Lamm
ML2s
September
8, 2026
Marc,
I'm
a long-term reader, and I remember that years ago we had the same source, an Esoteric
P-70/D-70 combo, so I assume our tastes align.
I've
been curious about Lamm amplification for many years, though it's been too expensive for
me. I recently had the opportunity to borrow a friend's ML2.1 amps, and I was floored by
the sense of physicality, dynamics and drive in the bass. They sounded like live music.
Going back to my current amp, a Thoress EHT integrated, now seems like a letdown, so it's
time to upgrade.
The
ML2s would still be too expensive for me, even second hand, so was considering the Lamm
M1.1s and an L1 preamp. But I am wary because the company is shut down and they no longer
provide support for their hybrid amps.
Is
there any amplification you would recommend, that would get me close to the magic of the
Lamms ? Ideally monoblocks with a preamp. My budget is $10,000-$12,000 Australian. I'm
happy to buy used. Because I am based in Australia so 230/240v-friendly products are
necessary, and ideally products that are super reliable, easy to repair or that the
manufacturer will support through a local tech.
David
Masilamoni
I fondly remember the Esoteric DAC and transport combo. I never owned it, but I
did write very positively about it.
Of course, I am a great admirer of Lamm equipment, and I've reviewed every one of
the products you mention. Unfortunately for you, there really are no amps like the ML2s,
from Lamm or anyone else. While the M1.1s will have their own merits (I still own M1.2s),
they don't sound like the ML2s, except in some broad ways. Therefore, for your purposes,
your best option is to keep your eyes open for a used pair of ML2s (not ML2.1s or ML2.2s,
which will cost more) and pair them with a Lamm preamp. I suggest an LL2 for that -- it's
newer and better than the L1, and should cost about the same on the used market.
I would think you can get all of that within your budget if you're patient. I
also believe that Lamm products have power supplies whose voltages can be changed by the
user. You will want to ensure this before buying. The info should be in the manual, which
you may be able to find online.
I
miss Vladimir Lamm, with whom I had many conversations. He was one of a kind, as was so
much of his equipment. -Marc Mickelson
Reader
list
September
1, 2026
Marc,
I
would like to join your e-mail list. Thank you.
Peter
Katz
I've
added you. To join TAB's reader e-mail list and find out about new articles first,
send e-mail to rl@theaudiobeat.com.
-Marc Mickelson
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