Lamm LL2 Deluxe Review

[miklorsmith]

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue36/lamm_ll2.htm

This is the same exact model I have.  It's a supremely nice piece that can occasionally be had for $2,500 - 3k used.  Lately there have been almost none for sale though, no wonder.  It's a stellar piece.

This unit has been out for several years and I don't believe Lamm has changed it one bit.  This is a nice thing for those that buy - you might want to move up the line some day but you don't have to worry about the MK3 or whatever being SO much better.     This baby is resolved but supremely musical, it really lets you relax into the tunes while still sounding extended and precise.

[richidoo]

Mike, you have consistently raved about this piece for as long as I have been reading your posts, with other gear coming in and out of your system. It must be very special. That $5,000 preamp market is very competitive.

Thanks for the link, that will be a fun read.

[Carlman]

Sounds like he kind of liked it.

The Lamm preamp kind of reminds me of the Decware ZTPre look and feel... very simplistic and quiet.  I'd like to hear it, for sure.

As a sidenote to the review....
One thing that irks me about reviews of non-remoted pre-amps these days is the 'too lazy to get up' comment... It's getting old.  The remote is used to adjust all sorts of stuff on a song-by-song basis and to level-match doing comparisons... and switch inputs to A/B stuff.  In fact, without a remote input selector, you really can't A/B without completely getting out of your listening spot... so, listening for something specific just got a lot harder without a remote.  Ok, enough of my soapboxing...

-C

[miklorsmith]

Yeah, it's a review excuse for sure.  I don't mind the lack of a remote, suffer for art so to speak but if I had one I'd use it ya betcha.

The piece does have a workmanlike aesthetic.  It's not sexy but is very functional and the dual attenuators actually aren't a problem because they're stepped and well-marked.  They also have a very nice, silky feel.

[Carlman]

I've had 2 memorable non-remoted, dual-volume pot pre's.. An Audible Illusions 2d and the Dec ZTPre.  Softly-stepped and well-marked attenuators would've been appreciated.  With the AI especially, I was always eyeballing it to make sure they were perfectly matched... another 'nervosa'... $5,k is real money, though... and it competes with some mighty fine preamps... most with remotes.   Finding one used sounds like it'd be a real treasure.

-C

[miklorsmith]

'tis true.  The remote thing is a big deal for some folks, it's good there's selection in the marketplace. 

There's a 'Goner looking for the Deluxe.  He's had a wanted ad up for two or three months, willing to pay top dollar for a used piece.  So far, no luck.  I've been e-mailing him and he's seriously considering buying new. 

6 months ago, probably 5 or 6 of them were sold in a relatively short period.  Lately, I haven't seen any.  Weird.

[richidoo]

This review won't help the used market much, but Lamm will be busy with Backorders. There is a Lamm drive near my house, of course I look at it different than anyone else in the neighborhood.

[bpape]

I've always loved the 'elegant industrial' look of their stuff.  Only heard it a couple times but both times it was something special.  Now I just have to get that winning Powerball ticket...

Bryan