LAMM L2.1 Reference

LAMM L2.1 Reference

Line Level Hybrid Preamplifier

LAMM L2.1 Reference
LAMM L2.1 Reference
LAMM L2.1 Reference
LAMM L2.1 Reference
LAMM L2.1 Reference
27.990,00 Price include 21% VAT Price exclude VAT € 23.132,23
AVAILABILITY1 MONTH
A main distinction of the L2.1 is its almost inaudible sonic signature
Model L2.1 Reference represents top of the line in LAMM hybrid and solid-state audio equipment. It is one of the best creations of its designer’s professional career – a result of years of intensive research directed at attaining the most accurate reproduction of recorded music. Unique topology and application of the most advanced technological resources and processes bring the L2.1 near the threshold of excellence in sound reproduction.

Design elements
A main distinction of the L2.1 from any other comparable type of preamplifiers is its almost inaudible sonic signature. When connected to an appropriate type of power amplifiers, and especially LAMM amplifiers, it assures the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound and recreation of a three-dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc., without boundaries and limitations. The L2.1 features a topology that brings out the most natural sound performance in the audio path, as well as graceful and sophisticated design. Its unique circuitry utilizing specially selected super-linear high voltage MOS-FET transistors ensures a class A operation from input to output, with no overall feedback at any stage. All stages, including high current output buffers, are single-ended. A unique electronic protection circuit enables manual muting of the outputs until the preamplifier has stabilized after a turn-on; it also enables functioning of the preamplifier in a “muting” mode during operation and automatic switching to muting in case the AC line voltage drops or is interrupted. Other features include 3 inputs; 1 tape loop; output signal phase switch; balanced and single-ended outputs; and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers. The L2.1 has a separate power supply that utilizes a choke contained filter, vacuum tube rectifier and voltage regulator.

Components
Special care was taken in designing a high voltage (+350V) high speed vacuum tube voltage regulator. Using this voltage regulator, in conjunction with other technical aspects, enables the reproduction of tiniest nuances and three-dimensional subtleties in the music palette (provided that such details had not been lost in a recording process). A somewhat unusual combination of high voltage vacuum tube power supply and superlinear high voltage MOS-FETs allows to attain an enormously large output swing while retaining practically constant harmonic contents of the signal with an absolute dominance of the second harmonic.

In designing the L2.1 special attention was directed toward optimization of the output impedance of the preamplifier with an aim of attaining practically full independence of the output impedance from frequency, as well as to allow the preamplifier to drive (without audible sonic degradation) significant capacitive loads created by many modern interconnect cables.

Each preamplifier is carefully hand-crafted with matched components of the highest quality, some of which include military graded low noise DALE metal film resistors; unique TKD stepped potentiometers (41 detents); PRC wire wound resistors; ELECTROCUBE and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER electrolytic capacitors; specially selected long life vacuum tubes; high quality heavy duty gold-plated RCA connectors; and gold-plated NEUTRIC XLR connectors. The preamplifier power supply features a custom-designed super-low noise toroidal power transformer. AC voltage is filtered by special RFI power line filter.

Summing up the above, we take the liberty in stating that we have been able to create a preamplifier with practically no sonic signature, of course, taking into consideration the fundamental limitations inherent in reproduction of live music by electronic means.

Specifications
RATED OUTPUT VOLTAGE
- from 20Hz-20KHz into instrument load: 0.75 Volts RMS;
- from 20Hz-20KHz into IHF load: 0.75 Volts RMS
 
VOLTAGE GAIN
- 5.54 ± 2% or 14.87 ± 0.2dB
 
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
- from 1-40 Volts RMS into instrument load:   (-0.2dB) 20Hz, 20KHz. (-3dB) 5Hz, 140KHz;
- from 1-20 Volts RMS into IHF load:  (-0.2dB) 20Hz, 20KHz. (-3dB) 5Hz, 120KHz
 
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION FROM 20 HZ - 20 KHZ
- Vout = 2 Volts RMS into instrument load: no more than 0.03%;
- Vout = 40 Volts RMS into instrument load: no more than 0.5%;
- Vout = 2 Volts RMS into IHF load: no more than 0.03%;
- Vout = 20 Volts RMS into IHF load: no more than 0.5%
 
IM DISTORTION (60Hz:7KHz  4:1) SMPTE:
- Vout = 2 Volts RMS into instrument load: no more than 0.03%;
- Vout = 40 Volts RMS into instrument load: no more than 0.65%;
- Vout = 2 Volts RMS into IHF load: no more than 0.03%;
- Vout = 20 Volts RMS into IHF load: no more than 0.45%    
 
INPUT SENSITIVITY
- Vout = 0.75 Volts RMS into instrument load: 0.135 Volts RMS ± 2%;  
- Vout = 0.75 Volts RMS into IHF load: 0.135 Volts RMS ± 2%  
 
INPUT IMPEDANCE
- 50 KOhms
 
CORRECTED OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
- typically 130 Ohms
 
NOISE
- signal-to-noise ratio below 2 Volts RMS output, unweighted: typically 83 dB;
- signal-to-noise ratio below 2 Volts RMS output, 22Hz-22KHz: typically 94 dB;
- signal-to-noise ratio below 2 Volts RMS output, A-weighted: typically 97 dB
 
POWER SUPPLY
- Power consumption: typically 80W;
- Input voltage range: ±10%;
- One power transformer, two vacuum tube rectifiers, one filter choke, one high-speed vacuum tube voltage regulator, one solid-state analog non-switching voltage regulator;
- AC voltage intensively filtered by special RFI power line filter;
- Burn-in Time at Factory: Minimum 72 hours;
- Recommended Burn-in End-user's System: Minimum 96 hours;
- Warm-up time: Minimum 25 minutes
UNIT DIMENSIONS (preamplifier and power supply have the same dimensions)
- 4.5 inches high x 19 inches wide x 13.875 deep + 1.375 inches of depth for front handles
UNIT WEIGHT
- preamplifier: 15.42 Lbs (7 Kg);
- power supply: 19 Lbs (8.63 Kg)    
TUBE COMPLEMENT
- one 12AX7/ECC83, voltage regulator tube;
- one 6C19P, voltage regulator tube;
- one 5651A, voltage reference tube;
- two 12AX3, rectifier tubes
NOTE:
Instrument load: the load consisting of 91 KOhm resistor and 200 pF capacitor connected in parallel.
IHF load: the load consisting of 10 KOhm resistor and 1000 pF capacitor connected in parallel.