2. amps-preamps
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Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc.

Hi Audio friends,

The world of preamps is taking me down a lot of rabbit holes and I'm curious what everyone out there thinks.  My journey here started with using my Dac direct to amp.  As soon as I inserted a dedicated pre the debate over pre vs. no pre ended.  Didn't realize I was missing a third of the music.  My current rig: wilson sabrina's, Coda TS v2 power amp, exasound DAC, silnote & cardas cables .  I was using a Modwright LS100 and I'm currently trialing the Linear tube audio ref pre.  The LS 100 is holographic, images well, but is not nearly as open or detailed as the LTA.  The LTA is gorgeous through the mids, but is a little muddy through the bass and not really suited for hard rock.  Wonder if different tubes would make a substantial difference to the LTA?  If anyone has experience please share. 

What other options might be considered in this price range?

 

cshadow
patrickdowns's avatar
patrickdowns
513 posts
 

I’m interested in this ... I have had an interest in the LTA preamps for some time. There are some reviews out there which rave about them (the MZ3 and the full preamp). I have never owned tubes, and am mildly obsessed with the idea!

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bhvf
209 posts
 

Primaluna Evo 400, Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3, Rogue RP7 for tubes. Any Ayre preamp for solid state. Those are ones I've tried in that price range.  The Primaluna was the most "open" of them all. Depending on what I'm listening to, what time of day/night and my mood, I could live with any of them. I see you considered the Ayre K-5xeMP in the past. For $2k it's tough to beat.

big_greg
6,640 posts
 

I went from a LS100 to a Herron VTSP-360. Kept the holographic presentation, gained more clarity into the music.  Contact Keith directly for the best price. 

cshadow OP
21 posts
 

The LTA is a really beautiful piece of kit.  Easily the quietest tubed pre I have ever heard and the low volume resolution is exceptional.  The LS100 is not as clean sounding or anywhere near as resolving, however EVERYTHING sounds B+, or even A-.  The LTA has a lot more A+, goosebump moments, but when it doesn't sound good it really doesn't sound good.  . Compared to the prima luna, the LTA is simply in a different class.   Curious about the higher end Ayre gear or ARC, but, as always, cost is the issue.  Thanks for the Herron suggestion BigG!  Your recommendation re tubes def made the modwright better btw.

lancelock
1,094 posts
 

I am currently testing 3 preamps. I have the coda 07x preamp which is the best SS pre I’ve ever owned. The Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT and the Direct Heated Triode stage sound gorgeous. I also have an LTA MicroZOTL Preamp. All three have their strengths and few weaknesses but the LTA MZ pre at this point is my favorite. I get blow back for liking the LTA over the Vinnie Rossi but this is just my opinion. Yes the MZ pre is extremely quiet or completely noise free. It’s almost as holographic as the LIO DHT but it’s much faster and dynamic. The MZ pre is sensitive to tube rolling so have at it. The MZ pre allows me to enjoy rock and jazz with nothing lacking but if you really just want to rock there’s nothing like solid state. I am a fan of Modwright but have never owned their preamp.

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