LampizatOr Pacific 2 DAC Review

World Premiere Review!
LampizatOr Pacific 2 DAC Review
One of the best values for a high-performance DAC.
Review By Dr. Matthew Clott

 

 

When LampizatOr came out with their state-of-the-art $49,000 Horizon assault on DAC'dom, they had a larger plan in mind. The Horizon was the first in an entirely new redesign of LampizatOr's take on building a digital-to-analog converter. Everything learned from their first Big7 through the Golden Gate to the Pacific, was a foundation upon which the next generation of LampizatOr would be based. Somewhere during the past few years, it became apparent that they had taken their current designs and engineering schematics to the limits of what those circuits could yield.

To progress and advance LampizatOr into the future, a completely new engine, circuits, power supplies, and enclosure would be needed; and the Horizon was born. Moving forward, all of their new products will benefit from design principles inherent in the Horizon. Technically speaking, this new line relies on a massive step forward in digital processing implemented in their Engine Eleven, Eleven-P, and Eleven-X along with the use of the new JLS USB module. The Eleven, to quote their website, is:

Much more elaborate power supply, requiring six transformer windings to work.

Very tricky signal and clock isolation and ground separation (five grounds versus one)

New in this price segment — current conversion DAC type, versus previous voltage type — that results in very analog and sophisticated sound

Proprietary software managing the conversion process and setup

New, zero-relay design with software-controlled routing of inputs

Four input receiver chips serving all inputs without the need to choose and configure: USB, S/PDIF RCA, TosLink optical, and AES/EBU XLR... it's all there.

DSD512x now is a standard without compromise (or switching)

Perfect muting of all artifacts of switching

DC-coupled analog chip-to-tube interface, that opens a whole new window on what is happening in the bass.

 

LampizatOr가 49,000달러의 최첨단 DAC인 Horizon을 출시했을 때, 그들은 더 큰 계획을 염두에 두고 있었습니다. Horizon은 LampizatOr의 디지털-아날로그 변환기(DAC) 제작에 대한 완전히 새로운 설계의 첫 번째 모델이었습니다. 그들의 첫 번째 Big7부터 Golden Gate, Pacific에 이르기까지 학습한 모든 것이 다음 세대 LampizatOr의 기초가 되었습니다. 지난 몇 년 동안, 그들의 현재 디자인과 엔지니어링 도면이 그 회로가 제공할 수 있는 한계를 초과했다는 것이 분명해졌습니다.

LampizatOr를 미래로 발전시키기 위해서는 전혀 새로운 엔진, 회로, 전원 공급 장치 및 인클로저가 필요했고, 그 결과 Horizon이 탄생했습니다. 앞으로 모든 새로운 제품은 Horizon에 내재된 설계 원칙의 혜택을 받을 것입니다. 기술적으로 말하자면, 이 새로운 라인은 그들의 Engine Eleven, Eleven-P 및 Eleven-X에 구현된 디지털 처리에서 엄청난 발전에 의존하며, 새로운 JLS USB 모듈의 사용과 함께 합니다. Eleven에 대해서는 그들의 웹사이트에서 다음과 같이 설명하고 있습니다:

작동을 위해 여섯 개의 변압기 권선이 필요한 훨씬 더 정교한 전원 공급 장치.
매우 복잡한 신호 및 클록 격리와 접지 분리를 제공 (하나의 접지 대신 다섯 개의 접지).
이 가격대의 새로운 특징 — 이전의 전압형이 아닌 전류 변환 DAC 유형으로, 매우 아날로그적이고 정교한 사운드를 제공합니다.
변환 과정과 설정을 관리하는 독점 소프트웨어.
소프트웨어 제어로 입력이 라우팅되는 새로운 제로-릴레이 디자인.
USB, S/PDIF RCA, TosLink 광학, AES/EBU XLR 등 모든 입력을 선택하고 구성할 필요 없이 모든 입력을 수신하는 네 개의 입력 수신 칩... 모든 것이 여기에 있습니다.
DSD512x가 타협 없이 표준이 되었습니다 (전환 없이).
모든 전환 아티팩트를 완벽하게 음소거하는 기능.
DC 결합 아날로그 칩-튜브 인터페이스로, 저음에서 발생하는 일에 대한 새로운 창을 엽니다.

 

 

 

I was excited when asked to review a newly released, in May of 2023, Pacific 2 DAC whose retail starts at ~$27,000 (and goes up based on options). It is essentially the original Pacific with the new Eleven-P chipset and associated circuits, and JLS USB inputs. Enhancements were also made to the analog stage, grounding scheme, clocks, manufacturing process, and component selection which contribute to the new generation of DACs. They also nixed the LAN input option available in the prior generation.

