Linear Tube Audio version 3 of the MicroZOTL pre
LTA has announced a version 3 of the MicroZOTL preamp. From their website, it sounds like a fairly significant upgrade. I reached out to them and they mentioned refinements in bass and the high end.
There is also an upgrade path for current MicroZOTL owners. Wanted to share for LTA owners and fans.
Does anyone have a firsthand experience comparing LTA pre-amp to PrimaLuna EVO 300 or 400 pre-amps? In one setup I have PrimaLuna EVO 300 integrated with efficient Cube Audio speakers - and I am happy with them sonically but replacing the darn power tubes is no fun. In another setup I have Pass Labs XA-25 power amp feeding rather demanding SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacles - for this set I am looking for a tube pre-amp. LTA and EVO 300 are currently my top considerations. Thanks in advance. |
@tkukielk - Unfortunately, I’ve not had the opportunity to hear the Primaluna. I’d suspect the pass XA-25 with the LTA would be spectacular though. |
I do use the MicroZOTL with a Pass XA25 on a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Specials. I think it is a great combination - very musical, dynamic, engaging. I have not heard the PrimaLuna to compare. Also very glad LTA worked things out with @audioman58. Customer experience counts for so much and LTA has a very solid reputation at this point. They have always been very responsive when I have reached out. |
@tkukielk I wouldn’t really view the PL and LTA as substitutes as they’re quite different. The PL will have more of the traditional tubey warm sound while the LTA will sound more neutral but still with that tube magic, so it really comes down to which type of sound you’re looking for and prefer with your equipment. As such I’m not surprised at all that @cbrez finds the LTA pre with his XA25 to be a synergistic combination. and LTA does offer a trial period that you might consider taking advantage of. Frankly, if you can afford a little more than the LTA I’d go for the Spatial Audio Raven that is probably a best of both worlds option between PL and LTA, and they also offer a trial period so that’s absolutely what I’d do. And I should note that the Raven is fully balanced where the LTA is not, which is a consideration given your Pass is a fully balanced amp. Just some thoughts FWIW, and best of luck. |
Cbrez my unit is out for #3 upgrade this . I will fill everyone know the magnitude the upgrade it’s pretty comprehensive on mainly now on a much larger # costly double sided Ceramic circuit board loaded with A much larger capacitors ,power supplies, and even better soft tubes will last even longer by design. |
