Linear Tube Audio- Any feedback on their amps/ Preamp?

Nice sense63!

The  ZOTL 40 + Micro ZOTL I heard at RMAF last year still sticks with me. The soundstage was so real and holographic while being so musical it haunts me at times. Definitely looking forward to your impressions and comparisons...

After a few days of breaking in and critical listening, here a few thoughts.  

Amazing soundstage.  Clear.  Organic.  Micro dynamics in spades.  Life-like.

My system: Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated, PS Audio DirectStream DAC, PS Audio Perfect wave transport, Aurender X100 and Omega's new floor stander with 2 Alnico drivers on the narrow baffle (Louis hasn't named it yet).  I also have a pair of Proac D30R speakers.  My wiring is from Jena Labs (Symphony interconnects and Twin 7 speaker cable)

As good as the Primaluna is (it's the best integrated I've heard yet), the Linear Tube Audio Micro Zotl2.0 with the Linear power supply and the ZOTL 40 are a clear step up to my ears.  There is an organic, naturalness to the sound.  I am definitely hearing things in familiar songs I've never heard before, but more than that, I'm not focusing on that.  I find myself getting caught up in the music and just enjoying my listening time.  Maybe another way to describe it is that I feel (for the first time) that the musicians are playing in front of me.....not a recording of them.  I am hearing inflections in vocals that I've never heard before.

The midrange is magical and there is a punch to the bass (more natural sounding) that I've never experienced before.  Not a bit of fatigue with the high frequency either.  Another description that comes to mind is fast.  I especially find that music starts and stops on a dime with the Omegas.

I have to admit that I'm smitten and look forward to putting a few more days on the gear.  I do want to mention that Mark is one of the nicest gentlemen to work with.  He answered all my questions and doesn't hype his products.  I suspect he doesn't get too worried with his 30 day in home trial as he probably won't get too many back.

Best-
Scott

Scott,

I agree with your impressions. This is the best sound I've achieved to date. There is a magic combining the Micro as a pre with the ZOTL40. I tried other preamps but nothing can touch the micro, not even at 4 times the price. 

Funny thing, I originally bought the Micro as a headphone amp (and a good one it is), then I found out I could power my 93db efficient speakers in another system with the one watt. As a flea watt amp it sounds fantastic. Finally I decided to try it as a preamp just for the helluva it. Holy crap, it's doesn't have all the bells and whistles and only has 2 inputs but it's the best preamp I've ever heard.

I also have a DS DAC and Janszen zA2.1 hybrid electrostat speakers. The ZOTL40 drives the electrostats with plenty of headroom. I have tried a variety of amps over the years with these speakers and until now have never found a satisfying combo along with the power I need.

Sense63'

any feedback on the ZOTL amp & pre? I'm guessing you have it by now?

lance

Because the ZOTL circuit reveals the character of the tubes (and most components in the signal path) so strongly, now that we've made more ZOTL40s and heard them in different systems, we've decided to find some new tube options, as the Tung-sol EL34s don't seem to be the ideal match. Mark is currently deep in a pile of NOS, various new stock, and tube equivalents that we'll be auditioning to find a ZOTL40 tube that can really complement the 40's nature. 

-Will
LTA