuz sound better going through Technics or straight from MacBook going into USB?
  10. I just got a Lampizator Big 7 DAC and have been running Qobuz straight from my MacBook Pro into it or using an iFi Micro USB 3.0 between my MacBook and the USB input of the DAC. I was thinking about buying a dedicated streamer like the Bluesound Node 2i on the low side or a Lumin U1 Mini on the high side. I don't listen to music files; my listening is confined to exclusively streaming through Qobuz. Then I forgot that a few years ago, someone gave me a Techincs ST-C700 streamer in a trade. It has some pretty interesting features, including virtual batter, etc.: https://www.technics.com/us/products/c700/st-c700.html I just pulled the Technics out of the closet and am going from my MacBook into the PC input, and then out via coax into the Lampi. Since I'm Apple-centric at home, the player also provides the option of going straight from an iPhone or iPad into a USB-A port. I'm then going from the digital out via coaxial into the DAC. So far it sounds pretty good, but I haven't done any real critical listening or comparing it to going straight from the MacBook into the DAC. I was wondering if you had any thoughts about this setup vs. going direct into the DAC from the PC? Or a second question - would I hear an appreciable difference going with one of the more current streamers like the BlueSound or Lumin U1 than the Technics? Thanks for your thoughts.
  11. Kal or others, my listening is exclusively via Qobuz with a Lampizator Big 7 or Tubadour III SE DAC. No music files. No CD’s anymore. Since you’re saying USB is superior to SPDIF, am I better off continuing to stream through my MacBook Pro directly (or though an ifi Micro USB 3.0 with their Gemini USB cable) into the USB B input of the DAC vs. a music streamer such as Lumin or BlueSound via SPDIF? If so, this would be most convenient to me and avoid the necessity of purchasing a separate streamer. I’ve always been told to go the streamer route and would love to hear your recommendations. Thank you.
  12. How does one source he JL Sounds board and how difficult is it to install?
  13. Will the ifi Micro USB 3.0 improve the sound of the Big 7’s USB input?
  14. I have the upgraded SE model. I just wanted to sing Vlad’s praises. The left RCA output wasn’t working. Vlad kindly not only paid for round trip shipping but quickly repaired the DAC free of charge. From Vlad: “It was something really simple. The center pin of the RCA was pushed in. I replaced both RCAs with silver ones. I also installed better filtering caps on the USB input which should give you better sound from USB. Sorry for the troubles.” Not only is this a great DAC but Vlad provided stellar customer service! Kudos to Vlad.
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