Teajay gave me this answer in another thread,even though I would probably use tubes with either pre. I still would like more info.
As far as Kenny's question regarding how the Micro-ZOTL sounds like driving SS amps is it brings its virtues to the overall sound when I used it with great SS pieces like Accuphase, Pass Labs, and Perla Audio.
I'm leaning more towards the MZ2 at this point sounds like a incredibly good preamp.
Anybody want to comment.
Kenny.
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Lance,
Sounds very good,I'm anxious to hear about the outcome.
I haven't heard the ahb2,It has been on my shortlist since it came out,I hear I'ts a very clean machine might put class d to shame paired with the right Pre. and you might have the perfect combo.
Keep is updated,
Kenny.
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I ordered my MZ2 today and should have it in about 3 weeks,I can't wait to try it.
I have a extensive collection of 6sn7 tubes already that I have bought and used over the years but I will try my favorite one first and that is a current production tube the Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z.
Kenny.
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Lance,
Are you using 2 of the MZ2's in the same system or do you have 2 systems?
The Tung Sol black glass from the 40's is a very good tube,I have 3 pairs of them,they are extremely expensive now and I most definitely will be comparing.
Kenny.
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Lance,
I know in past preamps I have had very good results with the Tung sol black glass 6sn7,Slyvania chrome domes and 3 hole bad boys,treasure cv-181-z and the new production Sophia electric 6sn7's but had terrible results with the new production Tung sol 6sn7's.
The MZ2 is probably a tube rollers delight,sounds like it responds very well to diff. tube combos.
I still have my Valvet soul shine that was a Little better than a modwright Ls-100 that I sold,both very respectful pre's though.
I see some guys are having very good luck finding and using the 12sn7's It's a nice feature that the MZ2 can use both.
Kenny.
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Lance,
Good to hear your liking the AHB2,keep us informed.
Do you think it betters the Job in your system and could you tell us the rest of your system.
What kind of cables are you using between the MZ and the AHB2,knowing the AHB2 has xlr input only.
Best,
Kenny.
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Facten,
I won't get my MZ2 for a couple of weeks.
I sold the mw ls-100 to a friend in our local audio club and I will be borrowing it back for a direct comparison in the future.
I still have my soul shine for now and will be comparing also.
Kenny.
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Oops I forgot to mention the sources,
Ps audio Direct stream dac
Wilson Bensch Circle turntable
Zyx airy 3 cartridge
Soundsmith Scp-2 phono preamp
Kenny.
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Lance,
Thank's for sharing your system info looks like you have 3 very good systems.
Baranyi,
I'm glad you mentioned about PC's making a diff. with the pwr supply.
I definitely have had good results using better cords on other gear.
The solid state amps. that I'm going to try with my MZ2,
First watt diy push pull sit,courtesy of Nelson's gracious nature
Modwright KWA-100SE
Red Dragon S-500
Bel Canto Ref600m's
Nuprime St-10
Yamamoto A09s
I will be mostly using my Tekton Double Impacts and will trying my Zu audio def 4's from my 2nd system as well.
This should be a lot of fun,I can't wait to get my MZ2.
Kenny.
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Lance,
Thank's for the update,I still have the AHB2 on my short list.
Would you put the AHB2 as being neutral or on the slightly warm side of neutral driven by the MZ2 in your system of course.
I ordered my MZ2 with the linear pwr supply and it looks like that is the most popular.I haven't heard of anybody getting the switch mode.Kinda interesting.
Enjoy the music,
Kenny. |
Lance,
That's a interesting comparison,may just want to stick with the volume control on the Sonica unless this system needs more than 1 input.
I'll need a preamp with 3 inputs in my main system,I have used the volume control on my direct stream and It's a good one though.
I do know that sometimes we do tend to over complicate our systems and sometimes simpler maybe better and on the other hand if we didn't try multiple combo's we would never know or experience changes for the better.Just a part of the hobby.
Kenny. |
Lance,
I didn't know LTA could configure their MZ2 with 2 sets of preamp outputs instead of speaker output terminals,I'm sure there is not very much room on the back the unit is only 9 inches wide.
The AHB2 has such astonishing low noise and or distortion specs. I would suspect none the less on micro detail retrieval and probably convey's the nature warmth and nuances on each individual recording without adding much of anything other than gain.
It's good to hear that the bass,with some breakin time has equaled or is better than the Job,I thought the Job had really good bass when I used one.
Just proves once again that most components need some time on them to settle in and really show their true character.
Kenny. |
Another feature of the MZ2 is the ability to change the output tubes heater voltage from either 6volt to 12volt,so either 12sn7 or 6sn7 tubes can be used.
I already have a good collection of nos and new production 6sn7's to try but I see the prices on some of the best tubes are very expensive,they must be getting more scarce then I thought.I haven't bought any tubes in 6 or 7 yrs I haven't had a need to.
Has anybody had good luck finding really good 12sn7's and where did you buy them.
I know Lance mentioned he is using 1940's Tung Sol ovals,black glass.
Kenny.
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Nick, You might check out the thread titled, https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/initial-impression-of-the-nuprime-st-10-ampBoth the St-10 and the S-500 are really good examples of modern class d amps without breaking the bank. That's a bummer to hear about the la show,I don't go to them anymore they are just not enjoyable to me. I seriously considered the spatials and the pure audio project with the voxative full range driver but in our new smaller house I really don't have the correct room for them or panel speakers either. But that's ok I really like my DI's. When do you think you will get your MZ2,mine is supposed to be shipped by the end of next week. I can't wait. Best, Kenny. |
Hello all,
Finally a MZ2 has arrived in my system,I'm using the tubes that were shipped with it for now,RCA 12sn7 and Ge 6201's.
This is most definitely going to be a game changer for me,I really don't want to turn it off and change tubes,maybe tomorrow.
I'm using the speaker outputs to pwr my 95db Tekton DI's. |
Baranyi,
Mine came with average nos tubes,but I definitely will be changing them in the next day or 2.
I'm using a spare audience pwr cable for now I didn't even try the stock cord at all.
The MZ2 and the LPS really do have some first class workmanship on the inside,you can tell that both units are well thought out and implemented and of course great sound. |
