2. amps-preamps
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Great experience with Linear Tube Audio

I ordered up an LTA MZ2 the other day but, before I pulled the trigger, I had some questions in regards to his amp and tubes/sonics etc.

Now I’ll be the first to admit a lot of my questions were very basic especially to someone as experienced as Mark is at LTA. My emails were all answered promptly and he explained everything to me in layman terms in a totally non condescending way.

But the coolest part is I gave them a call today to upgrade some tubes and change the shipping address. He wanted to see what the status was on my order. So while I’m still on the phone I hear him say "Hey, what’s the status on Jon’s amp?". The guys obviously sound like they’re in the same room and they’re testing my amp as we spoke. Not going to lie, some kind of man child excitement came over me. I can’t wait to receive it.

128x128hfaddict
14 responses Add your response
wig's avatar
wig
1,270 posts
 
@hfaddict

This is what a lot of LM users have done, bypassing the standard volume pot and from the users I've contacted, the results are phenomenal across the board. It was the direction I was going before selling my LM.

Let us know your findings since more LM users are considering the same avenue in extracting the most out of their 508IA.

Wig 

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@wig I certainly will. I had also seen it mentioned a lot of the potential benefits of running a separate pre to the 518/508. I almost feel a little bad because I don't even have my 508 entirely broke in yet. But the reason for the MZ2 wasn't entirely to improve my sound although I'm certain it will. It will also allow me to directly power the DI's from the MZ2 while using the Line Mag for a second system when/if desired.

I just couldn't resist the rave reviews on the Tekton thread regarding this unit. Take care Wig. 

joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
I've had my LTA MZ2 for a few weeks now and absolutely love it. It's a spectacular performer. For the cost of admission, it beats preamps many times the cost.
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@joeinid  Excellent news!  What are you running for an amp?  Have you noticed the MZ2 required much break in time?
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
I've had my LTA MZ2 for a few months now and also absolutely love it. I was using it as an integrated amp driving my Tekton Double Impacts with great results but added an amp yesterday and am now using it as a pre amp.....where it's performing equally great.

Mark and Will at LTA are a joy to deal with and my hat is off to them for producing such great performing products at prices the average joe can afford. 

Im pretty sure you'll be extremely pleased with it, hfaddict. 
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
@joeinid  Excellent news! What are you running for an amp? Have you noticed the MZ2 required much break in time?

I am using different amps depending on speakers and mood. From my Triode Corp TRX-M845 monos, McIntosh MC303, Accuphase A36 and Job 250 monos. It is SUPERB with ALL my amps. I felt after a few days it settled down and within a week it was pretty much broken in. I did replace the stock tubes with a sweeter, low gain 12AU7 just to move me up higher in the volume scale. I do most of my listening in the late evening and early morning and I am extremely happy.
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
joeinid, 

what tubes are you running in the MZ2? The MZ is great at revealing the sonic qualities of the tubes used. Currently I'm using NOS TungSol 12SN7 oval plates and Gold Brand Sylvania 12AT7's with very good results. I've heard that NOS RCA 12SX7's are a great substitute for the 12SN7's also. I'm ordering a pair to see. 
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
Hi mac,

I am running the Mullard CV4003 / 12AU7 Vintage New Old Stock from Upscale audio. I do have a bunch of other tubes waiting in the wings but am so happy so far. I don’t feel any need to swap tubes yet, but I am a little curious what the others will sound like.

I was told by a friend, but never checked with LTA, that the 12SN/6SN tubes have no effect on sound if it is used as a preamp. I did order the 12SN7 from LTA as an upgrade from the 6SN7 tubes but it may have been wasted on my part.
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
Joe,

I haven't noticed any real difference between 6SN or 12SN's in the MZ even used as an integrated amp. The Marconi BL 63's ( with adapters) sound great and make another alternative to the 6SN7. 
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
Thank you so much for the additional info. LTA gear is wonderful.
lancelock
1,094 posts
 
The folks at LTA, Mark, Will and the guys are great people. If they sounded like they were in the same room it’s because they probably were. Not a big place but a friendly and fun place to hang out. I stop in whenever I’m in the neighborhood and always welcomed.

Im using my MZ-2 as a preamp currently. I just got a set of 12SX7 tubes and they are the best sounding so far. I have tried numerous 6 and 12SN7 variants.

There is no difference in sound with 6 volt or 12 volt tubes.
Lance
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@mac48025 As I'll also be playing around with running the MZ2 solely to the DI's from time to time,  I have to ask... How well did the 1 watt run them? My main genres are modern folk and blues at low to moderate volume levels. Is everything there in the music? Dynamics and bass? 

I've read everything Teajay and the other boys were saying about this unit but it's just beyond my comprehension. It's killing me that I still have to wait a week to find out for myself! Lol. 

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@joeinid Nice gear my friend!

I ended up with the Brimar White T 12at7's on the input side and NOS 12sn7 output tubes. No upgraded power supply unfortunately. 

Still saving up for cable upgrades now. 
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
hfaddict,

Thank you very much. I appreciate the kind words. The LTA gear is awesome.

Please keep us updated on your journey.
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