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

@sfpeloton It's only been a couple of weeks, but I was curious to see if your preamp had been updated?  I'm still on the fence about sending mine in.

@sls883  Not yet. It only arrived at LTA last Thursday, so I imagine it will be a couple of more weeks. I will be sure to post impressions once I have the opportunity.

I got my Level 3 back today after my usual hassle with FedEx. I have only been listening for 4-5 hrs now, but impressions are favorable. It sounds great, but so did the Level 2. As others have stated there is probably a little more clarity, detail and "vividness" with Level 3. Take this with a grain of salt though as I haven't been listening to my system for the last 3 weeks during the upgrade and I am basing the comparison on memory. Overall, I would say it was a subtle but worthwhile upgrade for me; however, I was expecting an even more pronounced difference between 2 and 3.

Did anyone notice an improvement with more break in?

I will update when I have some more time on the Level 3.

@sfpeloton I did not compare right away. Essentially I let it play for a day or two before evaluating. The improvement was distinct as compared to the notes I had. I believe if I had been able to compare the L2 with the L3 I would have selected the L3 even with the upgrade charge.

There was a minor improvement over time, but it is hard to quantify. I can just describe it as more relaxing without losing the detail. 

No regrets on my end. The urge to upgrade pre-amps is gone. I can live with the L3 MicroZOTL for many years. The only itch right now is for speakers, but I have yet to find ANY that I covet. There must be some out there somewhere. Hoping to to listen the TAD TX line when they get a new distributor in the US. It is always fun to be on the lookout for something.