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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Initial thoughts about new/old Lamm ML2s
Post Subject: Running from 16 Ohm taps.Posted by Paul S on: 6/22/2007
I have been running my nominally 8 Ohm speakers from the ML2s' 4 Ohm taps for quite a while, in order to keep the sound from getting squirrilly and to keep the bass strong enough.

Today I used the re-capped/improved K&K phonostage as a source and I drove the speakers first from 8 Ohm and then from 16 Ohm taps, and I got a very pleasant surprize.

I am not sure what is happening technically, but based on experience I suspect that the ML2s may make less feedback via their 16 Ohm taps, or at least the damping factor is lowered.  In any case, for the first time via the 16 Ohm taps the sound became at once better focused and more inclusive.  Perhaps lower MF is a tad strong, but it is not a problem; quite the opposite, at this point.  HF through the ribbons was sublime.

The overall results complimented and built on the increased clarity I was getting from the tweaked K&K phono stage.  In fact it was better bass from the K&K that made me think to try the 8 and 16 Ohm taps-- to see if I could get the bass even better, naturally! 

I am not saying feedback/damping is bad, but it appears that in my present circumstances, with my present speakers, less is more.

It certainly gave a clue as to why Romy would opt away from feedback in the Milq's.

And oh, yeah:  Screw the L-pads for the ribbons! (Who needs them?)

Best regards,
Paul S

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