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

Well then that opens it up as a possibility for a lot more people and something they should advertise as an option on the website.
 
I have not heard anything, but I’d be inclined to buy one based on what I’m hearing now.


nile49 said:
Has anyone heard anything suggesting they have plans to offer a dedicated preamp in the near future?


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David had one that has already been built and sold for a short time but it has been out of production for a while. It ran over 4 times the cost of the MZ2. So if they wanted to climb into the higher market place they could just get the rights to produce it. When trying to sell to a certain market segment producing tested designs like they are doing now is more feasible than R&D for something different.

http://davidberning.com/products/preone
 
Well if you replace the binding posts with a second set of outputs then it just becomes a preamp with a headphone jack like many others we have all used and makes it even a more attractive option.
 
Thanks for the info Jack.

My only real concern is the lack of pop suppression on startup and shutoff that David Berning mentions in the posted video. I don't want to worry about startup sequence. It's not a deal breaker but not ideal either. I want things to be as simple as possible for my girlfriend and dad who like to listen.

I actually would be excited to see what the one watt output could do connected to my 99db sensitive Klipsch Forte's, but am interested in their amps as well.


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Don't have any idea about the lack or effect of the startup mute sequence. Joe and some of the other owners would have to speak to that. There are a lot more owners of the MZ2 over on Audio Circle especially in the Omega speakers forum where the preamp and the ZOTL10 amp seem to be a popular combo with Louis' speakers. Also you can shot an e-mail to the multiple reviewers who tested and then bought it. My hesitation in trying one is that my currently preferred BHK amp is not particularly found of SE preamps. If I had a speaker that would work I would love to try the combo of the MZ2 as a preamp and the Coincident Dynamo SE Mk II amp. It would work with my Spatial Triode Master speakers in a smaller room but not in my 22 x 26 x 10 Family Room that also opens into the Kitchen.
 
nile49 said:
Has anyone heard anything suggesting they have plans to offer a dedicated preamp in the near future?


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My email conversations with Mark suggested they've got plenty of ideas, but not really my place to comment on these in a forum. He responds very promptly to emails though.
 
I always make a point to turn on the MZ2 first with the volume all the way down. Give it a minute or so, then turn on the amp. I can see where having the amp on and then turning on the MZ2 could generate a little surprise. I came close once but the timing was in my favor. You need to be careful.

I’m not sure the 1wpc will be enough to power the Fortes for anything more than low level background music. I tried on my Klipsch speakers and was disappointed. Now if I had Cornwalls or Klipschorns, I think the outcome might be different.


nile49 said:
Thanks for the info Jack.

My only real concern is the lack of pop suppression on startup and shutoff that David Berning mentions in the posted video. I don't want to worry about startup sequence. It's not a deal breaker but not ideal either. I want things to be as simple as possible for my girlfriend and dad who like to listen.

I actually would be excited to see what the one watt output could do connected to my 99db sensitive Klipsch Forte's, but am interested in their amps as well.


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Radiohead said:
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.
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What kind of amp and speakers are you using?
 
heihei said:
LTA will build you one with two outputs if you're happy to lose the speaker outputs.
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Now that is an idea. If funds become available (Audio Research amp sells) I might just do that. I hooked up the ARC last night... nice amp, especially with the Gold Lion tubes, but I think I like the convenience of the Goldmund for my use a little better.... plus, I totally blame Joe, but I got to keep trying different stuff :)....

The new sub has some speaker wire plug thing (I have not seen it yet so unclear how it works), but it looks rather hooky. I looks like an after thought. I think their subs are really meant to be line level inputs.
 
Randy

The speaker level inputs work no different than the line level ones. If the method was a "hooky afterthought" companies like REL and Vandersteen would not have been doing it for decades. It doesn't need or require the level of cables you use on your Main speakers. The cable many companies ship for that use is nothing more than basic Monster cable used by HT installers. I have just used whatever spares I had around.
 
I am referring to what is shown in the KEF manual, not speaker level in general. I know companies like REL prefer speaker level :).... I have not seen the setup with the KEF yet (the sub has not arrived yet and I am waiting but do not know when it is coming :( ). All I was referring to is the speaker level connection shown in the KEF manual looks very hooky...
 
Randy

I agree with you about the KEF issue as from looking at the photo's and their less than helpful manual it is hard to tell if those are pin connectors or just flush mount banana jacks. Either is doable though.
 
Yea, great speakers but kind of useless manuals....

I think the best choice is if they will build one with two outputs... that would make it into a true pre-amp and really solve my issue (accept coming up with the funds :))
 
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