Lamm ML3 + LL1, at last!

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,619
13,637
2,710
London

Tango

VIP/Donor
Mar 12, 2017
4,938
6,268
950
Bangkok
That's impossible. Lamm always wins.
Why does Lamm has such s strong brand in the US. Isnt there any better tube amps made in the US? Is this a status thing? Honest questions.

Tang :confused:
 

morricab

Well-Known Member
Apr 25, 2014
9,483
5,042
1,228
Switzerland
Yep, that’s the one...definitely an all-time top five choice amplifier...

Cheers!
ALF
I have heard reports that the original was superior to it's successors...never heard them side by side though...perhaps someone can comment?
 
  • Like
Reactions: bonzo75

morricab

Well-Known Member
Apr 25, 2014
9,483
5,042
1,228
Switzerland
Why does Lamm has such s strong brand in the US. Isnt there any better tube amps made in the US? Is this a status thing? Honest questions.

Tang :confused:
Heavily praised in Stereophile?
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,619
13,637
2,710
London
I have heard reports that the original was superior to it's successors...never heard them side by side though...perhaps someone can comment?

This is what I heard too, but never heard myself
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,807
4,700
2,790
Portugal
Why does Lamm has such s strong brand in the US. Isnt there any better tube amps made in the US? Is this a status thing? Honest questions.

Tang :confused:

As far as I see it some other brands, such as Audio Research, VTL or conrad johnson have similar recognition in the US.

Picking form my memorizes, Lamm created an aura with some really good show presentations of the ML3 - I remember that distributors that are frequent visitors of CES reported to me about them since long - CES 2011 with Alexandria X2 was an highlight. But we have to listen to understand. No one who listened to either the L2/M1.2 or the LL1/ ML3 in my room was not impressed. Their midrange is unique, although they have limitations in other aspects, such as extreme bass and slam. But all they show is extremely coherent and do not show the "homogenization" trend of all SETs I have listened until now - just a few I must say. And the treble of the LL1 / ML3 is exceptional - particularly with top digital ... :)

They are extremely musical, have a great built quality and models are stable for a long time.

The major drawback is price - but as I got mine used at nice deals I can't complain!

BTW the VTLs also have some great qualities ...
 

ddk

Well-Known Member
May 18, 2013
6,261
4,043
995
Utah
Why does Lamm has such s strong brand in the US. Isnt there any better tube amps made in the US? Is this a status thing? Honest questions.

Tang :confused:
A short visit to Steve or I will answer that question for you :).
david
 

jeff1225

Well-Known Member
Jan 29, 2012
3,013
3,265
1,410
51
I have heard reports that the original was superior to it's successors...never heard them side by side though...perhaps someone can comment?

I've personally asked Vladimir if there was any difference between the ML2 and ML2.1 and he said that there was only one difference: better speaker binding posts.

But, as in most things Lamm, I'd love to hear DDK's opinion on the topic.
 

Steve Williams

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I've personally asked Vladimir if there was any difference between the ML2 and ML2.1 and he said that there was only one difference: better speaker binding posts.

But, as in most things Lamm, I'd love to hear DDK's opinion on the topic.
The original was indeed rumored to be better. I owned the ML 2.1. I truly enjoyed it but never compared it to the ML 2
 

KeithR

VIP/Donor
May 7, 2010
5,156
2,819
1,898
Encino, CA
I've personally asked Vladimir if there was any difference between the ML2 and ML2.1 and he said that there was only one difference: better speaker binding posts.

But, as in most things Lamm, I'd love to hear DDK's opinion on the topic.

Ask Romy the Cat though :D
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,807
4,700
2,790
Portugal
Heavily praised in Stereophile?

Yes, heavily praised by most magazines (US and international, even countries with reduced distribution) and many audio sites.

BTW, two nice things about Lamm is that they publish full measurements and specifications - although they are not subjectively mandatory it is great to be able to check that the amplifiers and tubes are perfect - and extremely detailed photos of the interior of the units.
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,807
4,700
2,790
Portugal

Tango

VIP/Donor
Mar 12, 2017
4,938
6,268
950
Bangkok

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,807
4,700
2,790
Portugal
Dear Micro,

Did you get a chance to put your SRAs under the ML3s?

Kind regards,
Tang

I hope to do it that next time I connect them to the XLF. Unfortunately my crane is not moveable, although I am working on it ...
 

ddk

Well-Known Member
May 18, 2013
6,261
4,043
995
Utah
There's a difference between the ML2 & ML2.1 but it's a nuance like differences among great NOS tubes and not a question of good & bad. I like the ML2 better myself I think it's a more special sound but I've had clients who preferred the ML2.1.

david
 
  • Like
Reactions: christoph

morricab

Well-Known Member
Apr 25, 2014
9,483
5,042
1,228
Switzerland
There's a difference between the ML2 & ML2.1 but it's a nuance like differences among great NOS tubes and not a question of good & bad. I like the ML2 better myself I think it's a more special sound but I've had clients who preferred the ML2.1.

david
And the ML2.2?
 

tima

Industry Expert
Mar 3, 2014
5,842
6,900
1,400
the Upper Midwest
I hope to do it that next time I connect them to the XLF. Unfortunately my crane is not moveable, although I am working on it ...

Francisco - do you know the manufacture date of those platforms? It is probably on the backside serial nbr tag. Everytime I have seen Lamm's room at shows, he's had SRA stands under his amps.
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing