Preamp modifications - who would you use?

If you're asking about the Lamm LL2 Deluxe listed in your system description, I'd leave it alone. It's a classic preamp, and modifying it will alter its wonderful sound and destroy its resale value.

01-23-11: Trelja
Actually, I also agree with Grant. Didn't know the component that was under discussion -

I don't know that is is, I just saw it listed in the OP's system. He hasn't verified if the Lamm LL2 Deluxe is the preamp under consideration for mods.

01-23-11: Mitch2
Tvad, no I am not modding the Lamm.

Thanks for the update.

BTW - I have conversed with another Lamm owner who has performed significant mods to his LL2 (caps, attenuators, diodes) and he says it is now comparable with anything out there.

Regardless of his opinion of his modification, I think my initial comment still applies. I'll bet it sounds different than a stock LL2 Deluxe, and there's no question that most buyers looking for a used LL2 Deluxe are going to want a stock version versus a one-off modded unit that may or may not (and most likely not) sound like the LL2 Deluxe preamps that received all the rave reviews.

Modding can result in definite changes in the sound of components, and often those that do the mods or that pay to have the mods done swear that the sound is better, and perhaps in many respects it is...but there's no question that having a unit modified significantly lowers its resale value because of the much smaller pool of audiophiles who will consider buying it.

Sorry for the firm cautionary warning, but anyone considering mods should be aware of the pitfalls as well as the positives before pulling the trigger.

Unfortunately, I am not located in the same area and have not heard it...However, I would definitely buy that modded unit if it were ever posted for sale.
Mitch2 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Interesting that you'd buy it without having heard it. That's not something I would consider.

Different strokes, I suppose.

Good luck on the modification quest.

01-23-11: Strateahed
..the notion that an audiophile is going to feel something sounds better just because they paid to have something modded is just not true ... at least not in my case.

That wasn't exactly my point, but it's my fault for not expressing it more clearly.

The point I was attempting to make was that different is not necessarily better, IMO...particularly in the case of the Lamm LL2 Deluxe, which has such a large library of positive reviews because of its sound. Changing the parts in a Lamm LL2 Deluxe may make it sound different, and it may also make individual aspects of its sonic characteristics better, but if the preamp's house sound has been appreciably altered in the process, then the result as a whole may not be better. After all, its the preamp's house sound that has resulted in the many positive reviews.

It's a big "if", and you don't know what the end result is going to be until it's done. To me, messing with a good thing is risky. That's all I'm saying.

I believe mods are an excellent way to improve upon a component that is clearly lacking in some way. Modwright's mods of various Sony DVD/SACD players (particularly those prior to the 5400ES) is a prime example.