I took the opportunity to ask Fred from LampizatOr why they would continue offering the Classic lineup with the new generation of DACs on the horizon (no pun intended).... The answer I was given was essentially the following:

1) One of the points of the new model line is that it can work with currently available, easily sourced, common tubes. While the "Classic line" Pacific / Golden Gate / Big7 series is dependent on classic DHT and more "eclectic" tubes. As such, many audiophiles have and prefer those tubes and they didn't want to cut those customers off considering they truthfully have been their client base from the first days of LampizatOr.

2) The improvement in the Pacific with the new digital upgrades blew them away and they felt they had to offer it as an upgrade to their current clients. An upgrade from a Pacific to a Pacific 2 is only €4000.

3) They currently have in inventory and have secured a supply chain to acquire for the foreseeable future enough boards and enclosures to continue building new Pacific 2's for those who simply want to continue the tried and true, Directly Heated Triode (DHT) path.

 

2023년 5월에 출시된 Pacific 2 DAC를 리뷰해 보라는 요청을 받았을 때 저는 매우 흥분했습니다. 이 제품의 가격은 약 27,000달러(옵션에 따라 상승함)로 시작합니다. 기본적으로 원래의 Pacific에 새로운 Eleven-P 칩셋과 관련 회로, JLS USB 입력을 추가한 것입니다. 또한 아날로그 단계, 접지 설계, 클록, 제조 공정 및 구성 요소 선택에서 개선이 이루어져 새로운 세대의 DAC에 기여하고 있습니다. 이전 세대에서 제공되었던 LAN 입력 옵션은 제거되었습니다.

저는 LampizatOr의 Fred에게 새롭게 출시되는 DAC와 함께 Classic 라인을 계속 제공하는 이유를 물어볼 기회를 가졌습니다(농담처럼 "Horizon"이라는 말이 포함된 질문은 아니었습니다). 그가 준 답변은 다음과 같았습니다.

새로운 모델 라인의 핵심 중 하나는 현재 쉽게 조달할 수 있는 일반적인 진공관과 호환될 수 있다는 점입니다. 반면 "Classic 라인"인 Pacific / Golden Gate / Big7 시리즈는 구식 DHT(직열 가열 진공관)와 더 '다양한' 진공관에 의존합니다. 그래서 많은 오디오파일들이 선호하는 그런 진공관을 사용하길 원하며, LampizatOr의 초기 고객층이었기 때문에 이들을 끊고 싶지 않았습니다.

새로운 디지털 업그레이드로 인해 Pacific의 개선 사항이 그들을 놀라게 했고, 현재 고객들에게 이를 업그레이드로 제공해야 한다고 느꼈습니다. Pacific에서 Pacific 2로의 업그레이드는 단 4,000유로입니다.

그들은 현재 재고로 충분한 보드와 인클로저를 확보했으며, 앞으로도 계속해서 새로운 Pacific 2를 제작할 수 있는 공급망을 구성했습니다. 이는 기존의 입증된 Directly Heated Triode(DHT) 경로를 계속하고자 하는 사람들에게 해당됩니다.

 

 

So, the Big7 Mk3, Golden Gate Mk3, and the Pacific Mk2 have been designated the "Classic Products" series and will be available as upgrades and new product purchases for the foreseeable future.

With all of that said, having not heard the LampizatOr Pacific before the new digital upgrade, I am left telling you my opinion of the Pacific 2 on its own and in comparison to the circa 2019 Golden Gate 2 ($17,250 as reviewed) and to my current $50,000 reference Pilium Elektra DAC.

 

따라서 Big7 Mk3, Golden Gate Mk3 및 Pacific Mk2는 "클래식 제품" 시리즈로 지정되어, 당분간 업그레이드 및 신규 제품 구매가 가능합니다.

이 모든 사항을 고려했을 때, 저는 새로운 디지털 업그레이드 이전의 LampizatOr Pacific을 들어본 적이 없으므로 Pacific 2에 대한 제 의견을 독립적으로, 그리고 약 2019년에 출시된 Golden Gate 2(리뷰 가격 17,250달러) 및 현재 사용 중인 50,000달러 상당의 Pilium Elektra DAC와 비교하여 말씀드리고자 합니다.

