ARC ref 3,5 OR Lamm LL2.1 for my ml2.1

Oh boy, just when I was having the nerve to do without my LL2D I read this thread and I'm find myself going back on my steps. Shouldn't have clicked this link!! ;-)

I love this preamp, and indeed it does change with upgraded tubes. Mine drives a McIntosh Mc275. I bet it would sound fantastic with your ML2.1.

Hey Saint!

Yes, I know what you mean. I tend to be rather agnostic as to either dogma. I just love what the LL2 does to sound vs my current DAC driving the amp directly.
BUT lately I've grown interested in DRC/DSP/"stereo multichannel". The latter needs explaining. My only source is an optimized audio server; a PC.
I'm thinking about getting an 8-channel DAC, set up digital crossovers inside the software, and drive each speaker driver with a dedicated amp, foregoing the passive XO. This allows for time-alignment of the drivers, and also digital room correction. But a stereo preamp has no place in such a setup.

So the huge question in my mind: would the benefits from time-alignment outdo those from a good preamp and the same amount of money spend on a 2-channel rather than 8-channel DAC? The only way to know is to do it, but that would be a long journey.

Sorry...certainly more than you wanted to know!

How about visiting Lamm itself? They do have a demo room - I know because I bought the LL2 they used for demoing.
If I was able I would definitely visit them. if anything I find it part of the halo of buying from small companies.