2. amps-preamps
  3. 131785-103958

Great experience with Linear Tube Audio

I ordered up an LTA MZ2 the other day but, before I pulled the trigger, I had some questions in regards to his amp and tubes/sonics etc.

Now I’ll be the first to admit a lot of my questions were very basic especially to someone as experienced as Mark is at LTA. My emails were all answered promptly and he explained everything to me in layman terms in a totally non condescending way.

But the coolest part is I gave them a call today to upgrade some tubes and change the shipping address. He wanted to see what the status was on my order. So while I’m still on the phone I hear him say "Hey, what’s the status on Jon’s amp?". The guys obviously sound like they’re in the same room and they’re testing my amp as we spoke. Not going to lie, some kind of man child excitement came over me. I can’t wait to receive it.

hfaddict
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
@joeinid  Excellent news! What are you running for an amp? Have you noticed the MZ2 required much break in time?

I am using different amps depending on speakers and mood. From my Triode Corp TRX-M845 monos, McIntosh MC303, Accuphase A36 and Job 250 monos. It is SUPERB with ALL my amps. I felt after a few days it settled down and within a week it was pretty much broken in. I did replace the stock tubes with a sweeter, low gain 12AU7 just to move me up higher in the volume scale. I do most of my listening in the late evening and early morning and I am extremely happy.
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
joeinid, 

what tubes are you running in the MZ2? The MZ is great at revealing the sonic qualities of the tubes used. Currently I'm using NOS TungSol 12SN7 oval plates and Gold Brand Sylvania 12AT7's with very good results. I've heard that NOS RCA 12SX7's are a great substitute for the 12SN7's also. I'm ordering a pair to see. 
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
Hi mac,

I am running the Mullard CV4003 / 12AU7 Vintage New Old Stock from Upscale audio. I do have a bunch of other tubes waiting in the wings but am so happy so far. I don’t feel any need to swap tubes yet, but I am a little curious what the others will sound like.

I was told by a friend, but never checked with LTA, that the 12SN/6SN tubes have no effect on sound if it is used as a preamp. I did order the 12SN7 from LTA as an upgrade from the 6SN7 tubes but it may have been wasted on my part.
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
Joe,

I haven't noticed any real difference between 6SN or 12SN's in the MZ even used as an integrated amp. The Marconi BL 63's ( with adapters) sound great and make another alternative to the 6SN7. 
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
Thank you so much for the additional info. LTA gear is wonderful.
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