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

I recently was told by another member about Linear Tube Audio as they are using David Berning's designs (approved by David) and are made in the USA.  The Micro ZOTL 2.0 pre has just received great reviews and they also offer the ZOTL 40 and ZOTL 10 amps.  I would really like to get some feedback from someone that owns the pre and one of the amps.  Thanks!
sense63
lancelock
1,093 posts
 
In this system I'm using Decware ERRx radial speakers (very good Omni speakers for the price)

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ERR.html

I will eventually move things around and try a set of Monitor Audio GX300's I have.
shydog17
17 posts
 
t_ramey,

I own the Pass XA30.8 and am borrowing a First Watt SIT-2 amplifier. 

Am planning to try them both with the MicroZOTL2.0 preamp in January or February. 

I hooked up the SIT-2 this week and it is one of the most amazing sounding amplifiers you will ever hear. I'd expect mating it with LT MicroZOTL2.0 will make serious magic. I'll let you know when I do. Happy holidays. 

-Ben
lancelock
1,093 posts
 
shydog17,

i am interested in how these amps perform with the Micro ZOTL2
shydog17
17 posts
 
Lancelock,
For sure...when I run them together I'll definitely check back in and let you know. 
jsm71
141 posts
 

Based on lancelock’s mention of LTA’s Black Friday sale together with our years of off-forum communications (we both have the JansZen ESL speakers) I pulled the trigger ahead of schedule and bought my own ZOTL40. Like Lance, I also had a well reviewed transformer based tube amp driving my JansZen’s and was immediately impressed by the LTA amp. That other amp is now sold. No looking back and it was a really good amp.

Driving an amp with transformers must be like run training with a parachute. Without the transformers my JansZens sprang into a whole new happy place. Much more weight to the sound, dynamics out the wazoo, and full frequency range is toally released. Basically more of everything.

I would like to try the LTA Micro ZOTL as a preamp, but it is at it’s heart, a headphone amp and doesn’t have balance controls or extra outputs for a sub. The latest version only now offers a remote as an option. I’ll stick with my Cary SLP-98P preamp for now as it also has a phono stage and I’m running with good NOS tubes.

If LTA comes out with a more full function preamp down the road I would be a fool to not try it. I’m sure it would best my Cary with the ZOTL approach, but I’d have to find a new phono preamp as well. I need to stand pat for now and simply enjoy the virtues of this amazing amp. I have no doubt the ZOTL40 or ZOTL10 (efficient speakers) would allow any speaker it touches to reach its potential. The JansZen ESLs reveal all and they are swinging.

Oh, I almost forgot. Those 40 watts feel like a whole lot more. I have the volume on the amp maybe 1/3 of the way and my preamp never goes above half, but I do listen at lower levels than many. My prior "40 watt" amp got into clipping at party levels. The JansZens are rated at 87dB.

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