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

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

Pani said:
I was about to ask, when do you sleep:D
By the way, which power cord and interconnects do you use ?
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Pani said:
I ask about PC and IC because they can make or break the musicality quite easily
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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. :)
 
Joe, quick question. Does the microZOTL have a switch on-thump? Which of your other pre-amps have you compared this with? Thanks.
 
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/sta.../1498757160791/microZOTL+MZ2S+Manual+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.



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

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Pani said:
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 ?
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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,

This MZ2 is absolutely awesome. I'll have to try it as an integrated.
 
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.
 
The Raytheons are in the Triodes. Love them. MZ2 should be great with the Triodes. I have lots of experimenting to do :)
 
The MZ2 and my MC303 is a killer combo. Playing on the Strads is a new and wonderful experience. Color me impressed.
 
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.
 
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.

gtl said:
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.
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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.
 
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
 
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