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?

 

GH- Agreed in resale Pass will fare much better than LTA. Perhaps even ARC.

I think I will drop the LTA idea and either be happy with what I have

or consider the I-50 again. If I have the tube hassle I want the tube

warmth too.

AD3 & Keith- That is a lot of good info, thank you!

From what I read the Coda has surpassed Pass in

several ways. Love to see a blind test of those two.

 

Okay re the LTA. Not going back to separates so the LTA INT options

are all I would consider. If budget allowed I would buy Berning gear.

 

I want great mid range vocals and musicality. To me musicality means an

engaging sound. You turn your head when a given passage sounds amazing.

 

So what to do?

I can sell the pass for what I paid last year. $5,500. The MSRP is now up to

$7,750.

The LTA Ultra 20 INT -my abbreviated name- is $6,250. This is the model Nico

recommended.

Resale would probably be a big hit as LTA is a relatively unknown brand.

 

I am also in a decision making mode right now between the new Fritz Carrera

7BEs and the old Tannoys. My Tannoys had the crossovers totally redone

by Danny Ritchie last summer. They have wowed people.

 

Now I have enough hours on the Fritz to have a good feel for what they

are about. I have them on a 30 day trial.

 

FINDINGS:

Tannoys:

-Better producers of a locked in center image and an overall wider soundstage.

-Better at movies/TV watching

-Hard to beat the midrange of these bigboys on female vocals

 

Carreras:

-Better at top end detail. a veil or two removed as compared to the

Tannoys yet not at all forward. SD Beryllium.

-The 7" Scanspeak Revelator mid woofer (version used by Wilson) is rated down to 40 hz -same as the Tannoys. Produces a cleaner, faster bass.

-It is a two way system with a series crossover so coherency is amazing.

I use a REL T5x Sub so the bass is still good.

 

I am leaning toward selling the big Tannoys and keeping the new Fritz

speakers. New sound with more detail for me and wife who is thrilled

to see the big boys go away.

 

I know I will regret selling them but I am a "One System" guy who

does not believe in having unused gear in a closet.

 

Does anyone else have something to add for my consideration??

 

 

 

 

AG- What are GRFs?