Lampizator Amber 3 DAC Review
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Mike Reeter
Posts: 4,314
Some time ago I decided to try and up my Digital Game a bit. I've always had Vinyl and CD's, but have never really migrated toward the Streaming/Ripping/Download side of Digital.
I wanted a DAC from a reputable Company that also had a Tube Circuit design. After many weeks of researching, I decided on the Lampizator Amber 3 DAC.
To those not familiar with the Lampizator brand, a 'different' name for sure. They are located in Warsaw, Poland. In Polish, Lampa means "Vacuum tube or Valve", Lampizator translates into "the one who makes things tubed".
Lampi produces some very nice gear, most of which is WAY over my budget. But, the Amber 3 is their 'Entry Level' DAC which was within reach. They have supposedly put a lot of Trickle Down Tech into this DAC from their much more expensive offerings.
Their U.S. Distributor is Lampizator North America. After waiting five weeks for the Amber to arrive (they are built to order) I placed it into the setup using an OPPO UDP-203 as a Transport.
First of all, the Amber is not a "Do-it-all" DAC. It doesn't have a Digital readout of Resolution, doesn't Stream, etc. It's simply a DAC.
Initial impressions, right out of the box were dramatic. The Amber has a lot of gain (has a Hi/Low Gain switch) so I opted for the Low position, and it drives the Preamp with ease. The SDA's seemed to have jumped to new life and were really strutting their stuff.
The Stage has grown taller, and has gained some depth as well. Performers/Vocals have moved a little more forward, and Instruments now have an increased space and air around them, along with a more accurate placement within the Stage.
From there, things have just gotten better with around 3-4 weeks under the DAC's belt, I decided it was time to roll a 12AU7 into the Output Stage, which uses one tube in that spot. In went a Holland Bugle Boy, and oh my...the Amber has taken on a slight, Silky tone that also brings a big helping of Texture to the presentation.
The DAC is Tube Rectified, has a single Input tube and a single Output tube, rolling tubes is not a Bank draining endeavor. It's has a very good build, weighing in at a little over 15 lbs. It has an Understated appearance that I like as well.
The interior seems to be a tidy layout utilizing some quality components, Jupiter Copper Foil Caps, etc.
The Inputs include RCA, S/PDIF (with addition options) that output up to 24/192. The USB Input features 32/384 PCM and up to native 256x DSD.
I signed up for the Qobuz Trial Period and have been enjoying what it has to offer, and have played a few files. I've yet to acquire any DSD Hi-Res material to really take advantage of the USB Input.
I'll wrap this up by saying that the Amber 3 is probably the best single Sonic improvement I've made to date, period. As one reviewer stated "My room has been transformed into a Concert Hall" I can relate. As bad as I hate to admit it, the Amber 3 has put my Vinyl setup on notice
I'm extremely happy with this DAC and can safely say that the Amber 3 is a "Destination Piece" for me.
https://www.lampizatorpoland.com/amber-2-dac
https://www.lampizator.com/amber-3
I wanted a DAC from a reputable Company that also had a Tube Circuit design. After many weeks of researching, I decided on the Lampizator Amber 3 DAC.
To those not familiar with the Lampizator brand, a 'different' name for sure. They are located in Warsaw, Poland. In Polish, Lampa means "Vacuum tube or Valve", Lampizator translates into "the one who makes things tubed".
Lampi produces some very nice gear, most of which is WAY over my budget. But, the Amber 3 is their 'Entry Level' DAC which was within reach. They have supposedly put a lot of Trickle Down Tech into this DAC from their much more expensive offerings.
Their U.S. Distributor is Lampizator North America. After waiting five weeks for the Amber to arrive (they are built to order) I placed it into the setup using an OPPO UDP-203 as a Transport.
First of all, the Amber is not a "Do-it-all" DAC. It doesn't have a Digital readout of Resolution, doesn't Stream, etc. It's simply a DAC.
Initial impressions, right out of the box were dramatic. The Amber has a lot of gain (has a Hi/Low Gain switch) so I opted for the Low position, and it drives the Preamp with ease. The SDA's seemed to have jumped to new life and were really strutting their stuff.
The Stage has grown taller, and has gained some depth as well. Performers/Vocals have moved a little more forward, and Instruments now have an increased space and air around them, along with a more accurate placement within the Stage.
