2. amps-preamps
  3. 193806-435

Linear Tube Audio- Micro Z-OTL Preamplifier - Upgrades Mk2 to MK-3

Hello to all,I would like to clear the Air  , when I found out that there was  a major upgrade to the MK-3 Version  preamp being I just ordered this the end of December I was a bit upset..the owner Mark called me personally and explained the whole layout which is a Huge upgrade and these new Ceramic circuit boards are 8x as much $$ monies as the previous ones , dynamic swings will be night and day better with a 80k uf capacitor upgrade giving you well over 100k Uf for dynamic swings, and soundstage and greater image depth.

being 67 years old with partial disabilities and on a limited income I over reacted , the pricing is pretty fair when you realize they have to gut  the whole interior  and all the New ceramic boards location changes , far more allotted space for all this capacitance upgrades , with a newer better soft start  to go even easier on you $$ costly Vintage tubes. 

  • the Rays tube upgrade is excellent BTW. Mark literally called me Personally  for I was at the tail end of the Mk2 order.  He  is old school like myself and his integrity is first and foremost . I totally didnot understand the complexities  of the Massive upgrade. There are over 10 upgrades ahead of me. The week after next I am sending my MK-2 Micro Z- OTL in for the transformation , I will use my trusty  Isotek Run in cd for the breakin  24 -7 for a week .  I now own 3 precision pieces of electronics from them. These guys are one of only a handful who put their reputation first and foremost.  I will give you a honest  review of my upgrade findings .Enjoy your music 🎶 Fellow Audiophiles.
audioman58
3 responses Add your response
audioman58's avatar
audioman58 OP
4,278 posts
 

I totally agree LTA like dealing with Nelson Pass in the past they take pride in their work and go the extra mile to try to please their customers l Agree the 30% off is very fair and they pay for shipping and insurances .

I am very much looking forwards to hearing the upgrades ,mainly now one big Ceramic board and a small ceramic sister board there are a bunch of upgrades .

pits already a great sounding preamplifier ,I got the Lundahl input transformer upgrade , the Rays 12AU7 is a very good tube nice detailed and rich sounding 

and a 1 year warranty which is great,for the smaller 12au7  I invested in NOS Telefunken Medical grade red tip tubes which are a great complement adds even more detail. And I upgraded all 3 fuses  not too much $$ but adds more transparency Hifi tuning 20 mm. supreme Silver gold fuses .the Isoacoustics Bronze footers are a very good upgrade for feet at under $200.

thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio
77 posts
 

@audioman58 @sls883 I also purchased my MicroZOTL in December and took delivery mid January. I reached out to LTA via email regarding options. I was given the option to upgrade at a 30% lower cost if I decide to do so within six months of my purchase which seems fair to me.

Additionally, the Ray Reserve and Gold Lion tube upgrades were both wonderful. LTA has recently moved away from Gold Lion due to availability issues and are now offering Ray Select. I will probably select the Level 3 upgrade in a month or two. The Ray Select tubes will be put off indefinitely.

The LTA team are super responsive and accommodating. Very similar to my excellent experiences with the Pass Labs team. Eversolo... not so much.

sls883
676 posts
 

You need to come back and say "the upgrade sounds great, but not worth the money". I don’t need to spend more on upgrades. LOL.

Maybe some day.... 

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