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

joeinid

joeinid

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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 :)


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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.
 
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.

KeithR said:
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.
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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.

Elberoth said:
Interesting. Keep us posted. I had an eye on this pre from some time now.
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Congrats Joe! Now you need some Avantgarde's to go with it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joe, did you get the linear power supply or are you using the default switch mode PSU ?
 
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 ?
 
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.

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

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


Pani said:
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 ?
Click to expand...
 
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joeinid said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
joeinid said:
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.
Click to expand...

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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