Comparing ARC, Lamm and Modwright Preamps

I can give you some insight to ARC & Lamm. I chose the Lamm LL2 deluxe a much livelier preamp with the stock tubes. Crystal clear dead quiet with tighter faster bass response than the ARC.

ARC pre's are also dead quiet but seemed just to flat sounding in my system.
ARC gear seems to sound best when paired with ARC amps & pre's together.
When you start mixing ARC with other manufacturers ARC seem to loose some of its magic.

I think both ARC and Lamm make some of the best american made gear in the world and I have nothing but respect for ARC. The best service department in audio much better than Mcintosh in the fact that ARC will service and have parts for anything they made from day one. Lamm service is excellent also but a much younger company when compared to ARC & Mac

Their preamps just didn't pair well with my vintage Mcintosh tube amps

Hope this helps

Ed

Don't the Lamm's controls, which maximize inconvenience, place it in a different category?

Lloydc, are you speaking out the lack of a remote, or something else?

I'm Assuming Rrolack is interested in sound characteristics between the three preamps. I can only give my experience with the Lamm & ARC.

I believe the Lamm gear is a more minimalist approach. The LL2 Deluxe version includes higher end capacitors. This could be the difference im hearing between the preamps

ARC chooses to include more comfort features like a remote digital readouts maybe more switching flexibility.

Each company decided to spend money in a completely opposite direction at the same price point

I piggy back a Manley Steelhead for the phono stage with the Lamm so I do gain more flexibility but at a cost.

Best way to decide is to go listen and touch each one. use the controls. You almost instinctively know which one is best suited for your needs and wants

Enjoy

I have a Modwright 9.0 SE Signature Truth (all the latest mods). It's very good with Rock. Just a pinch warm, good detail, speed, tone, soundstaging, etc. Quite "ballsy", IMHO.