Anyone own Linear Tube Audio Amps?

Wow now that was exactly what I hoped others would have to share!

WJ- Good feedback thanks. I did speak with Nicolas this afternoon.

He suggested some of his buyers traded Pass for LTA and were pleased.

Recommended the 20 INT over his 40. Cost same.

JJ49- Agree with your I-50/Zotl comparison. Nic said I should expect

most of the detail of the Pass only with more openness. Did not mention

loss of bass grip but...

RA81-Which speakers with the Ultra? Room size? Listening level? Thank you.

GHD- I see you have much experience in the ARC world. I have another friend

who is with you there. We toured the ARC facility last Sept which was what got me

started on this I-50 tangent. Have you had an opportunity to hear any of the

LTA products?

I own Ultralinear amps on Fyne (modern Tannoy) and it’s a superb match. I had the XA25 before and it did not have superior bass.

I had the XA-25 driving Spatial X5s, and it was a spectacular combination. I have been to LTAs facility and listened to several of their amps on Spatial Sapphire model. While this is not in any way a fair comparison (room, speaker, time), the LTA amps did not make magic, while the XA-25 did in a big way.

I have the MZ pre, ZOTL40 and use Janszen zA2.1 hybrid electrostats. This is the ultimate in synergy and yes the ZOTL40 can power electrostats to glorious levels.

nick is a really good guy, isn’t stupid, he of course would not focus on the main weakness of the lta vs the pass - bass depth slam and control 😂

that said, as one would expect in this high level of gear, we choose what we choose because we prefer one set of tradeoffs and attributes offered by one item, vs that of another

m series sapphire line of speakers need serious damping factor to sound their best, though the bass response is its towering strength as a speaker for sure, so even if not particularly well driven, its bass will impress many that come from more standard speakers with little woofers in boxes... but let’s be real... m series with their 2x 12 or 15 in woofers per side, doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see amp damping factor is going to be critical to success