Linear Tube Audio MZ2 - MicroZOTL2.0 Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier ...

[joeinid]

On the recommendation of a few friends and several stellar reviews, I took the plunge. It shipped yesterday and I was able to pick it up this morning and hook it up before work.

Two words and it's not even broken in yet. Holy cr@p! Simply amazing!

Absolutely love the fit and finish. I love the see-through top too.

It has only been barely an hour or so, but OMG - it has air, depth and dimension. Tubes really make the music. I'll give it a few days through to the weekend and be more critical but already I know it's a keeper.

I love it. This is so alive sounding. I am listening and smiling.

Another sanely priced piece that defies logic. I can only imagine how the amps sound

[joeinid]

http://hometheaterreview.com/linear-...fier-reviewed/


http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...nal-amplifier/


https://www.stereophile.com/content/...WMhFqjGwM3k.97

[KeithR]

The amp is reviewed in the latest Stereophile - fairly lukewarm review compared with the preamp.

I hope LTA has fixed their QC woes. Sounds like your unit has no issues which is great.

[joeinid]

Thanks, I'll take a look. I'm using it strictly as a preamp into my MC303 and I'm pretty ecstatic with the combo.

So far it's great and feels well made.

The amp is reviewed in the latest Stereophile - fairly lukewarm review compared with the preamp.

I hope LTA has fixed their QC woes. Sounds like your unit has no issues which is great.

[Elberoth]

Interesting. Keep us posted. I had an eye on this pre from some time now.

[joeinid]

Will do. So far I am pretty impressed. I'll be back listening in about 4-5 hours. I did not leave it on this time but want to get more familiar with it.

Interesting. Keep us posted. I had an eye on this pre from some time now.

[Mike]

Congrats Joe! Now you need some Avantgarde's to go with it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[joeinid]

YES!!!!

Congrats Joe! Now you need some Avantgarde's to go with it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pani]

Joe, did you get the linear power supply or are you using the default switch mode PSU ?

[joeinid]

Yes, linear power supply.

Joe, did you get the linear power supply or are you using the default switch mode PSU ?

[Pani]

That's cool. Just curious, how did you decide you need the linear PSU ?
Since I am also considering this preamp I want to know your preferences.

Secondly which other preamps do you think it competes with or beats ?

[joeinid]

As far as the power supply goes, I know from other gear that I have or have had that the power supply is extremely important. A great stable power supply can make a piece of gear even better. I wanted the "best" and with all the options, it was "only" $2100. I know of a few others who LOVE these preamp/headphone amps. You can always add it later if you want it.

I am going to go out on a limb and say it competes nicely with preamps several times what they are charging. I still need to break it in and I have some tubes to roll but already it is showing that it's a killer piece.

It has that 3D, air, depth and openness that let you see into the sound stage. It has a nice tone to it also, yet it's still a little light and airy. I think with different/better tubes, it could be perfect. I know I sound like a broken record on some of this gear, but this is truly a wonderful preamp. I am not a headphone guy but I may have to eventually try a pair.

That's cool. Just curious, how did you decide you need the linear PSU ?
Since I am also considering this preamp I want to know your preferences.

Secondly which other preamps do you think it competes with or beats ?

[joeinid]

[watts]

hmmmm... you think that would sweeten up the mids in my Nords Joe? Make a great soundstage even better?

[joeinid]

Great question. I think it would be a great combo. I think they give a 15 day trial for their gear. It will DEFINITELY bring up the performance of the Nords NO DOUBT. But, it's RCA single ended only and you'd need an adapter or proper cable. I am not a big fan of either.

hmmmm... you think that would sweeten up the mids in my Nords Joe? Make a great soundstage even better?

[Pani]

I am actually choosing between the job pre2 and the linear tube audio zotl preamp. Both are highly regarded for being cheap yet fully matured preamps.

Joe, what do you think about the sound difference between these 2 preamps ?

[joeinid]

While I love Job and all their gear, the Pre2 is not up to the level of the LTA Micro Zotl, Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE, Primaluna preamp or similar. Yes, the Pre2 is a great no nonsense preamp but not audiophile in sound like the others I've mentioned. The only thing I'd be a little concerned with is that the gain is a little bit higher on the Micro Zotl compared to the others. Yes, I am lower on the volume scale with the Micro Zotl but that doesn't seem to be that big of a deal considering how amazing it sounds. I do have 12AU7 tubes to roll into it and that should reduce the gain a little.

There is no doubt in my mind that this Micro Zotl can beat some $10K preamps and maybe some that cost more.

The Pre2 does not have the 3D, air, openness and specific vocal and instrument placement of the LTA Micro Zotl.

I am actually choosing between the job pre2 and the linear tube audio zotl preamp. Both are highly regarded for being cheap yet fully matured preamps.

Joe, what do you think about the sound difference between these 2 preamps ?