 

 

 

Performance

First and foremost, the LampizatOr Pacific 2 surpassed every performance category of the Golden Gate 2. Yes, it's been quite a while and my audio memory is certainly not so good that I can remember subtle nuance, but I do have notes. And when comparing notes, it was obvious the Pacific 2 bettered the prior generation Golden Gate 2 in every way. Surprising? No. At $17,250, the Golden Gate 2 was an emotionally solid performer and I would imagine the Eleven / JLS and other upgrades have taken that design to even further heights of emotional delight. I can say the build quality of the Pacific 2 is on a different level than that of the Golden Gate, and the overall appearance is much more appealing.

Now, comparing my reference Pilium Elektra to the Pacific 2 was a challenge; which is a huge compliment to the nearly $20,000 more affordable LampizatOr. Was the Elektra "better"? Yes. Did it extract more detail, subtlety, refinement, presence, and dynamics? Yes, it did! Having not personally heard the LampizatOr Horizon, this is what I would expect of the Horizon as well. But with the ability to swap out tubes and fine-tune the sonic signature, I was able to generate a more harmonically and emotionally engaging presentation with the Pacific 2 than the Elektra.

The tube complement of the LampizatOr Pacific 2 extracted a more robust presentation of saturation and color. The Elektra is an exceptional tool for reviewing but demands equally statement level everything else to get all it can give. For $20,000 less, the Pacific 2 was an exceptional tool for listening, no matter what I moved into or out of the system. As I remember with the Golden Gate 2, the Pacific 2 is more forgiving of the imperfections in the remainder of the system, cabling, recording, file format, room, everything. I could (and did) make it more accurate and detailed with tube swapping, but it just didn't feel right with Pacific 2. My final preference for tubes was the Tungsram 200/600 4V rectifier with adapter, EML PX4 driver tubes in a balanced quad configuration. The LampizatOr wants to give you a big hug, not just a simple handshake.

 

우선, LampizatOr Pacific 2는 Golden Gate 2의 모든 성능 카테고리를 초월했습니다. 예, 상당한 시간이 지났고 제 오디오 기억력이 미세한 뉘앙스를 기억하기에는 좋지 않지만, 저는 메모를 남겨 놓았습니다. 메모를 비교해 보니, Pacific 2가 이전 세대 Golden Gate 2보다 모든 면에서 우월하다는 것이 분명했습니다. 놀랍습니까? 아닙니다. 17,250달러에 출시된 Golden Gate 2는 감정적으로 견고한 성능을 보여주었고, Eleven/JLS와 다른 업그레이드가 그 설계를 더욱 높은 감동의 정점으로 이끌었다고 상상합니다. Pacific 2의 제작 품질은 Golden Gate와는 다른 수준에 있으며, 전반적인 외관도 훨씬 더 매력적입니다.

제 기준이 되는 Pilium Elektra와 Pacific 2를 비교하는 것은 도전이었습니다. 이는 거의 20,000달러 더 저렴한 LampizatOr에 대한 큰 칭찬입니다. Elektra가 "더 나았습니까"? 네, 그렇게 말할 수 있습니다. 더 많은 디테일, 섬세함, 세련됨, 존재감, 다이내믹스를 이끌어냈습니까? 네, 그랬습니다! 개인적으로 LampizatOr Horizon을 들어본 적이 없기 때문에, 이것이 Horizon에서도 기대되는 모습입니다. 하지만 진공관을 교체하고 음향 특성을 미세 조정할 수 있는 기능 덕분에, Pacific 2로 더 하모닉하고 감정적으로 매력적인 프레젠테이션을 생성할 수 있었습니다.

LampizatOr Pacific 2의 진공관 조합은 더 풍부한 포화감과 색감을 이끌어냈습니다. Elektra는 리뷰용으로 뛰어난 도구지만, 그 시스템이 제공할 수 있는 모든 것을 얻으려면 동등한 수준의 모든 요소를 요구합니다. 20,000달러 저렴한 Pacific 2는 시스템에 상관없이 듣기에 매우 뛰어난 도구였습니다. Golden Gate 2와 마찬가지로 Pacific 2는 시스템, 케이블, 녹음, 파일 형식, 방 등의 불완전함에 대해 더 관대합니다. 저는 (그리고 했습니다) 진공관 교체로 더 정확하고 세밀하게 만들 수 있었지만, Pacific 2와는 잘 어울리지 않았습니다. 제가 선호하는 진공관은 Tungsram 200/600 4V 정류관이었습니다.

 

 

Listening Experience

Let's talk about the raw listening experience for a bit. I have been saying for a while that as the newer, better gear comes out (tube, solid state, Class D, whatever), it is all migrating to a more universally accepted standard of performance and personality. I know that statement is offensive to some, but I say it like I hear it. It's as if there is an apex and no matter the curve, all seem to be heading towards that same destination. LampizatOr's newest version of the Pacific reinforces these observations. While allowing me to fine-tune the result, the overall presentation was much less "tubey" than one would expect.

