LampizatOr BIG 7 MK3 DAC

Description

LampizatOr BIG 7 MK3 DAC

The Big7, was named as the last model in our lineup of “levels”, starting from Level 1, Level 2, level 3, until level 7 was too crowded inside to fit in the box. And we decided to make the largest box that the market will let us get away with. The BIG7 was born. In it’s super luxury version – with cost no object parts, it was later named the Golden Gate, our former flagship. Since the price increase for GG was huge, we decided to keep the basic Big7 as a separate product. It is the entry level to the world of DHT tubes. Given it’s relatively modest price, the Big7 is the best bang for the buck in high end range of products from Lampizator.

With Volume Control, it also makes the greatest preamp.

From September 10th 2022 we ship BIG7 MK3 with following improvements versus the old BIG7-2: New, completely redesigned digital section called ENGINE ELEVEN, with it’s dedicated internal power supply. Triode operating scheme has been also redesigned, making the same triodes sound more open, dynamic and detailed. We also use new USB firmware, better DSD engine, 512x DSD as standard, new muting circuits, new digital input management, new footers, and new, good looking rear panel. It looks actually better from behind than from the front.

All in all – the Big7 MK 3 has obvious Lampizator pedigree while being a better DAC than its predecessor – in every area we can name.

The main characteristics are:

• Single Ended Triode amplification stage
• Directly Heated Triodes only (DHT)
• Zero feedback design
• Zero silicon in analog section
• PCM and DSD switched seamlessly and automatically
• PCM and DSD kept as separate “engines”
• USB input compatible with all operating systems
• Copper sheet capacitors in the output stage
• Tube based power supply with chokes and foil capacitors
• Advanced muting circuit in the output
• One stage SET DHT output with zero feedback
• DSD in pure native filter technology without conversion
• PCM in most advanced form – R2R multibit ladder (optional) or dual mono current-output, balanced converters
• Handmade in Poland

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

The directly heated triodes are considered the absolute peak performance by many die hard audiophiles, mostly speaking of small amps and horn speakers. However the use of DHT in the DAC is what we pioneered and always promoted. We don’t need power in the DAC so small power is not an issue.

BUT THE SOUND – is heavenly good. There is something about it that is so addictive – some kind of purity, liquidity, emotional connection, the goose bump factor, hair rising on the neck. The tube rolling process allows you choosing the tube set that suits your taste. Contrary the application in the amp, in the DAC the signal is so small in comparison, that the tube like 300B or 45 seems gigantic. The signal density per square milimeter of anode area is small. That’s why music sound effortless. It like an oversized car engine – you may not use the full power but effortless feels great.