Thomas Funk LAP-2.V3
What is
the importance of preamplifier? There is no doubt, that preamplifiers play an
important role in any high-end audio system. Even when they are not a separate
entity, they are an integrated module and act as an active or passive gain
stage.
Passive
preamplifers seems to rise above their little market percentage lately, but
there is a major believe and also practical reasons for the implementation of
active stages. They bring more to the audiophile table generally.
Little giant
With the
advancement of SMD and IC and operational amplifiers by each year everything is
getting smaller and more compact. Just look at notebooks, phones or high-end
audio at French Devialet. Slick, small and easy to fit into any environment.
Thomas
Funk LAP-2.V3 preamp is quite small box compared to what we're used to within
high-end audio world. I promised myself I won't judge the book by its cover and
followed a strong warm tip by Jacek, that this box is a true special one.
LAP-2.V3 preamp
is originally designed for professional studio (mastering) use. One can
immediately spot the record out, which indicate the role of line level preamp
duties of a instrument amplification. It’s true, that mastering engineers
demand the most transparent tools for their rigorous job. Should that
transcribe to the world of high-end also?
Operational
logic is simple and straightforward. Everything is done in a well though and
comfort way, without and additional beautifiers. Still you can choose to order LAP-2.V3
in few different colors to make your best match within your rack space.
What
would you get if you strip down the high-end pre amplifier of fancy box, giant
knobs, and oversized feet? Functionally working machine. Meet LAP-2.V3.
Encounter of a German kind
Thomas
Funk LAP-2.V3 took out the role of my Lamm LL2 preamplifer. I also actively
tried it in my second and third system to give it the best possible and fair
share of different set ins.
Since I'm
enjoying lately both analog and digital front ends with my reference turntable
and Lampizator level 4 DAC, it was obvious to insert LAP-2.V3 in to the main
system and with the numerous material from my testing material. I do avoid being
specific with an audiophile records. They are a working material, but for the
emotional impact, there is more then enough quality music, that sparkle a magic
of emotions and sense of well recorded material.
Lately I
discussed with few audiophiles Michael Franks Art of Tea. This record launched
him into the international stratosphere and open later the niche but premium world
of Japan jazz scene. The energy of album and great musicianship of Yellow
Jackets creates a monumental stand out time capture. I've seen Blue Pacific as
a standard test disc in quite some systems at high-end shows, when CD’s were
still a medium of choice for highend front end. This was an interesting record
produced by the same team that made unforgettable Steely Dan records. Expertly
implementation of digital multi tracking blow the minds of many hard core
audiophiles with its distinct sound. Many still measure the quality of
production by this album.
Art of
the tea is completely different sounding record. Analog by hearth! A favorable
partner for the vinyl system listening. There is nothing like snare impact
recorded well. And when its strike is flowing through analog medium, there are
a certain attacks imprints, which makes it unique and instantly recognizable. Thomas
Funk LAP-2.V3 preamplifier conveyed those attacks at right pace and with enough
energy, that kept my needed attention (said my listening notes). There was not
as much gain as with Lamm LL2 preamplifer, but then again no preamp that came
through Mono and stereo HQ's had the same output strike. This is due to Lamm
very high gain output and Vladimir changed this in the LL2.1 on request. With
updated version now you can switch to few dB of lower gain output. I guess on
this level gain of Thomas Funk and other preamps met.
There was
no lack of performance in LAP-2.V3 preamp. Just a matter of gain setting for
the best out come.
Mactone
MH-300 B and LAP-2.V3 preamp played their hearts out. There was a contemporary
feeling around Funk LAP-2.V3 preamp. What does these exactly means you can
follow up in the next paragraph.
German neutrality?
We used
to certain imprint of flavor when it comes to German based high-end gear. While
some of the latest amplifiers like Tidal are going into completely different
way, trained ear could stile recognize a certain in house sound of some other
well recognized companies.
Thomas
Funk is coming from completely different school. Pro audio takes a linear
approach to the sound. While its main goal (and it should be) of high-end audio
a colorless and flavor free sound, we often find specific sound imprint even in
higher priced gear. Why? To sync. If you want to match a certain gear, a
synergy is of top most importance. Here design schools of sound take a stand.