From there, things have just gotten better with around 3-4 weeks under the DAC's belt, I decided it was time to roll a 12AU7 into the Output Stage, which uses one tube in that spot. In went a Holland Bugle Boy, and oh my...the Amber has taken on a slight, Silky tone that also brings a big helping of Texture to the presentation.
The DAC is Tube Rectified, has a single Input tube and a single Output tube, rolling tubes is not a Bank draining endeavor. It's has a very good build, weighing in at a little over 15 lbs. It has an Understated appearance that I like as well.
The interior seems to be a tidy layout utilizing some quality components, Jupiter Copper Foil Caps, etc.
The Inputs include RCA, S/PDIF (with addition options) that output up to 24/192. The USB Input features 32/384 PCM and up to native 256x DSD.
I signed up for the Qobuz Trial Period and have been enjoying what it has to offer, and have played a few files. I've yet to acquire any DSD Hi-Res material to really take advantage of the USB Input.
I'll wrap this up by saying that the Amber 3 is probably the best single Sonic improvement I've made to date, period. As one reviewer stated "My room has been transformed into a Concert Hall" I can relate. As bad as I hate to admit it, the Amber 3 has put my Vinyl setup on notice
I'm extremely happy with this DAC and can safely say that the Amber 3 is a "Destination Piece" for me.
https://www.lampizatorpoland.com/amber-2-dac
https://www.lampizator.com/amber-3
Comments
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Nice DAC! Welcome to the digital world.Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
Well done, sir! Congratulations 🥳AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
Pre Cary SLP-05
Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
Mains Salk HT2-TL
Rythmik F12 -
2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
Nice review.
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Mike Reeter wrote: »
Very nice and congrats to you!
Lamp is end game.
halen
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Very nice, Mike, sounds like a great addition. Nice review!I disabled signatures.
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They chat about the Lampizator family all the time over at the WBF. Lots of folks like them around the world on all different types of systems. Nice to see a write up over here!
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
They chat about the Lampizator family all the time over at the WBF. Lots of folks like them around the world on all different types of systems. Nice to see a write up over here!
Tom
What is WBF? Wife Best Friend forum? I kid I kid.. -
Love lamps....most are way out of budget though, but nice to see a more affordable option from them that still kicks some booty. Congrats man, enjoy.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Nope..... its Wanna Be Friends........ I got another couple... but well censorship and all
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
I was kinda hoping you didn't like it, and might be selling at a huge discount. Which I might have to fight Halen for it then.
HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I was kinda hoping you didn't like it, and might be selling at a huge discount. Which I might have to fight Halen for it then.
Tony, As I seem to live in the middle of 'Audio Wasteland', with the only Retail Store being a Best Buy, this was a HUGE Leap of Faith for me, but the Amber is not disappointing.
It is without a doubt, my End Game DAC. The presentation of the Amber is Intoxicating...even when sober
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Mike Reeter wrote: »
Tony, As I seem to live in the middle of 'Audio Wasteland', with the only Retail Store being a Best Buy, this was a HUGE Leap of Faith for me, but the Amber is not disappointing.
It is without a doubt, my End Game DAC. The presentation of the Amber is Intoxicating...even when sober
I'm just North of you in said wasteland...lol!Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
Nice write up @Mike Reeter and admittedly, never even heard of the brand before! Looking good! Keep us updated as you spend more time with her! Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
Mike Reeter wrote: »
Tony, As I seem to live in the middle of 'Audio Wasteland', with the only Retail Store being a Best Buy, this was a HUGE Leap of Faith for me, but the Amber is not disappointing.
It is without a doubt, my End Game DAC. The presentation of the Amber is Intoxicating...even when sober
I'm just North of you in said wasteland...lol!
LOL, You know what I'm talking about! Just about any and all of my Audio purchases are based on user and professional reviews. But, with the new era of Buy and Try for (however long) it's making it easier to experience different gear.
The Lampizator was a brand that I had came across by reading through different Audio Forums. The further I dug, it seemed like a lot of DAC Brands were comparing their product to Lampizator, you know "Just as good at half the price" hype.
Lampi offers some very good Tube Based Products, but I think their 'Bread & Butter' is their line of DACs.
btw, I have located a Polk Audio Legend Dealer in the St. Louis area that has a pair of L800's set up and ready to Demo...I'm almost afraid to go and have a listen, maybe we'll have to make the trip together.
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Mike Reeter wrote: »Lampi offers some very good Tube Based Products, but I think their 'Bread & Butter' is their line of DACs.
