Tube Suggestions for LL2.1 Deluxe

[daveneumann]

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

[vintage_tube]

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

[daveneumann]

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

[vintage_tube]

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

[MadFloyd]

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

[daveneumann]

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

[MadFloyd]

Dave,

I had the stock Lamm tubes in the unit. I was quite taken aback at how much more airy and detailed the presentation was. Beautiful shimmering cymbals and in general the highs just came to life.

However, there was a bit of a trade off: overall presentation is on the lean side and I can't say the midrange is 'to die for'. I'm starting to experiment with other tubes now. My main goal is to tame the harsh, metallic sounding tweeter in the Sashas.

Last night I put Telefunkens in and there is a huge difference in presentation: much more midrange (beautiful and textured), but while the highs seem OK, they are not as airy as the Amperex. I will listen more over the next few days to see how it sits with me and I will report back.

I am very impressed with the Lamms and how the character can change so drastically with tube rolling.

Slightly off topic: Dave, what tubes do you use in your Seven? I have the same phono stage.

Ian

[daveneumann]

Hi Ian,

Keep me posted on the Telefunkens in the Lamm amps. I generally like them the best of any NOS tube.

I don't experience the treble in my Sashas as harsh or metallic. Maybe it my hearing, source material or differences in our rooms? Also, do you have the speaker firing directly at you or are they slightly toed out? Mine are slightly toed out such that they hit a point about 3-4 feet behind my head.

I am using Cardas Golden Reference speaker wires and interconnects, which may have an impact on taming the treble. They are generally smooth sounding cables.

In the Tron, I have Telefunken 12ax7 smooth plates and a Telefunken 12au7. That 12au7 really made a big difference in focusing images, bringing out all the micro details, while giving the midrange a nice sweet quality.

Keep me posted,

Dave

[spunky1]

I am new to the high end audio world. but I think you could use the tesla 1960,s vintage e88cc platinum grade

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by spunky1

I am new to the high end audio world. but I think you could use the tesla 1960,s vintage e88cc platinum grade

Robert, Welcome to AA!