Are MULLARD NOS EL34s and LTA ZOTL40 REF worth the price of admission?


I'm considering giving an older Linear Tube Audio (LTA) ZOTL40 Ref amp an audition.  LTA has a factory upgrade that includes upgrading to Mullard NOS EL34s for $800 (or less with additional discounts).  I am wondering if quad set of old-stock Mullard EL34s are worth the $800 price of admission?  I don't pretend to know what anyone else's budget is but $800 for quad EL34s seems like a lot.  If I'm paying the premium, it better be across the board and not just improvements on chamber music or obscure Chinese opera (no offense intended).  Does anyone have experience with either NOS Mullard tubes or LTA ZOTL40 Ref amp?  If so, please chime in.  Thanks.
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Showing 1 response by rickallen81

I have the Linear Tube Audio Z10 and all I will say is that you should try it and prepare to be amazed. Never heard another amp play music with such clarity and power that is far beyond what the watts would suggest. It’s less Tubey by far than my Primaluna was, but the trade offs i made for the Primaluna are gone. 40 watts on the Primaluna couldn’t match the 10 coming out of this. Just try it and find out.