2. amps-preamps
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VTL 5.5 vs. Lamm LL2?

I'm trying to mate my VTL MB185 mono amps with a really nice preamp. My budget is around $3000.00. Initially, I thought that the best choice would be a unit made by the same manufacturer as the amps. Anyway, what better place to get an intelligent opinion on this than Audiogon. By the way,

I'm not interested in hearing anything about the Audio Horizons preamp. I've already read about that unit in the longest running. I believe that they have the longest running thread on audiogon (over 3.5 years) with over 1000 entries (most) from the same small handful of people. Does anyone find this odd? Either way, I'm not interested in this unit. Although, I'm sure that some of it's "long standing" fans will make it into this forum.
kensetsu
Post removed 
kensetsu OP
60 posts
 
Yup Mark.. They certainly are. You started an Audio Horizons thread back in March of 2006 and as of October 3rd, you and about 6 others have consistently posted on that thread. As a matter of fact, you and the others are constantly mentioning the Audio Horizons Preamp on several other threads. Anyway, with well over 1000 posts in over 3.5 years, I believe that the Audio Horizons thread holds the record.... Even though.... There aren't really that many new people posting. That... I find curious and... Since I'm a New Yorker... I'm really not concerned with the answer. Besides, other people keep trying to get me to buy the Brooklyn Bridge.
mitch2
4,167 posts
 
I have owned both. The VTL has a bit of an "old school" bloomy tubed sound in the mids and bass. However, the top end is very nicely extended and clear sounding. It is a nice sounding and quite musical preamp. The LL2 Deluxe has been described as "organic" sounding because of its ability to convey timbre and texture resembling live music. The LL2 D also provides clarity, reasonably good bass extension and definition, and a strength that is the absence of any significant weaknesses. Most would say it punches well above it's weight. I have ended up with the LL2 D after trying well over 10 similarly (and above) priced preamps, including the VTL 5.5. Tvad rightly pointed out that you should consider there is a new LL2.1 D model, and to keep that in mind when setting your price for a used LL2 D. However, the only changes were functional and cosmetic, and should not affect the quality of the sound between the two - they should sound the same. Lamm has a very detailed website you should review to learn more. I have no experience with the Audio Research LS26. Good luck.
kensetsu OP
60 posts
 
Mitch? That was a very useful and informative comparison. Thank you so much. To tell you the truth, the only thing that I didn't like about the Lamm is that it didn't have a balanced output, but... That's probably more hype than anything else, huh? Thanks..
kensetsu OP
60 posts
 
Tvad.. Thanks for being to the point. That's very nice and respectful. Thank you.
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