After a long wait for a used LP2, I finally came upon a Deluxe model on the 'Net and did the purchase. I had read extensively about its attributes and design goals, so I had a good idea of what I was getting in terms of performance and increased system value. I felt I had reached a plateau with my previous phono pre, a wonderful Cary PH302. The Lamm had an identical MC gain of 57db, so I felt I was replacing one good piece of gear with one great one. At first I wondered if I had accomplished this goal, since the sound was a bit pinched and strident on first listen. Then I wondered what if I replaced the Ratheons with Western Electric 417a's, and the answer was a certain change in character and disappearance of the negative aspects of the former tube set. The WE's opened up the soundstage significantly and better integrated the bass reproduction, and breathed life into the midrange. The stridency was gone and gave a greater organic feel to every note. I now felt that the investment was worth the trouble and effort, and has lead to many hours of fantastic enjoyment of my lp stack. Try Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark. Layer upon layer of sound and reverberation was revealed in glory and majesty. The artistry was immediately laid bare and kept coming. Joni's voice was personified as the main instrument in the mix, never distracted by any exaggeration of other aspects of the music and sound.
The treble reproduction was smooth and graceful. There seemed to be an ability to damp record imperfections that I was a bit surprised by, taking into account the ability to resolve any and all micro details. The Lamm LP2 Deluxe mated exceptionally with my Lamm L1, extending the already atmospheric capabilities of this fine preamp. I have practically stopped listening to anything on cd. Until the next Class A piece of gear hits my rack, I am very pleased with my purchase of the Lamm LP2 Deluxe.