Any VAC Phi 30/30 Owner's?

Garyralph, for my taste the LL2 is simply more musical. The Modwright is very good, but it's very solid state sounding, IMO, and while the Lamm is not "tubey", it provides some flesh and soul to the music that the 9.0SE lacked. Also, the LL2 is like a chameleon with tube rolling. You can easily change the sound off the preamp by rolling combinations of 12AU7 and 6922 tubes. This is a great benefit that the LL2 provides, and that the Modwright does offer with as much flexibility.

The only caveat with the Lamm is that depending on the gain or input sensitivity of the VAC, you might have to send the LL2 to Lamm to have the output gain lowered. It's a simple thing for Lamm to do, and it costs around $85.

My VAC Phi has 35db gain in the Zero negative feedback mode. Your 30/30 may have a different gain structure.

Bottom line, is that I love the combo.

Thanks Tvad. I notice the LL2 has only 3 inputs, one of which is "direct,". I don't know what that means. Will it accomodate a CD player, tuner and phono preamp?

I notice the LL2 has only 3 inputs, one of which is "direct,". I don't know what that means. Will it accomodate a CD player, tuner and phono preamp?
Garyralph (Threads | Answers)

Actually, counting the tape input, the LL2 has four inputs. The Direct input bypasses some circuitry, and has a more direct path, therefore a cleaner sound. In practice, I don't hear the difference, but technically it should exist.

It will accomodate a CD, tuner and phono preamp...plus one other source.

I have the reference linestage now, but, should have my battery powered in about 30 days, or so. I have pre-paid for it. I have compared, side by side, in my system with the Act 2, and blowtorch, and prefer the RLS of Gary's, cost not considered. Man oh man, whatabargain.