@sls883 LTA sent 6SN7. I have only used the tubes LTA shipped. This whole tube thing is new to me.
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
- ...
- 42 posts total
@sls883 May try the Ray Select 12SN7 tubes. |
@thriftyaudio I’m using Telefunken ECC801S for the input tubes. I’ve tried a number of 12AT7 and equivalents. I like the Telefunken best. Siemens ECC801S were a close second. For my preferences. I have ordered some tubes from a guy that sells on ebay. He’s knowledgeable about the LTA preamp and what works well in it. I asked him what he recommended for the output tubes if I’m looking for detail and clarity. He suggested Raytheon 6SN7 VT231 from the 1940’s. He also recommended trying GE 12SN7GT, and RCA 12SX7GT. They weren’t crazy expensive, so I bought matched pairs of all three. I really haven’t experimented with the output tubes much, so it should be interesting. |
@thriftyaudio Congrats on the new preamp. I am curious if you occasionally miss the LA4? Are you getting the same clarity from the LTA preamp as the LA4? I am debating whether to go with the sure thing, the LA4 or take a chance on the 2x more expensive Raven Revelation tube preamp. I love the clarity of the LA4 but having some variation in the preamps in-house is not bad if they meet my base requirement of clarity. I have a Benchmark HPA4 preamp which is not going anywhere. I sold my Holo Serene preamp a few days ago and I am looking for a preamp to replace it. I have a Schitt Mjolnir v3 desktop headphone amp / preamp to tie me over. |
@yyzsantabarbara Thanks for the question. I always value your observations. The LTA with just the base tubes was an improvement over the LA4. May have lost a touch of the high end, but on the whole the details were essentially the same with improved soundstage. With the upgraded tubes (Ray Reserve and Gold Lion) the high end details matched the LA4 and the soundstage improved some more. I liked the LA4, but the MicroZOTL Level 2 match it in details while improving soundstage and separation. I find the LTA is on much longer during the day with me and with my wife. No regrets. I have a question for you regarding Network Switches. Do you have any experience or recommendations with them. Recently added one ($100 total with d-link dgs 105 with an ifi power 5v psu) as suggested by Network Acoustics (Tempus) as a trial run. I liked the change. Trying to more research before making the plunge.
|
- 42 posts total