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

@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.

@thriftyaudio Yes, I agree that it is best to let it play for a day or two before coming to any firm conclusions. Just wanted to give some first impressions. I am still listening and very much enjoying the sound. I am glad I upgraded. Without a side by side comparison, it is hard to know how much better Level 3 is -- I think it is better. Sometimes I feel it is all about expectations. My system sounded very good with L2. L3 has pretty much the same basic sound character to my ears, just polished and refined to some hard-to-quantify degree. 

That is the hobby -- always chasing some improvement we weren't aware could be had. For me I also like the challenge of finding that by doing research and finding products with a great value prop. I would recommend MicroZOTL L3 for anyone looking at new preamps. The price is extremely good for what they deliver. 

Happy listening.