Tekton Double Impacts

Charles,

This little one watt wonder defies all logic. It doesn't make sense that the MZ2 can not only produce sound levels equaling my Torii, but levels exceeding it. I usually listen in the mid 70 db's and can obtain levels in the upper 80's before the Torii starts sounding strained. With the MZ I can reach levels in the mid 90's with peaks over 100 without any signs of strain or distortion. Not only that but the MZ is dead quiet with inky black backgrounds that pull you into the music. The MZ is so pure, allowing every minute detail to come forth. Tone is perfect. After just a few hours with it I'm enthralled by it. Will adding a SET or other amp with it be better yet? Terry thinks so and he was dead on regarding this amp being able to drive the DI's. I'll enjoy the MZ alone for a while before thinking about adding an amp.

powerglide,

your experience with the Impacts reminds me of my first reaction when listening to my Enzo's......they blew me away and I spent all night listening to them. The DI's took things to another level but I was already exposed to Tekton speakers so I was ready for what I was hearing. This MZ is a similar experience to my first Tektons.......eye opening and jaw dropping.

mofojo,

definately, I'd love to have another DI owner hear them with the MZ. Let me know when you're in town and we will set something up. We can see how well the MZ will head bang, but I'm guessing you'd be better served adding the ZOTL 10 for that. The MZ was designed as a headphone amp but people realized just what an amazing pre it is......and now some of us are realizing it's also a great amp with HE speakers. Therefore it's limited to one output. You could contact Mark at LTA about a possible second output. 

From Mark when I asked a similar question of him:

"We can provide up to two more sets of RCA outputs. There just isn't room for XLRs. We can provide a set of rca to xlr adapters for $50 made of very good Eire and connectors."

Having XLR was/is necessary for me, which is why I did not go forward and am waiting for future products that may be a better fit.

But with everyone singing it's praises.... :)

Mofojo 5-25-2017
Does the MZ2 only have one set pre outs? Can another be added if so as an option? If I was not happy with the one watt I would want to run the MZ2 as a preamp and still have an extra preout to run a JL sub.

If a second set of pre-outs is added the two sets would almost certainly be wired directly together inside the rear panel, as opposed to being driven by separate output stages. Consequently I would expect the results to be no different than using a good quality "hard y-adapter," such as this one from Audioquest, on the single set of outputs.

In both cases (two sets of pre-outs or hard-y adapters) those results may or may not be good depending on the output impedance of the pre-outs, the input impedance of the sub, and the input impedance of the power amp. And also, if the output impedance of the pre-outs is high, on the lengths and capacitances of the two sets of cables that are involved.

My belief is that the negative comments that are often seen about splitters are often and perhaps usually not due to the splitter itself, but are due to the inability of the component providing the signal to be able to drive the two sets of load impedances and the two sets of cables that are involved, with good results.

The unbalanced input impedance of some of the JL subs is 50K, which would be encouraging, while it is only 10K for some other models, which could very possibly be a problem depending on the output impedance of the pre-outs and the input impedance of the particular power amp that would be used.

I would suggest that you start by asking LTA what the output impedance of the pre-outs is, at 20 Hz as well as at the mid-range frequencies (such as 1 kHz) at which output impedances are usually specified. If the pre-outs are capacitively coupled the 20 Hz output impedance will probably be much higher than the output impedance at mid-range frequencies, and could result in roll-off of the deep bass content of the signals provided to both the sub and the main power amp.

Regards,
-- Al

mac48025

Thanks for the feedback on the MZ2.  I am going to the LA Audio show and will listen to the Tekton and will visit with Well Pleased Audio who will have the MZ2. 

Was wondering if you went for the upgraded power supply?

Thanks,

Nick

Yes Nick, I did go with the upgraded power supply. Have fun listening to the Tektons and LTA stuff. Hopefully you'll be able to hear both together as they sound great together. 

Well, I couldn't wait any longer and rolled the 40's RCA tubes in the MZ2. Wow. I as told the LTA stuff reveals a tubes true character and makes tailoring its sound quite easy. The stock RCA tubes were very nice but maybe a bit bright and forward for my tastes. The 40's RCA's are just a bit more sweet, warm and textured. I've been playing Hope Waits debut album non stop since 6 am to burn the amp in and with MZ I'm not tiring of hearing it. The deep, black background allows every nuance of the recording to reveal itself which sucks me in every time I sit down to listen for just a few minutes......and before I know it I've listened to the whole album......yet again! No listener fatigue here.