[Pani]

While I love Job and all their gear, the Pre2 is not up to the level of the LTA Micro Zotl, Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE, Primaluna preamp or similar. Yes, the Pre2 is a great no nonsense preamp but not audiophile in sound like the others I've mentioned. The only thing I'd be a little concerned with is that the gain is a little bit higher on the Micro Zotl compared to the others. Yes, I am lower on the volume scale with the Micro Zotl but that doesn't seem to be that big of a deal considering how amazing it sounds. I do have 12AU7 tubes to roll into it and that should reduce the gain a little.

There is no doubt in my mind that this Micro Zotl can beat some $10K preamps and maybe some that cost more.

The Pre2 does not have the 3D, air, openness and specific vocal and instrument placement of the LTA Micro Zotl.

Thanks Joe, that really made my decision simple.
I once asked Berning why he does not use linear PSU, he said it is not possible for ZOTL phenomena to work with linear PSUs. So, I wonder how LTA is able to do it.

[joeinid]

I'm not sure but whatever's going on is undeniable. It's almost 5:40am here and I'm still awake listening to music. With almost 10 hours on the unit, it's already changed a little for the better. Smoothing out, waking up, relaxing more and just a little more musical. I'm happy.

[Pani]

I'm not sure but whatever's going on is undeniable. It's almost 5:40am here and I'm still awake listening to music. With almost 10 hours on the unit, it's already changed a little for the better. Smoothing out, waking up, relaxing more and just a little more musical. I'm happy.

I was about to ask, when do you sleep
By the way, which power cord and interconnects do you use ?

[Pani]

I ask about PC and IC because they can make or break the musicality quite easily

[joeinid]

I was too excited to hook it up so I used my Belden 8402 IC. One meter to my PS Audio Directstream and two meters to my McIntosh MC303.

I'm using Job Sweetcords on both the amp and preamp and a Shunyata digital AC cord (forgot exactly what name) on my DAC.

I will try my Kimber Kable Select copper cables on amp and preamp in a few days to hear the difference.

I was about to ask, when do you sleep
By the way, which power cord and interconnects do you use ?

I ask about PC and IC because they can make or break the musicality quite easily

[joeinid]

I work 4pm to 12am so I'm pretty flexible. Night time is the absolute best time for music. The world is relatively quiet and AC is better.

[Pani]

That AC thingie makes me envious

[joeinid]

That AC thingie makes me envious

[nicoludio]

Joe, quick question. Does the microZOTL have a switch on-thump? Which of your other pre-amps have you compared this with? Thanks.

[joeinid]

The manual states "If you are using the MZ2 as a preamp, it is best to have your power amp off (and necessary to have it off if it is a DC-coupled amp) when powering on
and connecting the MZ2, to avoid off/on transients."

https://static1.squarespace.com/stat...anual+revE.pdf

I always turn the MZ2 preamp on first with the volume knob all the way down, wait a minute and then switch on the amp. I have not experienced any thumps, noise or any weirdness. It's silent too.

I love this and would probably choose it over everything I've tried unless a solid state pre is a necessity. As long as 3 RCA inputs and 1 RCA output is ok for you.

Joe, quick question. Does the microZOTL have a switch on-thump? Which of your other pre-amps have you compared this with? Thanks.

[Pani]

Joe, since microZOTL was designed as a 1 watt amp, have you tried using it as an integrated amp till now ? Do they give speaker outputs ?

[joeinid]

It has speaker outputs but I have not tried them. I guess I could dig out my Klipsch speakers and try it. I am curious.

Joe, since microZOTL was designed as a 1 watt amp, have you tried using it as an integrated amp till now ? Do they give speaker outputs ?

[Pani]

Well, you may be surprised that even with your current speakers it is not going to sound weak. It may actually give you a perspective of something even better.

[Jack]

Joe

You should reasonable volume out of the 4367's or even the 4312's.

[joeinid]

Jack,

This MZ2 is absolutely awesome. I'll have to try it as an integrated.

[Jack]

Joe

Glad the Micro is as good as you heard. I know moving around those big speakers is no treat so no rush to try the 4367's. Will be interesting when you try the high sensitivity Job's or Triode's if you have to swap the AT's for AU's to lower the gain. If you still have the Raytheon's they should work great. If not I've got others and I think a couple of pair of NOS AT's I bought for something a few years back and never used them.

[joeinid]

The Raytheons are in the Triodes. Love them. MZ2 should be great with the Triodes. I have lots of experimenting to do

[joeinid]

The MZ2 and my MC303 is a killer combo. Playing on the Strads is a new and wonderful experience. Color me impressed.

[gtl]

Hi Joe, have you tried the MicroZotl and your job monos? Are they a good match? Looking at going that route to pair with my Ayre QX-5 Twenty.

[joeinid]

I haven't tried that combo yet. My brother in CT has my Job monos and he's buying them. I'll need to order a replacement once he pays in full.

I am sure it will be a superb match, most likely with 12AU7 tubes to lower the gain a bit.

This MZ2 is outstanding. Paired with the Job monos, will be a game changer.

ps, I'm still up listening. Damn, looks like the sun is about to come out.