I had the pleasure to see/hear their offerings at the Munich High End Show in 2017. Lampizator was creating quite a buzz at the time and was one of the reasons I started my DAC quest. Ultimately, I ended up with the PS Audio Directstream and have not regretted it, probably my single best purchase to date, but would not hesitate to try Lamp if I was back in the market. I'm glad it's met and exceeded your expectations.➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods) ➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS Audio BHK Signature & 250, DirectStream ➂Cables/IC's: MIT S1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced +Avel Lindberg 1000VA "Dreadnought" ➃Power Conditioner: PS Audio P15 Power Plant ➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH Labs Power Plus DIY w/Neotech NC-P301 & P311ends ➅Streaming: Roon ROCK on wifi'd NUC, TP-Link WAP, & Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark, Emperor Double Crown Clock, Black Modernize LPS, PS Audio AirLens⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬ -
Just read the Positive Feedback review by David Robinson. I tend to trust his opinions. Nice snag!
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Mike Reeter wrote: »Lampi offers some very good Tube Based Products, but I think their 'Bread & Butter' is their line of DACs.
I had the pleasure to see/hear their offerings at the Munich High End Show in 2017. Lampizator was creating quite a buzz at the time and was one of the reasons I started my DAC quest. Ultimately, I ended up with the PS Audio Directstream and have not regretted it, probably my single best purchase to date, but would not hesitate to try Lamp if I was back in the market. I'm glad it's met and exceeded your expectations.
I came within a eyelash of picking up a DSD when PSA had them on sale recently. My previous DAC was a PSA NuWave DSD model, a fine sounding unit.
I know I would have enjoyed the DSD, but I wanted something with some Tubes in the circuit.
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Just read the Positive Feedback review by David Robinson. I tend to trust his opinions. Nice snag!
Yes, I have probably read that review a dozen times His take was certainly a contributing factor in the decision to go with the Amber 3.
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Mike Reeter wrote: »I know I would have enjoyed the DSD, but I wanted something with some Tubes in the circuit.
LOL...we had the same goal but came from different directions. After getting the DSD I wanted tubes in the mix. The BHK pre and amp are solid state/tube tech. I have a feeling we'd enjoy listening to each others systems. ➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods) ➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS Audio BHK Signature & 250, DirectStream ➂Cables/IC's: MIT S1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced +Avel Lindberg 1000VA "Dreadnought" ➃Power Conditioner: PS Audio P15 Power Plant ➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH Labs Power Plus DIY w/Neotech NC-P301 & P311ends ➅Streaming: Roon ROCK on wifi'd NUC, TP-Link WAP, & Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark, Emperor Double Crown Clock, Black Modernize LPS, PS Audio AirLens⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬ -
Mike Reeter wrote: »I know I would have enjoyed the DSD, but I wanted something with some Tubes in the circuit.
LOL...we had the same goal but came from different directions. After getting the DSD I wanted tubes in the mix. The BHK pre and amp are solid state/tube tech. I have a feeling we'd enjoy listening to each others systems.
I would LOVE to hear that stack of PSA gear you have in your setup! The Preamp and Amp plus the DSD are on my "Lottery List" of gear
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[/quote]
btw, I have located a Polk Audio Legend Dealer in the St. Louis area that has a pair of L800's set up and ready to Demo...I'm almost afraid to go and have a listen, maybe we'll have to make the trip together.
[/quote]
Could me the info on that St. Louis dealer -
btw, I have located a Polk Audio Legend Dealer in the St. Louis area that has a pair of L800's set up and ready to Demo...I'm almost afraid to go and have a listen, maybe we'll have to make the trip together.
[/quote]
Could me the info on that St. Louis dealer[/quote]
Creative Audio Video & Automation
10805 Sunset Office Drive
Suite 300
St. Louis, MO
314-956-5861
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You have an open invitation any time you're in the NW.Mike Reeter wrote: »I would LOVE to hear that stack of PSA gear you have in your setup!➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods) ➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS Audio BHK Signature & 250, DirectStream ➂Cables/IC's: MIT S1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced +Avel Lindberg 1000VA "Dreadnought" ➃Power Conditioner: PS Audio P15 Power Plant ➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH Labs Power Plus DIY w/Neotech NC-P301 & P311ends ➅Streaming: Roon ROCK on wifi'd NUC, TP-Link WAP, & Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark, Emperor Double Crown Clock, Black Modernize LPS, PS Audio AirLens⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
