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HYBRID
POWER AMPLIFIER
photography
courtesy Mario Rodriguez
 
Lamm's 10th anniversary
Release of two products marks the
occasion:
model
M1.2 Reference and
model
M2.2
click
here for more information
Model
M1.2 Reference represents top of the line in LAMM hybrid and
solid-state audio equipment. Power
amplifier model M1.2 Reference is a pinnacle 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 M1.2 Reference to a threshold of excellence in
sound reproduction. A
distinctive feature of the M1.2 Reference is its presentation of
the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound which in turn
assures the recreation of a three dimensional soundstage in the
home, recording studio, etc. without boundaries and limitations.
The
M1.2 Reference is a masterful blend of design and engineering
simplicity. It is a pure class A amplifier featuring high-speed
MOS-FET transistors in the output stage with no overall feedback
and special switch-selectable bias/voltage settings for 8- or 4-Ohm
operation. The bias
setting switch assures the pure class A operation of the M1.2
Reference when matched with a speaker load of either 4 or 8 Ohms,
whereas conventional class A designs double the power into 4 Ohms
resulting in one fourth of the doubled power in class A and the
rest in class AB (learn more about this in FAQ section of our
website at www.lammindustries.com/faq/switch.html).
The M1.2 Reference is a hybrid design with one specially
selected 6922 vacuum triode in the second stage.
The
M1.2 Reference is conservatively rated to deliver 110 Watts into 8
and 4 Ohms in pure class A operation (high and low impedance
settings, respectively); 220 Watts into 2 Ohms, and 400 Watts into
1 Ohm (low impedance setting), continuous. The M1.2 Reference can drive any known speaker.
The harmonic structure remains intact regardless of the
speaker load, while the extreme clarity is maintained at all power
levels.
Each
amplifier is carefully constructed and hand-crafted with the finest
materials and parts currently available, some of which include
military graded low noise DALE metal film resistors; PRC wire wound
resistors; ELECTROCUBE and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high
frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER electrolytic capacitors;
BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers; HAMMOND filter chokes; military
graded low noise long life vacuum tubes; high quality heavy duty
gold-plated binding posts and RCA jacks; gold-plated NEUTRIC XLR
connectors, and CAMAC-type coaxial connectors from FISCHER.
Special attention was given to designing the toroidal power
transformer, which has no mechanical contact with either the
transformer cover or the chassis and is suspended in a special
encapsulant that almost completely absorbs even the residual
mechanical vibrations. This
plays a significant role in assuring the absolutely unique clarity
and micro-resolution during sound reproduction.
The
M1.2 Reference works on all world AC line voltages.
U.S.
Patent No. D368,261; U.S. Patent No. 5,470,795; other patents
pending.
Here
is what the prominent audio critics have said about the M1.2
...The
original M1.1 was in production for more than 10 years with no changes,
updates, or revisions. If that's not a record for a high-end
amplifier, I don't know what is. Vladimir Lamm changes his
products only when he feels he can offer a meaningful improvement in
performance, not when it seems expedient to introduce a new model or
variant. According to Lamm, the only reasons the M1.1 has been
updated are that better parts are now available, and that 10 years of
collecting performance data justified a redesign.
...The
physical experience of a Lamm product is a manifestation of the
Einsteinian dictum: Make everything as simple as possible, but no
simpler.
...The M1.2s proved themselves
bulletproof in everyday use.
....M1.2's defining character trait was unflinching honesty in
conveying the true nature of the music that passed through it. It
did not strip away veils so much as it seemed to eliminate most of the
intermediate steps that lay between the original performance and its
reproduction. Try as I might, I could not hear the M1.2 adding
anything
....Dynamic and transient responsiveness were ideal and seamless.
...In terms of timbre, the Lamm was something of a walking
contradiction --or, perhaps, more of a perfect Hegelian synthesis of
seemingly contradictory characteristics. It was bogglingly
transparent and had state-of-the-art resolving capabilities, but that
was only half the story. That resolution and transparency were
combined with a harmonic completeness, timbral richness, and glow...only
without the slowness and caramel coloration.
...The Lamms were uncannily accurate at expressing the way each
instrument or voice projected into space. ...The M1.2s' ability to
particularize each instrument in its natural way was always captivating,
contributing so much to the sheer believability of its sound.
Imaging was, therefore, extremely convincing.
...Soundstaging performance was simple to decribe: What was
called for by the recording appeared in the room.
...The Lamm did not knock me off my feet when I first heard it because
it wasn't designed to do so Like a Mercedes-Benz, it is made to
impress over and for the long run with sustained and systemic
excellence. In a strange way, this is an amp that will select only
those who respond to it on the deepest levels of understanding.
...each Lamm amplifier that I have reviewed has challeneged by ability
to describe its essence. At last, I admit defeat. Trying to
explain the ultimate experience of listening to the M1.2 Reference and
why it is so special is like trying to explain why you've fallen in love
with someone; matters of the heart cannot be reduced to words on paper.
...Hearing music through nearly any other amps after hearing the M1.2s
was the difference between seeing a very good lithograph of a
masterpiece after seeing the original, from two feet away, in a museum.
...For once, "Reference" is not only the most accurate, but
the only appropriate descriptor.
Paul
Bolin, Stereophile (February, 2005)
...I
am...approaching a decade of using Lamm amplifiers (and preamplifiers)
exclusively, and I've done so simply because they mimic the sound of live music
toa degree that most other products do not. ...Lamm electronics never
fail to touch those of us who appreciate a human portrayal of music, as opposed
to one that's strictly reproduction, a hi-fi portrayal.
...even with all of their naturalness, the Lamm M1.2 Reference amps can convey
fireworks. Their bass, for instance, has impressive depth and density,
along with a touch of warmth that gives the region greater fullness and bloom
than that of most purely solid-state amps.
..In the mids, no solid-state amp I've heard can touch the M1.2 Reference,
whose portrayal of voice is much of the reason why Lamm electronics are called
"Natural" and "organic" in the first place There is a
sense of fidelity and beauty...
...If being an audiophileis about the music for you...the Lamm M1.2 REference
amps are a smart choice. They're certainly a REviewers' Choice and one of
the very best amplifiers you can buy.
Marc
Mickelson, Soundstage.com (August, 2004)
...These
amplifiers were made as well as Mr. Lamm can make them. They are the
mature expression of a talented and focused designer.
[on awarding the Brutus Award to the M1.2 Reference] -- This was a
surprise for me this year; I wasn't expecting to listen to any hybrid
amps...While the M1.2 isn't the most powerful design ont he planet, it combines
musical richness and excellent detail with timbral rightness and surprising
dynamics in a most compelling way. ...How can I be sure they're worthy of the
mighty Brutus Award? Easy. Because I keep listening to the bloody
things! ...They have a holistic rightness that satisfies at the level of
the soul, and make me want to listen to music continually. ...These are the
monoblocks that I could live with for quite a long time, believe me.
...When you invest a significant sum in an audio component, you are naturally
anxious that it be reliable. Usually it's tough to assess this quality,
since most reviews are of relatively short duration. This time, however,
with a year's experience under my belt, I can say that the reliability of the
M1.2s was exceptional. There were no operational problems at all.
No buzz. No hum. Not even a blown fuse. Just flawless
operation.
... I give the Lamm Industries M1.2 Reference Monoblocks a "Ye Olde
Editor's Very Highest Recommendation!" -- with enthusiasm. If you
love music and the possibilities of fine udio, you will adore these amplifiers.
David
W. Robinson, www.positive-feedback.com (issue 34, November 2007)
For
complete reviews, please visit our REVIEWS
page
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