With some
mileage even non-seasoned high-ender or audiophile can instantly trace a
specific sound, that certain component carry. Where does Thomas Funk LAP-2.V3 come
in all of those definitions?
Funk
preamplifier is very transparent. Whatever material thrown at its premises Funk
performed with articulation and speed. PRAT was on par with many rivals priced
even half as much and there was no missing of details or sense of space. There
might be a bit of treble warmness and spike of the top end roll of, but never
in such way, that it would take out the life of music. It shows, that Thomas
knows what he's doing and that his aim for mastering studio is also specific.
There shall be no hidden treasures when it comes down to the final miniature
refinements of sound at mastering. Speed is at front and one need to create
such device without any curtains or sound speed bumps.
World of desire
These
days it’s easy to fancy about big boxes, luxury names and exotic approaches.
One of the most recognized audio designers told me during this year Munich high
end audio show: “Matej, the function of preamplifier is simple and
straightforward. There is no need to go all crazy with both prices and crazy
approaches. Just logic and knowledge of audio electronics.” To most of that
extend I can agree. First of all, at present, audiophile in quest of new system
can acquire a very good sounding preamplifer for a reasonable sum of money.
This can be a good second hand device or a new well priced component. There is
no need to stick simple, affordable designs into the premium enclosures and
call them high-end gear like we’ve seen many times in the past and lately. Things
are clearing at the high-end society. Money is starting to become an important
issue and with the rise of Internet lots of people become far more educated and
foolproof then before.
There are
few outstanding products costing as much as a great car or small apartment. I
would avoid call them jus luxury items. Having luxury of hearing few of them I
can declare, that they do excel. But, there are quite some self-imposing
products, highly priced for non-apparent reason rather than self proclaiming
state of the art value. We should all avoid them like plague. Those products
and companies are killing the niche high-end world and the healthy will of
audiophiles, high-enders and music lovers to purchase a good stuff from true
artisans.
To conclude
Thomas
Funk LAP-2.V3 is high performance preamplifer. I learned over the years not to
judge things by the size or appearance and here is an nice surprise. LAP-2.V3 compact
box might give you an opposite feeling regarding its ability, yet! It’s capable
in performance of mighty dynamic and speed. Transparent by the nature and with
multiple inputs LAP-2.V3 is more then just handy preamplifier. It excel in it’s
simplicity and straightforwardness to covey both simple and complex
arrangements. A contemporary device, that sometimes felt like lighting fast.
For those
who still care, this is pure made in Germany device. Rather then high glossy
finish, LAP-2.V3 is actually a Funky looking and acting affordable active
preamplifier stage.
In the
past few years we’ve seen silent reshaping of high-end audio society. With a
careful quest you can quickly form a well performed balanced audio system.
Thomas Funk LAP-2.V3 is one of those budged building blocks, that can performed
well beyond its price and shape. Don not skip this mighty preamplifier in your
auditions.
Excerpt from the datasheet :
Frequenzy response
:.................................................................. .. 1
Hz...200 kHz < ± 0,2 dB 10 Hz ...20 kHz < ± 0,01 dB
Phase response
:........................................................................... ..
20 Hz ...20 kHz ± 2° absolute 20 Hz ...20 kHz ± 0,2° relative
Nonlinear distortion (THD) 1 kHz
:.......................................... .. < 0,0001 % typ. < 0,00006
% at +6 dBu input level
Nonlinear distortion + noise (THD+N)
:............................... .. 1 kHz < 0,00025 % (20 Hz…20 kHz) 10 kHz
< 0,00045 %
Crosstalk input/input
:................................................................. .. 1 kHz ≥
115 dB 10 kHz > 104 dB
Noise MONITOR-OUT unweigthed
:........................................... .. -109,0 dBu 20 Hz..20 kHz eff.
(Gain = 0,0 dB) (-112,5 dBu “A”-weighted)
Max. level In/Out
:....................................................................... .. +
25 dBu !
Dynamik MONITOR OUT (S/N)
:............................................. .. 137,5 dB A-weighted eff.
(Gain = 0,0 dB) 134 dB CCIR 468 unweighted
Dimension
:.....................................................................................
.. 210mm x 172mm x 42mm
Matej Isak Mono and Stereo ultra high end audio magazine All rights reserved, 2012 www.monoandstereo.com
