Berning ZOTL Pre One vs Linear tube audio MZ2

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Pani

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Guys, I already have the LTA MZ2 preamp with linear PSU upgrade. I love it a lot. No complains at all. I just have an opportunity to buy Berning ZOTL pre One preamp with in-built phono stage which is a huge plus for me (the phono part). I am just worried that Berning ZOTL Pre One uses a SMPS power supply (I know it is very advanced but still) and LTA allows me to use linear PSU which is very smooth and analog sounding. Has anyone heard both these preamp to comment on how they compare ?
 
I have the MZ2 into my Berning Quadrature Z's but not had the opportunity to try Berning's own pre for comparison. That said, if you speak to LTA, they have now introduced a fully-specced pre, which they believe to be a step up from the MZ2, and are considering "cloning" the Berning Pre One as a final step up, so they definitely believe there is an upgrade to be had.

The other point to note is that you can run the Pre One from a separate 12V source.
 
heihei said:
I have the MZ2 into my Berning Quadrature Z's but not had the opportunity to try Berning's own pre for comparison. That said, if you speak to LTA, they have now introduced a fully-specced pre, which they believe to be a step up from the MZ2, and are considering "cloning" the Berning Pre One as a final step up, so they definitely believe there is an upgrade to be had.

The other point to note is that you can run the Pre One from a separate 12V source.
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I totally believe that the Berning Pre One is a higher design than the MZ2 but it is the PSU that I am comparing. It is good to know that the Pre One has a 12 volt input (I had no idea of such a feature in the Pre one) but then which PSU ? Every PSU will have a different grade of sonics. If Berning himself builds one or recommends one from a third party then I would gladly take that option. Any suggestions ?
 
Hi Joe,

I just took delivery of my Sit 3, is it a good match with the MZ2 ? Would you have an another preamp to advise me ?

Thanks
 
Congratulations!

The SIT3 is absolutely amazing. Perfect for me and my taste.

The MZ2 is a great match but I’m curious about the new full sized LTA preamp. As far as others to consider, I’d have to think about what they’d be. I think something a little lively and open like the MZ2 or similar will complement the SIT3 perfectly.

I am trying to get hold of a Conrad Johnson preamp, either GAT2 or GAT could be simply sublime. Even their new updated ET7 or ET6 would probably be awesome as well.

What kind of budget were you thinking about for the preamp? I probably should have asked first.

Your Job Pre2 should be good but the MZ2 will absolutely be better.
 
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Thank you Joe, yes the pre2job is not suitable, it does not have enough gain, I'll be curious to have your opinion on the LTA, here it is impossible to listen. For Budget I will not exceed that of an ET6SE for example. You have not considered an XP12 or XP22 for example?
 
I have not heard the new XP12/22 preamps yet. I am curious though.

I have owned an X0.2, XP10 and the XP30 twice. I remember liking them but not loving them. I have to be honest, I am not a Pass preamp fan but absolutely love their amps. The new XP12/22 and upcoming XP32? could be great. I personally find the ones that I owned a little too solid state sounding. I’d be willing to try the new XP12/22 because I’ve heard great reports about them and believe they would be a great compliment to the SIT3.

Pass Labs and First Watt are superb companies and excellent customer service is paramount.
 
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Hi Joe,

I just had a loan Thrax Dyonisos, It's wonderful match with the Sit3, certainly the budget it's high but all the qualities of the Sit3 are multiplied with an energy like a muscle car !

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I will try to listen also [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Coincident Statement MKII line stage, but for now the Thrax will be my next préamp.[/FONT]
 
Excellent. I know people love the Coincident gear. I think there may have been a few updates recently. I don’t know how the sound is affected but reports are about improvements across the both amps and preamp.
 
Hi Yami, for your analog and Thrax, is it Anamighty in Paris you interact with? It's a great shop for analog.
 
[DEVIS = bonzo; 259136] Bonjour Yami, pour ton analogue et Thrax, est-ce que tu interagis avec Anamighty à Paris? C'est un bon magasin pour l'analogique. [/ QUOTE]

Yes , they are very competent in the field of analog , and their choices are excellent. I listened recently a Thrax Orphéus (Phono), WOW... it's a phenomenon of resolution and naturalness !
 
Yami said:
[DEVIS = bonzo; 259136] Bonjour Yami, pour ton analogue et Thrax, est-ce que tu interagis avec Anamighty à Paris? C'est un bon magasin pour l'analogique. [/ QUOTE]

Yes , they are very competent in the field of analog , and their choices are excellent. I listened recently a Thrax Orphéus (Phono), WOW... it's a phenomenon of resolution and naturalness !
Click to expand...

Here is my write up on the visit to Anamighty. On my blog you will also find another Thrax vs FM 123 phono compare, where we preferred the Thrax

http://zero-distortion.org/analog-shoot-anamighty-sound/
 
Joinid, As we have some of the same gear, (Avantgarde Duo XD, Luxman MQ-300), and I'm thinking about trying the new LTA pre-amp with the Luxman. I've listened to the LTA MZ2 and 3 as an amp and really like it, but not quite as dramatic as the Luxman.

So, I was wondering if you've listened to your LTA before the Luxman and what you think of their synergy? Thanks
 
Hi,

I have the MZ2 and like it but feel, for my taste, it's a little "too neutral" even with 300B type amps on my Duo XD. Even with Brimar or similar NOS tubes, I'd like a little "more". I need some warmth or a little sweetness.

I don't know about the new LTA preamp but think the house sound might carry through the same way.

I think there's a matching MQ-300 preamp coming which has me intrigued. Even my C900u was awesome and prefer it to the MZ2 oddly enough but the C900u is very special and a little more expensive though.

I don't know when the Luxman pre is coming. Mike may be able to find out.

ps. I don't like to use any dac direct to my amp, no matter which dac. I always like a preamp in the chain.
 
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