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

I have listened to the Ray Reserve tubes for the past week. The improvement I heard from the LA4 to the LTA MicroZOTL was matched by the improvement with the RR. Still waiting for the Gold Lion to arrive. It sounds like LTA will be offering Ray Select either in place of, or with the Gold Lion. I am hoping there is some change, but I cannot imagine what it would be. The good thing is I will have back up tubes in case anything fails.

Only two things on my upgrade list now.

1) Monoblock Pass Lab XA025 amplifiers.

2) Innuos NG item to replace the Pulse and Phoenix currently in place.

I am always concerned the Acoustat 1+1 will reach the end of life (close to 40 years old), but I will cross that bridge only when I absolutely have to. The entire system is built around the Acoustats!

Installed the Gold Lion tubes a few days ago and let the system adjust. Performed the critical listening test tonight. I was expecting little or no improvement. The first few passive listening sessions were a bit of a disappointment.

Started off with some classical and went, ’wow.’ I thought it might just be my music selection. Moved onto a quartet with Vivaldi and was also impressed. Pushed on with Santana, then Horslips, and finally some good ole Three Dog Night. I am stunned. This pre-amp, in my system, sounds amazing. Just to push the sound a bit I tried some Stray Cats. Nirvana... today. Probably tomorrow too!

I was getting ready to upgrade the streamer to an Innuos NG product, but that is on hold. I am at a satisfaction state. It is best that I hold onto this for awhile. It is nice.

@thriftyaudio What have you chosen as the best tube combination for the LTA preamp? 

@sls883 Thanks for following up.

The folks at LTA are correct with the Ray Reserve and the Gold Lion tubes being a step up, or three, over the stock tubes. The RR tubes were a huge upgrade and I was already pleased with the improved listening fun of the MicroZOTL Level 2 over the LA4 (which is a great SS amp). The Gold Lion tubes just added a bit of detail and a bit more 'smoothness' to the experience. 

I asked LTA about the Ray Select tubes that are the same size as the Gold Lion. It sounds like the RS tubes MAY become an option at some point. I am tempted to get a pair, but will wait.

The next step on my audio journey is adding a Network Switch. I was considering an Innuos Phoenix NET, and during my research found the Network Acoustics Tempus. I reached out to them and asked what kind of improvements would my particular system experience. The response was the typical 'background blackness, detail, soundstage improvement, etc'. They did suggest I try something first to confirm the benefits of a network switch. 

we recommend trying a d-link dgs 105 with an ifi power 5v psu.

It was an interesting suggestion since they suggested it would be around $70 US. It ended up costing just under $100, but still a lot less than a used Phoenix USB or used Tempus. I will be installing the switch this week.

The hobby is definitely fun, and not always uber expensive.

@thriftyaudio  I'd like to try the Ray Reserve, but I think I have decent tubes, so I can't bring myself to spend $480.  My tubes aren't the tubes that came from the factory with the preamp.  I tried those and they weren't as good.  

Did you have to buy a top with the bigger holes?  I looked at those, but LTA is sold out, so I don't think the Ray Reserve would work unless I left the top off.