LTA - MZ2 Driving solid state amps.

Lance,
That's a interesting comparison,may just want to stick with the volume control on the Sonica unless this system needs more than 1 input.

I'll need a preamp with 3 inputs in my main system,I have used the volume control on my direct stream and It's a good one though.

I do know that sometimes we do tend to over complicate our systems and sometimes simpler maybe better and on the other hand if we didn't try multiple combo's we would never know or experience changes for the better.Just a part of the hobby.

Kenny.

Kenny,
i did get my MZ2 with 3 inputs and gave up the speaker terminals for a second set of outputs in case I wanted to connect powered subs. My Micro ZOTL already has speaker terminals anyway.

update on the AHB2: I ran it in all weekend and I now after some critical listening I think it is superior to the Job 225 in almost every way and the bass is every bit as good or better. I'm hearing more on recordings in this system than I've heard before, micro details are being revealed. I guess it's the low noise floor.

Lance,

I didn't know LTA could configure their MZ2 with 2 sets of preamp outputs instead of speaker output terminals,I'm sure there is not very much room on the back the unit is only 9 inches wide.

The AHB2 has such astonishing low noise and or distortion specs. I would suspect none the less on micro detail retrieval and probably convey's the nature warmth and nuances on each individual recording without adding much of anything other than gain.
It's good to hear that the bass,with some breakin time has equaled or is better than the Job,I thought the Job had really good bass when I used one.

Just proves once again that most components need some time on them to settle in and really show their true character.

Kenny.

Another feature of the MZ2 is the ability to change the output tubes heater voltage from either  6volt to 12volt,so either 12sn7 or 6sn7 tubes can be used.

I already have a good collection of nos and new production 6sn7's to try but I see the prices on some of the best tubes are very expensive,they must be getting more scarce then I thought.I haven't bought any tubes in 6 or 7 yrs I haven't had a need to.

Has anybody had good luck finding really good 12sn7's and where did you buy them.

I know Lance mentioned he is using 1940's Tung Sol ovals,black glass.

Kenny.

Kenny,

Question - what's your opinion on the Nuprime ST-10.  I ordered the  MZ2 earlier this week and am considering the Nuprime.  My speakers will be the Spatial M3 which I just ordered this week as well.

I attended the LA Audio Show this past weekend specifically to listen to the Double Impacts and the Spatials.

The room and the equipment used to demo the Double Impacts did not do them any justice and I could not pull the trigger based on my listening experience.  The room was hosted by Positive Feedback and they were showcasing low cost, high value systems so there were multiple speakers and components.  For the Double Impacts, they were using  a Schiit Freya preamp and a Schiit pre-production amp. 

 Very unfortunate as I really wanted to like the Double Impacts.   I was able to sit in the designated sweet spot while listening.  In a dedicated Tekton room with different components, they  would probably sound great.  I just couldn't get past the way they sounded in that room.

Sorry for the long discourse!

Thanks,

Nick