Preamp for Lamm M1.1 monoblocks

You could also consider a Lamm LL2 preamp, less expensive than the L2 but all tubed. Similar arrangement with the dual volume controls, and I don't believe it runs balanced either. As with most Lamm equipment, the highs are probably a little rolled so as Kurt says it might sound a little dark. Very seductive midrange, though. Not quite as refined as the L2, nor does it go quite as deep in the bass (a little warm in the bass compared to the L2), but these differences are small and mainly noticeable in a head to head comparison. Worth considering along with the units Kurt mentions.

Since the source is digital a little darkness wouldn't hurt.
In any case, it is a matter of taste, the preferred music and particular recordings.
Great instruments and concert halls sound different too.
Somewhat off the subject, in my very modest system I prefer Purist interconnects with some recordings and DiMarzio with others. And, yes, if I am in the mood I do switch cables. I suspect that much more expensive Purist could replace them both but not necessarily, who knows?

I would go for Lamm LL2.
It is nor true that these Electronics is rolled on top. When someone writes that, he has some colorations in his Systems and should look here first. Or he has problems to understand what is going on. Lamm units are among the most natural sounding gear on market.
LL2 is delivered with normal tubes (not bad, but you can go for Mullards for example, they are really special).

I found the M1.1's to have a bit of darkness and slightly rolled highs. I found the positives to be very good dynamics, nice fat bass, and a seductive, textured midrange. I will second/third Rcprince and Syntax that, for me, the LL2 Deluxe was it with the M1.1's. You could spend a lot of money and not get better sound. Other good recommendations were provided by Kurt. At 41K ohms load, almost any preamp will work with the amps, it is just a matter of what you find to sound the best. Since you liked the L1, I would definitely try the LL2 Deluxe, then enjoy your music.

Hey Syntax,

Actually, all of my friends that have listened to the aforementioned Lamm L2 reference preamp, believe it is "just a touch dark sounding". Notice I did not say it was "rolled off on top", as it is not that apparent unless one does a side-by-side comparision to another preamp, albeit another very high-end preamp! (Such as the aforementioned ARC Ref. 3, which is what I heard it compared with.) And again, it is highly musical. (I would not have recommended it otherwise.)

(BTW, you have a very impressive system, and those speakers are breathtaking to look at, so I can only imagine how they sound!!)

As an 6 year owner of the M2.1 amps, I am aware of their limitations, and one of which is that they, like the L2 reference preamp, is just a touch dark sounding. (And until I can upgrade to the M2.2 amps, (which fixed this very minor problem), I will happily live with it!) As I stated, Lamm products are very musical, and have a lovely sound. (To paraphrase the NRA, you can have my LAMM when you pry it out of my cold dead hands!) ;-)

However, Syntax does bring up an excellent point. The Lamm amps, and especially the hybrid amps, are excellent products for tube rolling. (The hybrid amps only have one tube in each amp, so tube rolling is "relatively" cheap.) I have upgraded from the stock Sovtek tubes, (which are just okay, and the sound is good using them), but going to a nice NOS tube can yield impressive results. Upgrading to something like the Amperex Orange Globe 6DJ8, will yield very good sound, and will cost less than $100 for the pair, (so that is a "no-brainer" upgrade, IMHO). And upgrading to something like the Amperex Pinched Waist 6922 will yield the ultimate in sound from these amps. Unfortunately, they cost at least a few hundred for a pair. (All of my friends, including myself have upgraded to the Amperex Pinched Waist 6922 tubes, or something very simliar.) One of the upsides to tube rolling, is that one can minimize the touch of darkness that the M1.1 and M2.1 amps have, so that one does not even notice it.