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Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2)

I have enjoyed my LA4 preamp, but I want to see if a quality tube preamp would be more to my liking. I have ordered a LTA MicroZOTL Level 2 and it should be here in a few weeks.

My current set up:

Acoustat 1+1 with a SPL Crossover and dual Rhythmik F12SE subs

Innuos Pulse paired with an Innuos Phoenix USB

Bricasti M1S2 DAC

Marantz 8003 SACD (rarely used)

Technics SL1500 turntable with AT VM540ML cart upgraded with a RigB body

Pass Labs XA 25 power amp

Upgraded, but not excessive, cable

I have a month to compare the two preamplifiers and decide if I should make the move to the dark side (tubes). Everything I have read suggests the MicroZOTL L2 should improve stage presence, separation, and depth without significant detail loss. I do 95% of my listening through Qobuz and Sense with the rest from vinyl. The SACD player is only used for the occasional SACD not offered as HD through Qobuz.

Prior to settling on the LTA I listened to a used Electrocompaniet EC 4.8 Mk2 (had not settled on trying tubes yet.) (poor detail when compared with LA4 and narrower soundstage).   I also wanted to try a Pass Labs XP 22, but could not find a used one to try at home (also prior to the tube exploration).  I auditioned a used ARC 5SE (decent soundstage, but suppressed high end and the bass was underwhelming). 

I am looking for any guidance or suggestions the Agon community might have for me.

Thanks in advance!

Ralph

thriftyaudio
yyzsantabarbara
4,881 posts
 

@thriftyaudio For all of my 2-channel listening I use the HPA4 (same as the LA4) and the Holo Audio Serene. The Serene is almost a copy of the HPA4, just a tad warmer. The Serene also sounds nice with Class A amps, such as my CODA #16. Though I keep thinking of trading it for a LA4.

Another preamp that I owned and is always regarded as sounding like a tube preamp is the solid-state CODA 07x (the most recent model). As with many tube setups I found it too noisy in relation to my LA4 (owned before the HPA4).

 

yyzsantabarbara
4,881 posts
 

Have you considered using a tube DAC with the LA4? That way you can have the best of both worlds, except for your turntable.

I also have SACD's and use the GEERFab D.BOB to play the DSD stream on my DACs which are better decoders than the OPPO player. Your Briscati DAC should be great with your SACDs. I feel the disk playback seems a bit better than streaming. A shorter path in many ways.

GeerFab Audio D.BOB Digital BreakOut Box (OPEN) – Upscale Audio

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,160 posts
 

@thriftyaudio I used to run XP22 with XA-30.8 then upgraded to X260.8. Big difference across the board. Had Audio Research Ref6 for few weeks as well. Bass was phenomenal. I ultimately preferred the XP22. My DAC is Bricasti M3.

Before you splurge on a new preamp, I would encourage you to try the Bricasti M1S2 preamp section. One other point I would like to make is that the Bricasti DACs sound their best via their XLR outs. It’s very possible that you would get much better results if you upgraded your amp, instead of preamp. Just a thought…

But if you want to go ahead with a preamp upgrade, I would highly recommend XP22. Just run your DAC using XLR cables into preamp. 

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