Anyone using Joule preamps with Lamm?
 

I've got the M1.2 Reference amps mated with Wilson Sashas. I am looking for a little more 3 dimensionality and tonal density than what I am getting with my Musical Fidelity kW.

Just wondering if anyone here has any experience with Joule preamps and the Lamms? I am considering the LA 300ME.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Dave

When I had my Spectron amps, the conventional thinking was to go with the Joule preamps. I really wanted one, though I've never heard one. One of the things that bothered me was some of the tubes they use are not available anywhere but from them. Not common tubes anymore. Yes, you could buy a few spares and their preamps are supposed to be very easy on tubes so they should last a long time. There are many loyal followers if you read the agon forums. I really should have tried one as I occasionally think about them. Their LA450ME is their fully balanced statement pre. If you are patient, they come around on "demo" for great prices. Let us know what you do.

Joe

Thanks Joe. I see you have a CJ ET5. That is another preamp I would consider. How do you like it and how would you characterize the sound?

Thanks.

Hi Dave,

I love the ET5 so much I really am debating moving up to the GAT. I almost did it a couple of times and still may do it. There's just something great about my CJ gear. Yes, it takes forever to break in and patients is a must. Lucid sound, wide layered sound stage. All around great piece. People are telling me the ET5 is 90% of the GAT for 50% of the price. It responds well to tube rolling. Two brands I love and can't live without are Burmester and Conrad Johnson.

Joe

Thanks Joe. I'll have to keep my eye out for one. Regards.

Dave

I had a Joule LA 150 SE (very close to the 300) with my M1.2 Refs/Sashas and didn't like the combo much.

I'm much happier with the Lamm L2 Ref preamp. Detail galore compared to the Joule. Also like Shindo (which I'm currently auditioning).

Maybe the lack of detail on the Joule balances out the hyper detail of the Spectron amps which is why I think they try and pair them together.

Agreed. I preferred the Joule with my Spectrons over the Lamms for that reason.

Maybe I should have tried that combo before I got rid of the Spectrons. Might have worked out OK. :scratch2: At the time, I found a great deal on a demo LA450ME but chickened out. Probably would have been fun.

Joe

Thanks MadFloyd. I know you have been through a few preamps and I appreciate your comments about the Joule. I definitely don't want to move in the direction of less detail. I had the Lamm LL2.1 Deluxe and ended up selling it because it obscured musical details and softened attack.

I just wish the hybrid Lamm L2 Ref had a remote...