1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 1273282804

Lamm LL2 tweaks?

After a very long search I decided to upgrade my Rotel preamp to an LL2 Deluxe. This should be a HUGE improvement and I can't wait for the Lamm to get home!!!

As I wait I'm already wondering which tweaks others have found most effective with this unit and would like your input.
- Tube rolling: I've seen several posts stating it does indeed react to this. What should the pecking order be? 12AU7, 6922, 6X4? Which tubes have worked best for you?
- Vibration control?
- Power cord: I've seen a post stating the LL2 is inmune to PC upgrades. Do others agree?
- Tube dampers?
- Which interconnects have worked best for you?
- Other thoughts?

FWIW it will be paired with a McIntosh MC275 with rolled tubes. ICs are cheaper Nordost, and my next weakest link is my CD player, and I will likely add an outboard DAC.

Thank you!
lewinskih01

Showing 4 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
When I owned the LL2 Deluxe, my favorite tubes by far were Mullard (Blackburn) 12AU7 and Mullard (Mitcham) 6922. I also used a Mullard 6X4.

The best power cord for the LL2 Deluxe I found was a Purist Audio Dominus Ferrox.

IMO, the LL2 Deluxe needs tubes and a power cord that will get control of the bass, which can be a little out of proportion and loosey-goosey. However, with the right tube/power cord combo, the LL2 Deluxe's bass is excellent.

It also responds well to footers under the chassis and some mass loading on the top of the chassis. I use several footers with good results including Rollerblocks and Boston Audio TuneBlocs.

Consider these all were my preferences. Not saying they are "the best".
tvad
9,467 posts
 
05-10-10: Lewinskih01
Tvad: I recall an older post of yours where you stated the LL2 was rather immune to power cord upgrades.
Please post the comment here. I don't recall writing that, but if I did, then yes my opinion changed.

I'd not leave the stock versions of either the 12AU7 or 6922 installed in the LL2 Deluxe. Swapping them for better NOS tubes makes a difference worth the expense.

Changing the 6X4 is not as important, IMO.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
By golly, Lewinskih01, you're right! Clearly, I was drunk when I wrote that.

Just kidding.

The Purist Audio Dominus *did* make an observable and positive difference on my LL2 Deluxe by tightening and controlling the bass.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Lewwinski01, I was using a Shunyata Hydra 2, fed by a Purist Audio Dominus 20A power cord.

I was using Purist Audio Venustas ICs.

Please don't ask me what I compared all these to. The answer is probably somewhere in the threads.

You've worn me out.
More to discover