Hi Joe, have you tried the MicroZotl and your job monos? Are they a good match? Looking at going that route to pair with my Ayre QX-5 Twenty.

[Elberoth]

I guess I could dig out my Klipsch speakers and try it. I am curious.

By all means do ! I'm curious as well.

[Gopher]

We spent the last hour of AXPONA this year playing around with the MicroZotl on a pair of Destination Audio horn speakers. The little amp it's a pisser indeed. Very clean and linear piece. It was entertaining seeing that little piece energize the room.

It is a solid component I'd love to take another spin of that piece.

[Slapshot]

I can echo all of the positives that Joe has put out there about the Micro ZOTL MZ22 as a preamp. It's a mind boggling bargain. I personally know of three $20k preamps that it has replaced in peoples systems and if you look at the reviews, more have fallen to it with various reviewers. Terry London, a noted reviewer who covers high end stereo components said it was not only better than the outstanding Backert Rhythym 1.1 preamp, a unit he loved in his review($7,500.00), but that is also outperformed and replaced his previous Concert Fidelity and Purity Audio preamps, that go for $24,000 and $30,000 respectively.

The life this preamp brings an incredible light and energy to music, and there is air and spaciousness that is simply stunning. It just sounds so purely musical that every time I listen to my system I am thankful for having added this magical unit. I was looking at some preamps that were three or more times the price of the MZ22 and have dropped any further considerations. It is that good!

JC

[Slapshot]

As a secondary note, I have neither tried the MZ22 as an integrated amp, nor likely will I, so I cannot comment on that. I do not own (or could likely afford) any speakers with a high enough sensitivity to try.

Someone mentioned earlier the recent review of one of the David Berning designed power amplifiers in Stereophile. I read that also, and was very surprised by the relatively poor showing it made.

JC

[joeinid]

Right now, my most efficient speakers are my various Klipsch bookshelf speakers. While they claim a very high efficiency eg. 94-96dB, I think that is an optimistic number. The MZ2 wants at least a 98+dB efficient speaker as an output. I tried my Klipsch speakers and while I got sound, it was not bad (background music only) but you can definitely tell with a few more watts or a more efficient speaker, this preamp/amp and I am sure the MZ10 and MZ40 would be awesome.

I had already popped in 12AU7 tubes to lower gain, but we are still talking .5 to 1 watt per channel. I think over 100dB speakers are required for a satisfactory listening experience.

On another note, no pun intended, this MZ2 is absolutely outstanding as a preamp.

With the 12AU7, it's perfect for me and works great with my MC303, Job 250 monos. Killer pre for the money.

It has speaker outputs but I have not tried them. I guess I could dig out my Klipsch speakers and try it. I am curious.

By all means do ! I'm curious as well.

[Radiohead]

The guys at LTA is super professional and excellent customer service! I've had the LTA MZ-2s and returned them before the trial period was over. They are very neutral/transparent and dynamic; very good preamp. But I wasn't that impressed coming from Melody preamp (which is a different class of their own).

I recently acquired a Don Sachs Model 2 preamp. Haven't spent enough time with and the system has changed a bit since I had the MZ2s. But, my subjective impression is Don Sachs preamp is more impressive and musical than MZ2s.

[joeinid]

Always appreciate alternative opinions.

[Radiohead]

Genjamon from AudioCircle, had both MZ2 and Don Sachs around the same time I believe. He preferred and kept the Don Sachs preamp. But I won't be surprised if someone preferred MZ2 over Don S.

[joeinid]

I just added Mullard 12AU7's and it really sweetens up, glorious mids and ever so slightly rounded top. Just like I like it.

[Radiohead]

I wish I had done that! These days one can have world class preamp like Don Sachs or LTA under $2k. Only if everyone knew, many other well known brands would struggle to sell their unit or had to up their game.

[joeinid]

Is my LTA MZ2 perfect? Probably not, but I have to say that, right now, it's perfect for me.

I love this thing.

[Slapshot]

Interesting comments on the Don Sachs preamp. I came across that only recently and was not previously aware of it, but the way he builds them and willl add what you want for options (capacitators etc.) is unique. It's certainly something I would take a look at were I also not as happy with my MZ22s, as Joe is.

JC

The guys at LTA is super professional and excellent customer service! I've had the LTA MZ-2s and returned them before the trial period was over. They are very neutral/transparent and dynamic; very good preamp. But I wasn't that impressed coming from Melody preamp (which is a different class of their own).

I recently acquired a Don Sachs Model 2 preamp. Haven't spent enough time with and the system has changed a bit since I had the MZ2s. But, my subjective impression is Don Sachs preamp is more impressive and musical than MZ2s.

[joeinid]

My LTA MZ2 can be ordered with an optional remote. I have to have a remote and clicked the option. I didn’t realize until it showed up that it comes with an Apple Remote. Small, lightweight and works perfectly for adjusting volume up/down. Love this thing more everyday day.