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Lamm ML 2.1 SET vs ASR Emitter II, DartZel

If you had to compare a tube amp with the best of solid state amps, how would the Lamm ML 2.1 differ from the other two above. I am planning on either the VonSchweikert VR-7, or the Wilson Max II speakers which are both efficient speakers. All kinds of music, EMM labs front end, preamp optional with EMM.
dbk
oneobgyn
410 posts
 
RB99

I agree with you completely.

I run my Lamm ML 2.1's with Wilson X-2's and I have personally heard no better sound ever. People told me before I bought them that my sound would be anemic and lifeless. Quite the contrary as they drive the X-2's with plenty of head room all at only 18wpc.

Marc Mickelson at soundstage runs his Maxx ll's with ML 2.1's and they too sound dramatic. If you are interested in Marc's review of the Maxx ll with the Lamm ML 2.1 you can find it in the archive section of http://www.soundstage.com

You can see photos of mine if you link to my system. They are the most musical amps that I have ever owned.
rb99
39 posts
 
Oneobgn: The Lamms are great amps, which brings me to the whole essence of tubed amplifiers - they produce sound in halographic way. The initial sources which produced the sound are reproduced in full three demensional way, not like staggered layers of cardboard cutouts.

I have not heard the ASRs or the DartZel, but I have owned some very good SS amps and pre-amps. They initially sounded very good, but as the months wore on, they lost their "effect". I have never gotten bored of my tubed amps, if I want to make things interesting out comes the box of NOSs and a little rolling "freshes" the sound. Humans adapt to the sound of their system, and after a while get bored.

Let's see what people are saying about these amps in three years. If they keep their value or get tossed for the latest and greatest. If as I expect happens, you'll be able to buy these for a fraction of what the "waiting list" folks are paying. Track the price of a pair of Tungsol 6SN7 roundplates over the last three years - they've doubled!

Enjoy your Lamms

rb99
39 posts
 
Oneobgn: Thanks for the post. I'm sure old HP is still listening to those 'Canes using the $2 Chinese drivers and those soft Value Art Kt-88s. I would like to see him review them with Cryo'd EHs and a nice set of NOS 6sn7s - he will fall out of his plastic chair. A certainly fairer match to the $27000 ASRs - even with the cost of the tube upgrades - the amps would cost less then the cords powering them. BTW - don't use the Thor for the 'Canes they like the Richard Grays much better, but that's for another thread.

We'll see what the value of these amps are in three years -when people get bored with them. We adapt to the sound of our systems - like a drug adddict. That's why we have upgradeitis - with tube amps - the cost/hassle is much less. In fact, a periodic tube roll, makes for interesting subtile changes. Like drinking different fine wines - all good but in different ways.

Tubes rock
Cheers!
kana813
956 posts
 
Dbk- Which amp/speakers did you decide to buy?
rb99
39 posts
 
Sorry for the redundant posts - but it took the 'Gon a day to post my reply Oneobgn - thought it had slipped into the eithernet - Apologies to all.
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