I updated from LTA level 1 to level 3, and I found the level 3 to be more dimensional, to have tighter bass, and to have more full/fleshed out/projected vocals. There is more air/space around vocals while at the same time having stronger/fuller vocals and more detail overall. It is just objectively better most everywhere (although truth be told I kindof dug the looser (by direct comparison ) bass on the level 1 for some music.
I have no high end comparisons for preamps to make, but I can say that in my system (highly treated room, Pass XA25, and Focal Kanta) the lta kevel 3 preamp has been a game changer that will never be replaced by me (unless they release a level 4 sone day. It is absolutely end game sound as far as I am concerned for my system and for the goals I hoped to accomplish when i set out on this journey. Whether it is the best of all, I have no idea, but I can say it is fantastic overall and everything I could have hoped for when taking the plunge. Before the lta (even the level 1 is still eye opening), I still harbored silly thoughts about questioning what a preamp really does, if it is necessary, and if it can really improve sound. Needless to say, I have now been educated…