2. amps-preamps
  3. 192332-179657

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
sls883
381 posts
 

@thriftyaudio I think you'll like it.  I had two different conrad-johnson preamps before the LTA and I prefer the LTA.

I'd be curious to hear which tube types you try and which ones you like. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
185 posts
 

@thriftyaudio - Out of curiousity, what are the alternate tubes you’ll roll with the LTA preamp? I’d love to hear your impressions as I’ve only heard the stock NOS tubes it shipped with.

thriftyaudio OP
40 posts
 

@bluethinker ​​@sls883 The three tube types are "stock tubes" plus

  • Free Premium Tube Upgrade: Receive a FREE Gold Lion + Ray Reserve 6SN7 tube upgrade with your MicroZOTL Preamplifier purchase

  • as part of the 2024 holiday deals.

sls883
381 posts
 

@sls883 it will be interesting to get your thoughts on the tubes.

The 12AT7 that came factory in mine were branded Trigon.  From what I was able to learn, they are probably a rebranded something.  They aren't great. 

I have Sylvania bad boy 12sn7gt and RCA 12sn7gt. I don't recall which pair is installed. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,873 posts
 

"Maybe I will keep the LA4 and switch back and forth."

Great choice. Get another preamp for variety. If your power amp has a front facing switch to toggle between RCA and XLR inputs, then you can even have 2 preamps hooked up at the same time. You need to see if your Bricasti is good with having the RCA and XLR outputs connected at the same time to 2 different preamps. In my office, I have my Yggi+ OG DAC connected to 2 preamps and a tube headphone amp at the same time.

BTW - My Schitt Yggi+ OG was compared this weekend to the Dave and the Tambaqui at a pretty cool headphone event. I was not there but I got feedback that both DACs were slightly favored over the OG.

"The LA4 does a better job with the M1S2 than the DAC does by itself."

I found that all DACs I had in my system were better served by the volume on the LA4. The only one that came close was the Lumin X1 that has a special Leedh volume control. Even that had a slight gremlin at the lowest volume levels.

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