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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Initial thoughts about new/old Lamm ML2s
Post Subject: True values, true colorsPosted by Paul S on: 12/31/2006
I think the key to understanding this case is that it is beginning to look like the tubes that came with the amp all were over the hill, electrically. Since I have no way to test them other than by ear, that is what I have done. So far the only "special" tubes I have used are the input tubes, as I mentioned before. And of course that change was quite audible; not "strategically", but "tactically", and I am enjoying the results. Again, the original input tubes were shot, electrically, too, so the new ones were of course an improvement in that sense, too. The 6N6Ps I bought are nothing "special" as far as I know, but they are all tested and to spec, according to the seller, so I will also replace my current 6N6Ps when the new (NOS) batch arrives, and I will note any changes in sound then, too.
I would be pleased to accept your offer of the 6AK5 variant. I will send my info (if it isn't already there) and I hope you will at least allow me to reimburse you for shipping. Although the new (NOS) 6AK5s I used made profound differences (all significant improvements, by the way), I would not call these changes strategic differences, either, in the sense you apply the term, but I would say the new tubes simply allow the amp to better realize its design potential, electrically. I have been changing other things around, also, homing in on the heart of the ML2s, and I am just amazed by what I am hearing. I think I can tell already why you might try for NFB SET with your particular "dedicated", "narrow-band" set-up, but it is really hard for me to imagine that anyone could do better than the ML2s with any sort of conventional ~HE set-up. However, as great as the ML2s are turning out to be, I am very sceptical now about using them with speakers any less efficient than mine (96 dB), despite all the ecstatic hyperbole I've read from many audio reviewers who use them that way.
Despite your explanation, I can't understand how 1.4k Ohms out from my pre-amp could be optimum with 41k ohms input to the ML2s; that doesn't make sense to me. And now that you mention the shunt, etc., it sounds like it would be wise to leave the ML2 input resistors as-is.
Best regards,
Paul SRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site