Poseidon DAC: Best Tube DAC BY Lampizator
Lampizator is known for making high-quality audio equipment with great design and sound. Their new Poseidon DAC is another impressive product, sitting between their top Horizon DAC and more affordable models. It pushes the limits of what a mid-to-high-end DAC can do, using advanced technology and a signature sound that makes it unmistakably Lampizator.
Lampizator Lineup Poseidon DAC
The Poseidon DAC results from a deliberate and ambitious project within Lampizator. The goal was clear: create a DAC that offers half the cost of the flagship Horizon DAC while retaining much of its performance and character. Priced at $24965.69, the Poseidon is positioned as a more accessible yet still aspirational product, designed to serve as the new centerpiece of Lampizator’s mid-to-high-end offerings. It replaces a crowded segment of the portfolio, consolidating the best features of previous models like the Big7, Golden Gate, and Pacific into a single, cohesive product.
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Design and Build:
The Poseidon DAC is a visual and tactile delight. Its CNC-milled chassis exudes precision and durability, with a weight of 23 kg (55 lbs) that hints at the robust internal construction. The dimensions are compact yet substantial, ensuring it fits seamlessly into high-end audio setups without overwhelming the space. The design is minimalist yet elegant, with a choice of finishes: Matt Black Hole for the body and optional top plate colors like Copper, Stainless Steel Mirror, or Black Hole Black Matt. The copper top plate, in particular, gives the Poseidon a distinctive “Duracell” aesthetic, adding a touch of industrial chic.
The inclusion of an OLED display (in amber monochrome) and a CNC-milled metal remote control further enhances the user experience, offering both functionality and a premium feel. The remote, in particular, is a standout, designed as a solid metal “slab” that feels as good in the hand as it looks.
Technical details Poseidon
At the core of the Poseidon is Lampizator’s proprietary Engine Eleven-P, a firmware-driven conversion process capable of handling 760kHz PCM and DSD512. This engine ensures that the Poseidon is future-proof and capable of decoding even the most demanding high-resolution audio formats with ease. The signal path is entirely free of silicon, with silver wiring and copper foil capacitors ensuring the purest possible audio transmission.
The Poseidon is a fully balanced and single-ended DAC, offering both topologies simultaneously without compromise. This flexibility is a boon for audiophiles who want to connect a variety of sources and amplifiers. The inclusion of analog inputs (both RCA and XLR) transforms the Poseidon into a high-end preamplifier, eliminating the need for a separate preamp. This is a game-changer, as the built-in preamp is designed to outperform standalone units costing up to 50,000 Euros.
The volume control circuit is another highlight, designed to be completely transparent and free of sonic compromise. Whether you’re using the Poseidon as a standalone DAC or as a preamp, the volume control ensures that the signal remains pristine, with no loss of detail or dynamics.
Tube Rolling: Endless Possibilities
One of Lampizator’s hallmarks is its use of vacuum tubes, and the Poseidon is no exception. The tube complement includes:
- 1 x 5U4G rectifier (or equivalents like 274B, 5Y3, GZ34, etc.)
- 4 x 6N1P dual triodes (or alternatives like 6N6P, ECC88, 6922, etc.)
- 4 x 6J5 single triodes (or 6V6 pentodes, 6C2C, etc.)
This setup allows for hundreds of tube-rolling permutations, enabling users to tailor the sound to their preferences. Whether you prefer a warmer, more analog sound or a detailed, analytical presentation, the Poseidon offers the flexibility to achieve it.
The circuit design is equally impressive, with four identical mono circuits and three tube stages per phase (input buffer, amplifier, and output buffer). This fully balanced, zero-feedback architecture ensures exceptional channel separation and a noise floor so low it’s almost imperceptible.
Sound Quality:
The Poseidon DAC delivers a sound that is both musical and technically brilliant. It retains the signature Lampizator house sound—rich, organic, and emotionally engaging—while adding a level of precision and detail that places it firmly in the upper echelons of high-end audio.
- Bass: Deep, tight, and authoritative, with excellent control and texture.
- Mids: Warm and natural, with a lifelike presence that brings vocals and instruments to life.
- Highs: Extended and airy, without a hint of harshness or sibilance.
- Soundstage: Wide and three-dimensional, with precise imaging and excellent depth.
Poseidon’s ability to handle both single-ended and balanced connections without compromise is particularly impressive. Whether you’re driving a high-powered solid-state amplifier or a delicate tube amp, the Poseidon delivers a signal that is clean, dynamic, and full of nuance.
Key Features That Set the Poseidon Apart
- Dual Topology: Simultaneous single-ended and balanced operation.
- Analog Inputs: Acts as a high-end preamp, eliminating the need for a separate unit.
- Volume Control: Transparent and uncompromising, with a full bypass function.
- Zero Feedback: Ensures a pure, uncolored sound.
- Tube Rectification: Adds warmth and richness to the power supply.
- OLED Display and Remote Control: Enhances usability without sacrificing aesthetics.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in High-End Audio
The Lampizator Poseidon DAC is more than just a DAC—it’s a statement of intent. It combines the best of Lampizator’s engineering prowess, design philosophy, and sonic artistry into a single, cohesive package. With its unparalleled flexibility, exceptional sound quality, and future-proof technology, the Poseidon is poised to become a new benchmark in the world of high-end audio.
For those who demand the best but find the Horizon DAC out of reach, the Poseidon offers a compelling alternative. It’s not just a DAC; it’s a gateway to musical nirvana, a piece of audio engineering that will delight and inspire for years to come. If you’re in the market for a DAC that does it all—and does it exceptionally well—the Poseidon should be at the top of your list.
Final Verdict:
The Lampizator Poseidon DAC is a triumph of design, engineering, and sound quality. It’s a product that not only lives up to the Lampizator name but also sets a new standard for what a high-end DAC can achieve. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to the world of high-end audio, the Poseidon is a DAC that demands your attention—and your ears.
