Linear Tube Audio - Micro ZOTL - version -3 Update on upgrades


 

Having just received the Micro-Z OTL  version 2 in Feb  and seeing a much better upgrade was available . I had to do it to help complete my quest to get everything in my audio system as good as possible, and for 6 months the 30% off the upgrade stands  . Where the older model had 4 circuit boards ,now just one very high quality Ceramic board ,with  a small sister  board , Gold over thick Copper traces. To start  with an additional 80k uf  in filter capacitance over 200k in total ,more then most amplifiers,pretty much Everything is name brand parts . I have the Top of the line Lundahl input transformers  from Sweden .

having many years in Audio  and having had many audio pieces modded , this preamp is Loaded with top of the line in parts quality using worlds best Belleson low noise regulators , Nichicon GOLD capacitors ,from Japan ,AMTRAN BEST - Golden SQ  also Japan .EPCOS from Germany.Clarity-CMR -U.k  all top notch capacitors 

With balanced inputs , and the David Berning design Micro -Z-OTL output stage and Mark and engineering team . The interior is vastly upgraded, now a. Nice large toggle switch to choose  between the 6 v - 6sn7 tubes and 12v. 12sn7 , the whole tube socket area is a nice thick platform no flexing  and having just 1 Big main board not only more robust but much lower noise floor is Very apparent.   Sonically  the New version -3  is a major step up. To start I used just the stock tubes in the Version 3 to test  vs  an audio friends with the version 2 with much better Rays select 6sn7 tubes and  same Telefunken 12au7 tubes that I bought . TheNew Version is better  with ease !  Image depth is better and a deeper larger soundstage , Bass-MidBass has even better dynamics and slam, even quieter blacker back grounds, With excellent control ,and is just more tuneful, fast, and articulate.  When I decided Now it’s time to. Put in my top Rays select 6sn7 tubes And  12AU7 Telefunken Red tip medical grade  tubes . It was at minimum another  5 % Better still !! This was a substantial upgrade even with stock tubes   .I go to several audio gatherings,  the ones who have heard this all have $50k+ audio systems and stated you would have to spend well over $12k  to just to come close to this preamplifier performance music just is seamless and coherent which I totally agree !! It has the best of what tubes do best in a Big open soundstage stage , with lots of Air and separation around the instruments ,with excellent Solid state like imaging Big dynamics and ultra fast Tight Bass, much more so now in the version 3 . Listening ,to classic Beatles to Pink Floyd interactions in the micro details that before we’re barely audible now come out of the shadows and  are clear and defined , this alone to me is special .I have not found a preamp even  close in the $10k+ range that can better this SS or vacuum Tubes,  Great Job 👏 To  all at LTA Audio 👍🎶👍.

 

audioman58

I understand where AudioMan58 is coming from comparing these components. Why? Because I have the LTA preamp on one system and a Gryphon Diablo 120 paired with another speaker. They are both outstanding performers. Unfortunately, both of these systems are competing in my living room for final real estate. 

I’ll most likely upgrade my LTA preamp at some point in the future. I may also upgrade to the Gryphon 300 and simplify things. I just think this is a case of two outstanding components with owners who are questing for the optimal experience. 
 

Before anyone reminds me, I realize that’s a fool errands. But here we are on this forum obsessing about these things! 

To be honest this so called hobby cab be stressful at times. 
especially if you want something that’s ideal but out f your budget .

my brother being an attorney for a Big defense contractor is my little brother 

has audio systems in electrons just sitting on the shelf in his Audio closet 

to swap out gear , he never lends it out ,

and 2 $100-150 k systems he doesnot appreciate. When I had a Audio store

it was nice to get at 50-60% off , now synergy for the best price I can afford .

my speakers will be the most $$ expensive . Will see by fall Whst I come up with .

p,.s getting older Sucks , the 100 lb amps I used to be able to lift ,no more 

or Hernia and slipped disc- LOL.

 

Any updates? I am wondering if anyone else has had the opportunity to hear the Level 3 upgrade and compare it to Level 2?

Yes I left several entries , the level 3 with stock tubes is noticably better the version 2 using the best premium tubes  in our audio club a guy has a version 2 a solid 10% better especially in depth of soundstage imaging and bass grip .

it was like a new preamp the precision. Alone is worth it for me 

the new AMTRANS GOLD EDITION are hand wound  AND SONICS BECOME THAT MUCH MORE 3D  IN  PERSPECTIVE.

@audioman58 I did see your comments and thank you for taking the time to share your positive impressions of the Level 3 upgrade. I am just wondering if anyone else that was in the queue ( @smatsui ​​@cbrez @thriftyaudio ) has heard the Level 3 yet?