In fact, if you're looking for that warm, lush tube sound, don't waste your time with LampizatOr's current line-up (Classic or new). What the Pacific 2 did do oh so well was keep me completely and utterly engaged in the music. And while in comparison to my Elektra, I deducted a point for detail, subtly, refinement, presence, and dynamics in comparison it is neck and neck between these two units. Bass was extended, rich, textured, multi-layered, and held both resonance and impact to beautifully feed my nearly unrestricted on the low-end Wilson Alexx V's. Mid's were sensationally fleshed out, palpably complex, and blossomed like an apple orchard at full bloom. Never tonally over saturated or syrupy sweet. But just so engaging.

I kept going back to that word over and over.... The uppermost frequencies extended like traveling to the heavens; visually defined by a powerful yet elegant ascent through the beauty of a perfect blue sky. Then on, into the deep rich midnight blue of the outmost edge of our atmosphere... beyond still and into the perfectly clear blackness and void of deep space. Yet always aware that there was an infinity beyond what was tactile and palpably present. Sincerely and truly beautiful. Respect!

The DAC has an uncanny ability to extract three-dimensional cues and meticulously place them while simultaneously painting a wide and deep canvas with brush strokes of harmony, resonance, and timbre. That sounds super corny, I know. But it really did. Score one for DHT!

If you take the absolute value of the LampizatOr Pacific 2, ignoring all else, it stands on its own as one of the best values for performance at that price point. It stands tall against other DACs in the mid to high price range. If DHT is your jam and you're looking for a DAC then look no further. If you're looking for a spectacular DAC in this price range regardless of circuit design... look no further.

To me, if you're considering an upgrade from the original Pacific, just do it; no brainer; call them now and make it happen (yes, I just used two semi-colon's in a row)! What are you gonna do about it? Please do not misinterpret what could be considered belletristic tribulations as a condemnation of anything LampizatOr does or makes; quite the contrary! LampizatOr has accomplished the unthinkable these days, they have gone from eclectic to mainstream to recognized leaders. These product transitions and progressions represent LampizatOr's absolute dedication to state-of-the-art with a laser focus on build quality, premium parts, and modern design. Their signature "Lampy" sound with an in-depth understanding of where they were, and where they want to be tomorrow. The importer, Fred Ainsley (a truly great guy I might add!) sent me the below, which I feel is well worth adding.

 

우선, 원시 청취 경험에 대해 이야기해보겠습니다. 저는 더 새롭고 나은 기기가 출시됨에 따라(진공관, 솔리드 스테이트, Class D 등) 모든 기기가 보다 보편적으로 받아들여지는 성능과 개성의 기준으로 이동하고 있다고 몇 년째 주장해왔습니다. 이 발언이 일부 사람들에게는 불쾌할 수도 있지만, 저는 제가 듣는 대로 말합니다. 마치 정점이 있는 것 같고, 모든 것이 그 같은 목적지로 향하고 있는 듯합니다. LampizatOr의 최신 버전인 Pacific은 이러한 관찰을 강화합니다. 결과를 미세 조정할 수 있는 기능을 허용하면서도, 전반적인 프레젠테이션은 우리가 통상적으로 기대하는 "진공관적인" 느낌이 훨씬 덜했습니다.

사실, 따뜻하고 풍부한 진공관 사운드를 찾고 있다면, LampizatOr의 현재 라인업(클래식 또는 새 제품)을 소비하는 데 시간과 노력을 낭비하지 않는 것이 좋습니다. Pacific 2가 정말 잘한 점은 저를 음악에 완전히 몰입하게 만드는 것이었습니다. 제 Elektra와 비교했을 때 디테일, 섬세함, 세련됨, 존재감 및 다이내믹스를 고려할 때 점수를 하나 뺐지만, 두 유닛 간의 경쟁은 거의 비슷했습니다. 저음은 연장되고, 풍부하며, 질감이 있으며, 다층적이고, 웅장한 울림과 임팩트를 제공하여 거의 방해받지 않는 Wilson Alexx V를 아름답게 지원했습니다. 중음은 놀랍도록 잘 표현되었고, 복잡함이 명확하게 느껴지며, 마치 만개한 사과 과수원처럼 피어났습니다. 결코 음색이 과하게 포화되거나 시럽처럼 달콤하지 않았습니다. 그러나 정말로 매력적이었습니다.

