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Lamm LP2 and WE417A tubes

I recently purchased one of these and it really is a world class phono stage. Over the years I've had both Pass ONO units, the CJ pr15, an earlier version Aesthetix IO, and lots of lesser units. It is by far the best sounding with the possible exception of the IO.

I was suprised to find Raytheon 5842's in after reading the claim on their website:

Its unique circuitry utilizes specially selected very low noise high trans-conductance Western Electric 417A / 5842 vacuum tubes.

When I asked them about this they said that the dash between 417A and 5842 means "or." They told me that the WE tubes are too expensive and hard to get so they use the Raytheon. In my opinion this is being deceptive since WE also stamped their tubes with 5842 and Lamm invokes the WE name with no intention of ever using the tubes.

So now I sit here and wonder if I'm missing something by not getting some real WE 417A's to try, but I don't want to spend that kind of money if it doesn't change things for the better.

Has anyone tried real Western Electric tubes in it?
herman

Showing 2 responses by logenn

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logenn
91 posts
 

I currently own the LP 2 Deluxe with WE 417a tubes and find their performance improves resolution vs the stock Raytheons. I believe Lamm designed it for the WE 417a and intended at one point to put these tubes in the LP12, but their cost and microphonic nature made this decision not practical for a consumer product.

I own several phono stages and have used numerous phono stages including the IO Eclipse with 2 power supplies, which I enjoyed immensely, but think the Lamm has its own signature, which can or can not compliment a system. If your system is boarding on excessive resolution, you will need to voice your LP 12 with different, power supply tubes, power cords or interconnects, etc to see if it will be a good fit. In fact in some cases it not be the best fit with your other components.

It has enough gain for most cartridges, but not the really tough ones such as Koetsu.

When properly dialed in it can offer exceptional bass response and transparency, which are at the top of the class.

I really do not believe Lamm was trying to deceive anyone in mentioning the 417a as I believe he designed the unit with this tube in mind, but it was not practical in the end, as noted above.
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logenn
91 posts
 
Herman- I can see why you think they are being shifty; the marketing for the LP 2 certainly could be more prescise, but having owned Lamm products and receiving support from the factory would lead me to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Valdamir sets new standards for service IMO; and his wife immediately will notify you of any progress. In fact he will contact you while out of the country if you have a problem to support you, until he can personally observe and rectify the issue.

I sent my Lp 2 in for service and he telephoned me to let me know it would be ready in a day or two and that he was pleased I switched to the WE 417a tubes as they were made for each other. I quized him on why they were not standard and he said too difficult to obtain in quantity and too costly. How many pre amps do you know come with NOS tubes anyway?

I also had an issue with the ML 2 and his level of commitment leads me to think they are not wired that way. I can tell you horror stories about other tube manufactures.

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