Linear Tube Audio - Micro ZOTL - version -3 Update on upgrades


 

Having just received the Micro-Z OTL  version 2 in Feb  and seeing a much better upgrade was available . I had to do it to help complete my quest to get everything in my audio system as good as possible, and for 6 months the 30% off the upgrade stands  . Where the older model had 4 circuit boards ,now just one very high quality Ceramic board ,with  a small sister  board , Gold over thick Copper traces. To start  with an additional 80k uf  in filter capacitance over 200k in total ,more then most amplifiers,pretty much Everything is name brand parts . I have the Top of the line Lundahl input transformers  from Sweden .

having many years in Audio  and having had many audio pieces modded , this preamp is Loaded with top of the line in parts quality using worlds best Belleson low noise regulators , Nichicon GOLD capacitors ,from Japan ,AMTRAN BEST - Golden SQ  also Japan .EPCOS from Germany.Clarity-CMR -U.k  all top notch capacitors 

With balanced inputs , and the David Berning design Micro -Z-OTL output stage and Mark and engineering team . The interior is vastly upgraded, now a. Nice large toggle switch to choose  between the 6 v - 6sn7 tubes and 12v. 12sn7 , the whole tube socket area is a nice thick platform no flexing  and having just 1 Big main board not only more robust but much lower noise floor is Very apparent.   Sonically  the New version -3  is a major step up. To start I used just the stock tubes in the Version 3 to test  vs  an audio friends with the version 2 with much better Rays select 6sn7 tubes and  same Telefunken 12au7 tubes that I bought . TheNew Version is better  with ease !  Image depth is better and a deeper larger soundstage , Bass-MidBass has even better dynamics and slam, even quieter blacker back grounds, With excellent control ,and is just more tuneful, fast, and articulate.  When I decided Now it’s time to. Put in my top Rays select 6sn7 tubes And  12AU7 Telefunken Red tip medical grade  tubes . It was at minimum another  5 % Better still !! This was a substantial upgrade even with stock tubes   .I go to several audio gatherings,  the ones who have heard this all have $50k+ audio systems and stated you would have to spend well over $12k  to just to come close to this preamplifier performance music just is seamless and coherent which I totally agree !! It has the best of what tubes do best in a Big open soundstage stage , with lots of Air and separation around the instruments ,with excellent Solid state like imaging Big dynamics and ultra fast Tight Bass, much more so now in the version 3 . Listening ,to classic Beatles to Pink Floyd interactions in the micro details that before we’re barely audible now come out of the shadows and  are clear and defined , this alone to me is special .I have not found a preamp even  close in the $10k+ range that can better this SS or vacuum Tubes,  Great Job 👏 To  all at LTA Audio 👍🎶👍.

 

audioman58

My  brother is keeping the Gryphon open I have 2+ audio systems.

the LTA will be going with a Rebuilt older Goldman amplifier that is exceptional rebuilt 3 years ago ,got a sweet deal , I heard the amp already from our local audio club . I listened to it last night the $$ was the only sticking point ,paid under $10 k  new $30k+ 2012, 220 v transformer replaced to 120v also.

the LTA preamp sounds Great with it , maybe even better then the gryphon Diablo .the deal was not confirmed until this morning , for a change I get the bargain !!

I have not compared then side by side . I still may buy the Gryphon this summer though from him . $$ is always the deciding factor never enough $$

Smatsui I never had anything even remotely negative regarding the LTA  preamp.

my goal was to match the Gryphon Diablo 300 synergy amp,preamp 

being That good beating most Any separates even low to mid $20k mark 

that was my only reservation. Having owned a Audio store for a decade 

and 40+ years in Audio I am Very Picky , there are no absolutes in Audio.

a true Audiophile Never stops trying for perfection always a tweak here or there .

grain of Salt or 🌶️  Pepper.I just tell it like it is and my goals ,most people don’t match for synergy from the router on down ,I do Everything ,and is being upgraded ,this year As we speak !!

for my retirement Audioman58: tell you my age .

I understand where AudioMan58 is coming from comparing these components. Why? Because I have the LTA preamp on one system and a Gryphon Diablo 120 paired with another speaker. They are both outstanding performers. Unfortunately, both of these systems are competing in my living room for final real estate. 

I’ll most likely upgrade my LTA preamp at some point in the future. I may also upgrade to the Gryphon 300 and simplify things. I just think this is a case of two outstanding components with owners who are questing for the optimal experience. 
 

Before anyone reminds me, I realize that’s a fool errands. But here we are on this forum obsessing about these things! 

To be honest this so called hobby cab be stressful at times. 
especially if you want something that’s ideal but out f your budget .

my brother being an attorney for a Big defense contractor is my little brother 

has audio systems in electrons just sitting on the shelf in his Audio closet 

to swap out gear , he never lends it out ,

and 2 $100-150 k systems he doesnot appreciate. When I had a Audio store

it was nice to get at 50-60% off , now synergy for the best price I can afford .

my speakers will be the most $$ expensive . Will see by fall Whst I come up with .

p,.s getting older Sucks , the 100 lb amps I used to be able to lift ,no more 

or Hernia and slipped disc- LOL.

 

Any updates? I am wondering if anyone else has had the opportunity to hear the Level 3 upgrade and compare it to Level 2?