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

@dotto81 A friend has a Rhumba Extreme 1.4. He swears by it. The 1.4 might be the most affordable component in his system. He swung by Sunday after visiting a couple of wineries. He knew the Level 3 was installed and he wanted to give a listen.

By the time he arrived I was very impressed with the results. While my system costs a fraction of his I believe it compares favorably. He has been encouraging me to step up to the Rhumba Extreme 1.4 saying that it would be the best investment in my system, even more than a streamer upgrade, which I am considering.

He joined me for a game of pool while we listened. About halfway through he asked me to play A Vivaldi Four Seasons SACD. He sat there for around twenty minutes and said the preamp made all the difference. He felt is was the equivalent of his 1.4. While I thought it was also I know better than to suggest it to him. Now he says the next upgrade I should focus on is a streamer. We agree. He loved the detail, the instrument separation, the improved pacing, and the pleasure of listening to it. While he is not a fan of electrostatic speakers he does like my set up with the dual subwoofers.

I doubt if he will switch over from the 1.4 to the Level 3. I actually think he will find a very expensive preamp to upgrade his system. That is the way he rolls. Otherwise, he is a decent guy.

@thriftyaudio   Thanks for that update.  I auditioned the Backert Labs Rythm 1.4 a few weeks ago.  The Rhumba Extreme was not on hand.   Now I’m torn because I really liked the Rythm. It’s a big leap in price from them Rhumba Extreme. 

At @dotto81 Paul brought both in and for some reason preferred the Rhumba Extreme 1.4 versus the Rhythm. He is not shy about spending money. I do not remember the specifics.

I have my ZOTL pre at LTA now, getting the upgrade. I'm just waiting for Jacob to call me so I can go pick it up. I also own the Backert Labs Rythm 1.4 and look forward to a comparison. I'm a huge LTA fan, but I don't expect the ZOTL to be on the same level as the Rythm 1.4. It will be fun finding out.

Are there any compromises made when going from level 2 to level 3?  It was mentioned that the sound was more forward?  Does the added detail come with added sibilance?  It sounds like there are improvements to be had, but I'm hesitant because I have my system the way I like it (tubes, cables, ddc, clock, etc).