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Preamp for Lamm M1.1 monoblocks

Any general recommendation on what preamp to use with Lamm M1.1 hybrid monoblocks?

I am using Boulder L3AE at this time. I used to match the monoblocks with the Lamm L1 preamp but I was getting over-excited about the very faint power-supply hum and regretfully sold it.

Budget is USD $4000 or less.

Source: Ayon CD2
Speakers: Vienna Acoustics Mahler
Music Genre: Would listen to anything other than rap and heavy metal - mostly orchestral and vocal.

Thanks in advance!
bsimpson
bsimpson OP
167 posts
 
Wow all of you have excellent advices! I am more than willing to bump up my budget since a few of the suggestions sound really promising!

thanks a lot again for all the invaluable insights!
monk
120 posts
 
I would look into a Blue Circle Preamp... Similar house sound to the Lamm, a little more SET midrange imho, both throw great stages... musical as all get out. I find the BC leading edge not always as crisp as the Lamm, but the tonality and humaness of the BC is more prominent over the Lamm. But the BC gets more of the air and hall info right. You have nothing but killer options in front of you - so its all about what you hear in your room! (love your Mahlers too!)
tricon_dave
96 posts
 
I have M1.2 monoblocks and owned the Lamm LL2.1 Deluxe, then Musical Fidelity hybrid kW and now have an Audio Research Reference 5. Each move was a step in the right direction of improved transparency, attack and dynamics. The Ref 5 gives me the tube bloom and dimensionality with natural attack and dynamics. The Lamm was nice, but lacked transparency, obscured some musical detail, and I missed a remote control for volume.

So given your budget, you might try a used Ref 3. If you want to understand the sonic difference between the Ref 3 and Ref 5, read Jonathan Valin's review in TAS.

Good luck!
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