New huge Linear Tube Audio, David Berning fan in Texas. Had it all and favorites so far, Harbeth/Croft separates, Harbeth/LFD NCSE, Harbeth/Naim SN2, Leben/Devore. I was waiting for my Harbeth 30.1s to get repaired and got into headphones to keep me happy - Sennheiser HD800S. Mistake. Unreal with a Violectric V280 and V281. I then tried to merge the headphone system into the near field desktop rig and wanted the best performance of both worlds. It’s worse than trying to do good 2-channel with an AV system. I didn’t want anything huge sitting on my beautiful desk like a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP or Manley Stingray II tube Integrated. Violectric V281 was great but wasn’t completely happy with the 2 channel side using its pre-outs or the AV pass through on the Belles. I moved on from Harbeth P3ESRs at this point because I wanted to lose the mid bass hump. My research of great headphone amps that also act as great preamps led me to the LTA MZ2. I was a little scared that the MZ2 wouldn’t kick the HD800S headphones into gear being their bass can be a little lightweight. I also wanted to maintain dynamics, soundstage and nuance. Well so far, I haven't been disappointed with the MZ2 one bit. I know you guys hate hearing this but it really seems like the best of tubes and solid state.
Now moving on to 2-channel. MZ2 with the Z10 has blown me away with my newly acquired Proac Tablette 10 speakers that only require a minimum of 5 watts. The guy I bought the Z10 from had the tubes messed up pretty bad. Now have all Gold Lions in the MZ2 and Z10. WOW! Still using a Tung-Sol 6SN7 GTB in the MZ2 as Gold Lion doesn't make that one yet. Seems perfectly fine. My old Chord 2Qute DAC is working out great with this rig. Timbre, instruments truly sound like what they are supposed to sound like in every recording, such beautiful tonal color and balance. Vocals sound the best I’ve ever heard, Stacey Kent, Norah Jones and Brandi Carlile. Rock sounds amazing, Radiohead, Spoon, you name it. Transients like leading edge sound much more realistic now that I got the Tung-Sol 2AT7/ 12AU7 and cheap Russian tubes out of the Z10. Sound stage placement also got more defined without any fatigue. Tonal balance, perfect. So happy. Who thought I could have the best of both worlds in one system, headphone and 2-channel. Maybe I can now concentrate on the music.
Now moving on to 2-channel. MZ2 with the Z10 has blown me away with my newly acquired Proac Tablette 10 speakers that only require a minimum of 5 watts. The guy I bought the Z10 from had the tubes messed up pretty bad. Now have all Gold Lions in the MZ2 and Z10. WOW! Still using a Tung-Sol 6SN7 GTB in the MZ2 as Gold Lion doesn't make that one yet. Seems perfectly fine. My old Chord 2Qute DAC is working out great with this rig. Timbre, instruments truly sound like what they are supposed to sound like in every recording, such beautiful tonal color and balance. Vocals sound the best I’ve ever heard, Stacey Kent, Norah Jones and Brandi Carlile. Rock sounds amazing, Radiohead, Spoon, you name it. Transients like leading edge sound much more realistic now that I got the Tung-Sol 2AT7/ 12AU7 and cheap Russian tubes out of the Z10. Sound stage placement also got more defined without any fatigue. Tonal balance, perfect. So happy. Who thought I could have the best of both worlds in one system, headphone and 2-channel. Maybe I can now concentrate on the music.