LAMM Industries, of Brooklyn, New York have announced a new version of their L2 Reference preamp (pictured), the L2.1 Reference, which is going to become commercially available in October 2016. The L2.1 Reference employs a pure class A operation from input to output, with no overall feedback at any stage; all stages, including high current output buffers, are single-ended. Also featured are specially selected high voltage super linear MOS-FETs in the signal path and TKD stepped potentiometers for volume control. The preamplifier’s audibly neutral power supply features a choke contained filter, a full-wave vacuum tube rectifier and vacuum tube voltage regulator which, say LAMM, ‘allow it to virtually eliminate the hum and buzz and, ultimately, to ensure the authenticity of the essence of sound throughout the entire dynamic range without any colouration’. Other features include 3 inputs; one tape/home theatre processor loop; output signal phase switch; balanced and single-ended outputs; protection circuitry designed to enable manual muting of the output signal; and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers.

In a nutshell, the L2.1 Reference includes the following upgrades and modifications as compared to the L2 Reference. Increased immunity to unwanted radio frequency interference propagated via both radiation and conduction over signal lines & AC power systems. Certain modifications in protection and time delay circuitry. Improved signal/noise ratio. Replacement of a number of critical components with newly available types of better quality and utilisation of a technologically new type of pc-board with gold-plated traces and through-holes. The preamplifier parts like military-grade DALE/VISHAY metal-film resistors, RCD wire-wound resistors, TKD 41-step volume control potentiometers, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers, VISHAY electrolytic capacitors, ELECTROCUBE, EPCOS and RIFA/KEMET film capacitors; HAMMOND chokes, god-plated NEUTRIC connectors, and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes. The L2.1 Reference also features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer.

Retail price is likely to be around 22,000 US$