Micro zotl 2 upgrade

Get the full size MicroZOTL preamp. It is better than the AR, my opinion of course.

Better than which model audio research?

Better than ls28 or ls27?

Following. I’m looking into both. I have requirements though that might helps distinguish what would works best for me. Needs to be technically good enough to be in a system with Wilson’s, separation of instruments etc..need to come from a black background and not stripped and into its own non dark space like some of the higher end preamps tend to do, dark and melodic needs to sound dark and melodic, colorful and not grey, vocals shouldn’t be enlarged at the risk of changing the sizes of instruments.speaker driver coherency is a big thing for me so imaging shouldn’t be wonky.  Wouldn’t mind some of the tube tonality.  Also can’t lack extension up top. Highs are one of my favorite aspect of a system

I’d agree with @lancelock and think you’d need to at least go to at least a Ref 5SE — more likely the Ref 6SE — and not even sure that’d be an improvement. If you like the sound of the MZ2, going up the scale makes a lot of sense. Point is, there’s a lot of value in the LTA line and may take $$$ to meaningfully surpass their performance with a more “traditional” brand marketed through dealers. FWIW.

You are lucky...

I wanted a microzotl for years but cannot afford it..

But i could improved my system over the roof to the point i did not feel frustrated at all now  with my Samsui AU 7700 very good basic amplifier thanks to ACOUSTIC treatment and control..

Look for acoustic and keep the microzotl..

The key to audiophile experience is not the dac the amplifier or even the speakers alone but their link with the room...

Spare your money...