Gentlemen,
The combo of the LTA Micro-ZTOL/ZOTL-40 offers some of the most beautiful sound, regardless of $, that I have ever had in my home system. However, when compared to the MicroZOTL used as an integrated amplifier driving the standard DI's the combo sounds almost " a bit rough around the edges" when it comes another level of transparency, finesse of timbres/tonality, precise 3D imaging, and overall liquidity/ease that brings you closer to the music in a relaxing way. The 6SN7 used as a power tube, at least the TungSol NOS Black Glass Oval plate, has the color and texture of a 300B, yet the speed/pop of a 211 to my ears. I can sit for hours on end and get totally lost in the music because of this combination of color/transparency/the ability to easily hear all the micro-details, and an overall "ease" to the sound. It's the best illusion of live music I have ever had in my system.
I too, still find it hard to believe that in my very large listening room, you can see a picture of my system on Tekton's website under the blog section, that as far as sane ultimate volume levels I play to get to the sweet spot on all types of music in my acoustic space there is no loss of overall dynamics, no attenuation either of high or low end frequencies, or that sense of aliveness found in music being played in real time is being lost at all. Now, remember this in the context, and I'm very lucky regarding my acoustic space and the synergy of the rest of the gear in my system that feeds the LTA amp before it drives the DI's to get these qualities I'm experiencing, so results might vary in each system depending on many factors. However, I would find it hard to believe that anyone would not find the LTA gear and the DI's just a wonderful combination and one of the greatest price to performance bargains in high-end audio.
