2. amps-preamps
  3. 168579-1998

LTA Ultralinear vs SET amps

Linear Tube Audio has compared its amps to SET amps, saying they have all the benefits while also adding thumping dynamics, which is exactly what I am looking for. Yet combing through all the reviews and testimonials, I have trouble finding anybody who has specifically compared their amps directly to an SET, be it a 300B, a 2A3, or an 845, 45, etc. Is there anybody who has done exactly this and give some impressions? I currently have 300B monoblocks and love everything about them -- the big, magical, lifelike soundstage, the air, the detail, etc.. -- except for the slightly anemic dynamics and lack of that toe-tapping factor to really suck me into the music. Is there somebody who can enlighten me as to whether the Ultralinear Integrated might be just what the doctor ordered with my 99dB speakers, or not?
cfluxa
mglik
914 posts
 
The Atma-Sphere OTL are special. I lived and loved SET sound for decades. I got Atma M-60s on trial. After 5 minutes, I knew that I was done with 300B and 45s forever. The M-60s were as magical and musical combined with detail like a great SS amp.
jond's avatar
jond
6,056 posts
 
I agree with Larry DHT's in a pushpull configuration can sound pretty special. I'm currently listening to a pushpull 2a3 amp with vintage Acrosound transformers and it sounds spectacular with 93db sensitive speakers.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,420 posts
 
I had to chuckle at the mention of Sonic Frontiers. I briefly owned a Power 2 and of the near 30 tube amps I’ve owned, it was the worst I’ve ever heard. You couldn’t give me another one.

Oz
lancelock's avatar
lancelock
1,107 posts
 
@bigwave1,


You should talk to Nicholas or Mark at LTA. My understanding is that they will do the same mods on the UL which is easy since there is only a 5% difference in the circuit between the UL and the ZOTL40.
badgerdms
158 posts
 
Like everything else, it depends on the match with the speakers.  That said, I agree with Lance that the LTA is not lean at all.  They all sound different though and for me, the Ultralinear didn't move me, while the Z40 Integrated did.  I also really liked the Z10i if you only need 12 WPC.  I own the Z40 (paired with Volti Rivals if that gives you a sense of my rig).

I think SETs are different animals but I used to have Joule Electra VZN-160s for many years, which I think is the working definition of "Lush Life" and while the LTAs are not as lush as the Joule Electra's there are several things they do better and have that same spooky transparency in the mids that I really have only heard with OTLs.
More to discover