ethannnn

Responses from ethannnn

VAC Ren II, VAC Phi, or ARC Ref 3?
I had the same results as Tvad when comparing the L2 to the Ref 3 in my system with all else being equal. Perhaps it was a compatibility issue also as I was using a Lamm amp at the time. I also remembered the Lamm having a lower noise floor with g... 
ARC Ref 3: Tung-Sol 6550 in power supply?
My recollection were all Genalexes had truer midranges. The Gold Lion was most detailed and dynamic, the Gold Monarch was most neutral, and the GEC was most full bodied. The GEC had the most impact while the other two were more subtle. In my syste... 
ARC Ref 3: Tung-Sol 6550 in power supply?
I would recommend the (blue label) GEC KT88 for this pre. I experimented with Gold Lions and Gold Monarchs as well. These are 3 variations of the vintage Genalex KT88, not re-issues. While the I preferred the GEC best, it leaned towards the euphon... 
Lamm L2 Reference tube recommendation
I dont think you'll find much improvement tube rolling with the L2. The most important thing is to check the voltage output of the power supply as specified in the manual. Slight deviations, usually loss in power will make it sound dark and veiled... 
Purist or Kubala-which to buy for entire system
I dont want to confuse this issue further but I found my 1.5 meter Dominus PC to sound better than its 2 meter counterpart on my Vac Phi Beta. Both were purchased from US dealers, current version with Ferox. While they're tonally similar, the 1.5 ... 
What preamp for Lamm M1.2 ?
I never did hear the LL2. At the time, I wanted the best so I assumed the LL2 was not it. Based on Rcprince's description, it sounds like a pretty nice pre plus you can likely get further gains by tube rolling. You may also consider changing the 6... 
What preamp for Lamm M1.2 ?
Elberoth2, for what it's worth, I was in your situation 6 months ago looking for a great preamp and the best I found was the Lamm L2. As you mentioned, it doesn't have a remote and worse, the power supply tube often needs replacement and/or adjust... 
VAC Phi integrated or 1 preamp + 1 amplifier
If you need 400 watts, then clearly the Beta is not for you. 
What preamp for Lamm M1.2 ?
If your L2 sounded muddy and dark, I suspect the power supply tube needs replacement or adjustment. The voltage setting can deviate quite easily particularly with an old tube causing the sound to be off. Read your owner's manual for directions. Wh... 
Which Lamm should I add to the flock?
I found the best 6922s for Lamm Hybrids are the Amperex Pinched Waist 6922 and Seimens CCa. For some reason, I was not impressed with the Telefunken CCa. Power cords also make a significant improvement. 
VAC Phi integrated or 1 preamp + 1 amplifier
My experience tells me this mathematical equation doesn't tell the whole story. It may be that speaker manufacturer's specs are incomplete or imprecise because speaker selection is that easy. In fact, I'd say most speakers would benefit from havin... 
VAC Phi integrated or 1 preamp + 1 amplifier
I recently switched to the Vac Phi Beta from costlier seperates and have been totally happy. The Beta strikes a perfect balance of musicality, neutrality and detail without being dry or analytical. It sounds great with stock tubes and has a full f... 
Has anyone heard the Ref 3?
One XLR was bad causing one channel to be muffled and muted. For a long time, I could not understand why my system imaged poorly. One day I played a mono record and noticed one channel was louder and clearer sounding. After a lengthy troubleshooti... 
Has anyone heard the Ref 3?
Well all this is subjective but one test I did was run my Lamm phono stage directly to my Lamm amp to hear what the L2 was doing to the sound. From what I can tell, the L2 was quite neutral. 
Has anyone heard the Ref 3?
Hi Oneobgyn, I would be glad to bring over the L2 again. To fair, we should probably use the same cables on both pres this time. By "slight agenda," I meant I noticed some coloration that accounted for the difference.