Tube Suggestions for LL2.1 Deluxe
 

I am looking for suggestions for some NOS tubes for my Lamm LL2.1 deluxe preamp. Dick Olsher recommends Siemens E88CC gold pins for the 6922 replacement, in his review of this preamp in TAS. Some others have recommended Mullards for all three tube types.

I would appreciate hearing any recommendations and experiences. Thanks.

Dave

I don't have any experiences w/tube rolling in Lamm gear but, let me direct you to an alternative that I believe is well worth checking out. First though, it's very hard to recommend a tube that you or the end user would find equivalent to what I or anyone else experiences. Tube rolling, IMO entails the whole system synergy -- what works for me, may or may not work exactly for someone else. At times, tube rollers look for an easy out -- a one time purchase that settles a transition from stock tubes to Brand B.

Anyway I believe you get my point in the matter, regardless what Dick recommends.

Having said all that, I've read excellent owner comments on the New Sensor (Gold Lion E88CC/6922 gold pins) & having their latest 12 volt tubes in every slot in my gear, I'd recommend you try there before wadding thru the NOS waters of sixties Mullard & Siemens.

I've tried them all and for the money, the new GL's are hard to beat IMO.


Bob

Thanks Bob. You make a lot of sense about system synergy and differences in hearing and preferences.

I have used the new issue Gold Lion KT88's in previous gear and loved them. Very reliable with great sonics. Great suggestion to try their 6922's and I'll check them out and report back here.

Thanks.

Dave

Thanks Tima. I have the Gold Lions on order. I'm going with Gold Lion 6922's and 12AU7's. Once they settle in, I'll post my impressions.

From there, I might also try rolling in some of the Siemens as replacements for the 6922's.

Update on LL2.1 tubes...
 

I ordered a matched pair of the new Genalex 6922 and 12au7 tubes from Tube Depot. Got them in three business days...great service!

After just 24 hours, here are some preliminary listening impressions. There is greater clarity to images. With vocals, it is as if the person is right in the room to a greater degree than I have ever experienced. Overall better, tighter, sharper, more 3 dimensional imaging.

The soundstage is quieter with less noise, hash and absolutely no noticeable tube glare. This allows the little micro details to be more noticeable. Background vocals are more prominent. While they are still in the background, they seem to have more presence.

There seems to be better tone throughout the musical range from bass to treble. Drum heads are more clear, brass and guitar sound richer and more real. Treble is clear with no etch or sheen.

It's been a really nice upgrade and relatively cheap as far as tubes go. I still plan to try some Siemens and Mullards down the road, but for now I am more than pleased with the Genalex. So far, highly recommended.

Excellent report Dave. Glad you have benefitted from these beauties. I haven't looked at an NOS tube in some time (and I have plenty).

Bob

Thanks Tima and yes I've used Herbies on previous tube gear. I agree that they are very good. I am currently using the cheapo silicon rubber rings, 2 per tube. They have made an improvement as well.

Hi tima,

I am using Mazda 6922/6DJ8 tubes in the amps. I don't think the tube rolling has made as much difference in the amp as with the preamp. Or maybe I just haven't found the right tube yet for the amps.

Dave

I just tried Amperex 7308 Gold Pins in the M1.2 and it was wonderful.

Hi MadFloyd,

What did you have in your M1.2's before the Amperex and how did the new tubes improve the sound? Just curious.

Dave