저는 그 단어를 반복적으로 생각했습니다… 최고의 주파수는 마치 하늘로 올라가는 것처럼 확장되었습니다; 완벽한 푸른 하늘의 아름다움을 통과하며 힘차고 우아한 상승으로 시각적으로 정의되었습니다. 그리고 깊고 풍부한 자정 블루 색상으로 하늘의 가장자리를 지나가며… 여전히 그 너머의 완벽하게 맑은 어둡고 공허한 우주 깊숙이 들어갔습니다. 항상 감각적이고 실질적으로 존재하는 것 외에 무한함이 있다는 것을 인식하고 있었습니다. 진정으로 아름다운 경험이었습니다. 존경을 표합니다!

이 DAC는 3차원 큐를 추출하는 비범한 능력을 가지고 있으며, 이를 정교하게 배치하면서 동시에 넓고 깊은 사운드 스테이지를 그립니다.

 

 

 

A Bit Of Perspective

The introduction of Direct Heated Triode (DHT) output stages marked a pivotal moment in LampizatOr's history, garnering significant acclaim and recognition. DHTs offer unique and captivating audio qualities. Some of the things required of DHTs however (i.e. differing filament heater voltages, variations in current, variable output impedances, etc.) made them incompatible with the direction and engineering of the Horizon, and a different tube choice was decided upon for future builds.

That said, these DHT DACs are not planned for obsolescence. They will remain in our product line for the foreseeable future, but the designs will not be further developed — this will simply represent our final expression of DHT-based LampizatOr's DACs, which we believe to be a phenomenal one.

 

직접 가열 삼극관(Direct Heated Triode, DHT) 출력 단계의 도입은 LampizatOr 역사에서 중대한 전환점을 의미하며, 상당한 찬사와 인정을 받았습니다. DHT는 독특하고 매력적인 음향 특성을 제공합니다. 하지만 DHT에 필요한 몇 가지 요소(예: 서로 다른 필라멘트 히터 전압, 전류의 변동, 가변 출력 임피던스 등)는 Horizon의 방향성과 엔지니어링과 호환되지 않게 만들었고, 향후 제품 개발을 위해 다른 진공관 선택이 결정되었습니다.

그렇다고 하더라도, 이러한 DHT DAC들은 단종될 계획이 없습니다. 이들은 당분간 우리 제품 라인에 남아 있을 것이지만, 디자인은 더 이상 개발되지 않을 것입니다. 이는 DHT 기반의 LampizatOr DAC의 최종 표현을 나타내며, 우리는 이것이 훌륭하다고 믿고 있습니다.

 

Background Information

There were several models and generations before the Big 7 (at least ten of them). The Big 7 stood out because it marked our initial venture into incorporating directly heated triode tubes within our analog stage. Additionally, we achieved an engineering feat by integrating the two-chassis design, previously seen in our Level 7, into a singular, more compact "Big" Box. These innovations are key aspects of the product's identity and heritage – it was also the birth of the shared footprint of the Golden Gate and Pacific chassis."

 

빅 7 이전에도 여러 모델과 세대가 있었습니다(최소 10개 이상). 빅 7은 아날로그 스테이지에 직접 가열식 트라이오드 튜브를 통합한 최초의 시도라는 점에서 주목할 만한 모델입니다. 또한 이전에 레벨 7에서 볼 수 있었던 두 개의 섀시 디자인을 하나의 더 컴팩트한 “빅” 박스에 통합하는 엔지니어링 업적을 달성했습니다. 이러한 혁신은 제품의 정체성과 유산의 핵심 요소이며, 골든 게이트와 퍼시픽 섀시의 공유 공간의 탄생이기도 합니다.”

 

 

 

 

Specifications
Type: Vacuum tube stereo Hi-Res Audio DAC
DHT triode vacuum tubes
Digital Inputs: AES/EBU via XLR, S/PDIF via RCA, TosLink optical, and USB
New OLED display
Total muting (keep switching noises down)
No drivers needed for any computer operating system
Volume control models have one analog input for analog sources

Variants
Single-ended RCA, no preamplifier / volume control
Single-ended RCA, with preamplifier / volume control
Fully balanced XLR & unbalanced RCA, yet no preamplifier / volume control
Fully balanced XLR & unbalanced RCA with preamplifier / volume control

Pricing
Unbalanced RCA: €24,000
Unbalanced RCA with volume control €27,000
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA: €27,000
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA with volume control: €30,000

 

 

 

Manufacturer
LampizatOr
Brzozowa 26A
05-552 Warszawianka
Poland

E-mail: LampizatOr@LampizatOr.eu 
Website: LampizatOrPoland.com