Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2)
I have enjoyed my LA4 preamp, but I want to see if a quality tube preamp would be more to my liking. I have ordered a LTA MicroZOTL Level 2 and it should be here in a few weeks.
My current set up:
Acoustat 1+1 with a SPL Crossover and dual Rhythmik F12SE subs
Innuos Pulse paired with an Innuos Phoenix USB
Bricasti M1S2 DAC
Marantz 8003 SACD (rarely used)
Technics SL1500 turntable with AT VM540ML cart upgraded with a RigB body
Pass Labs XA 25 power amp
Upgraded, but not excessive, cable
I have a month to compare the two preamplifiers and decide if I should make the move to the dark side (tubes). Everything I have read suggests the MicroZOTL L2 should improve stage presence, separation, and depth without significant detail loss. I do 95% of my listening through Qobuz and Sense with the rest from vinyl. The SACD player is only used for the occasional SACD not offered as HD through Qobuz.
Prior to settling on the LTA I listened to a used Electrocompaniet EC 4.8 Mk2 (had not settled on trying tubes yet.) (poor detail when compared with LA4 and narrower soundstage). I also wanted to try a Pass Labs XP 22, but could not find a used one to try at home (also prior to the tube exploration). I auditioned a used ARC 5SE (decent soundstage, but suppressed high end and the bass was underwhelming).
I am looking for any guidance or suggestions the Agon community might have for me.
Thanks in advance!
Ralph
Have you considered using a tube DAC with the LA4? That way you can have the best of both worlds, except for your turntable. I also have SACD's and use the GEERFab D.BOB to play the DSD stream on my DACs which are better decoders than the OPPO player. Your Briscati DAC should be great with your SACDs. I feel the disk playback seems a bit better than streaming. A shorter path in many ways. GeerFab Audio D.BOB Digital BreakOut Box (OPEN) – Upscale Audio |
@thriftyaudio I used to run XP22 with XA-30.8 then upgraded to X260.8. Big difference across the board. Had Audio Research Ref6 for few weeks as well. Bass was phenomenal. I ultimately preferred the XP22. My DAC is Bricasti M3. Before you splurge on a new preamp, I would encourage you to try the Bricasti M1S2 preamp section. One other point I would like to make is that the Bricasti DACs sound their best via their XLR outs. It’s very possible that you would get much better results if you upgraded your amp, instead of preamp. Just a thought… But if you want to go ahead with a preamp upgrade, I would highly recommend XP22. Just run your DAC using XLR cables into preamp. |
I’m very happy with my LTA MicroZotl level 2 preamp. I’m using it with a Coda No 8 amplifier. I bought my LTA lightly used from a guy that moved to a high dollar integrated amp. He had upgraded the tubes to NOS Telefunken ECC801S. I experimented with several other tubes including the ones that he said came with the preamp. I did not like the tubes that shipped with the preamp. I’ve tried NOS Siemans ECC801S which are very nice and less expensive. Brimar Yellow T are warmer sounding and should be available from Tube Depot. In my system, I prefer the Telefunken, but would be happy with the Siemans. |
@thriftyaudio - I own the LTA Microzotl preamp level 2. I think you are going to love it. When I first plugged it in, I was shocked what an improvement it delivered compared to my older tube preamp. Let us know what you think once it arrives! |
