I've been trying different Amps with the DI's and lately have been using SS amps even though I prefer tubes overall. A friend from our local audio club came by this morning and brought a 30 year old amp from a company that has been long out of business. He was one of the owners in fact.
The 200 watt Mirror Image 1.1 SB power amp is class A A/B with class A for the first 30 watts and with the DI' I'm betting it never left class A as we listened this morning. I wasn't expecting anything to really beat the Bencemark ABH2 by much but this 30 year old amp is like us old men, don't underestimate us. I was floored how much this amp controlled the DI's. I have not heard this much tight bass out of the DI's until now.
My friend David tells me good luck finding one on the used market as not that many were made to begin with and in the 80's it was one of the more expensive amp made at the time. My friend left the amp with me for a while so I will keep listening.
Lance |
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the sound. The price is right.
Lance
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My one more song keeps going until my wife yells "IM TRYING TO SLEEP"
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@porscheracer , @klh007 , Marks new ZOTL intergrated 10 watt amp has true balanced inputs and not transformer balanced. A David Berning designed balanced tube circuit. I'm not sure if it's in production yet but if not, should be soon.
Lance |
@snopro , I would like to hear the pass XA-30.8 with my DI's one of these days. Nice looking set up on your systems page.
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I suppose it's all about synergy. The MZ2 paired with my ZOTL40 and electrostats is truly a giant killer!
Lance
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@teajay , what is the minimum size room you would reccommend for the Ulf? I have a 30' x 36' unfinished space above my office. The ceiling is angled and peaks at about 20', I can change that. My intention is to eventually build out this space but reduce the size of the listening room so there is other usable work space.
Lance |
@klh007 , im loving the DI's and interestingly enough using the Mirror Image there is much more bass now with this rare gem of a SS amp. As much as I enjoyed the Benchmark AHB2 it sounds a little anemic in comparison. I think David would agree since during his visit we played both. You will need to return for another listen. Unfortunately I will have to return this amp to David eventually.
Lance
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The Plinius SA103 arrived today and happy to say I was able to get the behometh down stairs without a slipped disc. After a good while of warm up getting to the toasty class A temps it sounds absolutely incredible. A tube like warmth but with speed and bass slam that makes you realize what the DI's can do on the bottom end.
If you can find this 10K amp at a reasonable used price like I did it's well worth pairing with the DI's. At 125 watts per channel it has way more power than I need and draws 500 watts continuously in class A. It does however have a switch to change to class AB which I will use when in HT mode.
im sticking with this setup at least until the next new LTA amp comes out.
Lance
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The DS has a harsh digital "glare"? That is strange. I have just the opposite experience in my system. It’s the finest most refined DAC I’ve owned. The latest firmware update is incredible.
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It looks like my DI’s will be up for sale soon. As soon as I can get my hands on the DI SE’s that is.
I hope Eric will be at the Capital Audiofest with those.
Lance
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Like others here I use the Cerious Tech Graphene Extreme speaker cables with my DI's and in my opinion the CT GE cables are a high value in the same way the DI's are. I sold off my 4K speaker cables after trying the $649 CT GE's and will never shop for cables again. |
@teajay , you will need to review some more gear soon. I stopped in at Linear Tube Audio today and saw some cool stuff coming. The new ZOTL10 MK2 is already on the web site and it is a completely different animal from the first version, with a Linear power supply and other changes Mark has made makes it sound like the MZ2 alone but with 10 watts.
Also the integrated 10watt amp is almost ready but the most interesting thing I saw was a prototype of a full size and function cost no object preamp. I always have fun when I stop in there especially when I’m supposed to be working.
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@greg22lz , They're the best SC’s I’ve ever owned as well. Outperforming a 4K set of cables I had.
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@mapman , the standard Double Impacts with upgrades will there.
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I hope to run into you Andrew, I will be there Saturday and Sunday. I’m bringing friends from out of town. This show just gets better every year. |
@bullitt5094, thanks for the awesome shootout. The Lyngdorf must be very special. Did Mark mention the new ultralinear ZOTL15? I borrowed his prototype for a while found it to be superior to the ZOTL40 that I love so much. It’s not on his web site yet but I think it will be at the show tomorrow.
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I found that 400 watts per channel SS and the 1 watt Micro ZOTL to both be wonderful sounding, just different. Of course the MZ won’t reach concert volumes but loud enough for listening habits.
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A couple of people here such as mac48025 have the DI’s and also have the DI SE on the way. I am waiting patiently for his take on the differences in sound. My purchase will probably rest on Mac’s opinion.
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@ozzy , I just read this on the Tekton owners Facebook page:
"Listened to two different amps today with an Audiogon member. ATmasphere Mk-60 mono and a Rodger mojdeski built amp. The atmasphere mono amps were very good and drove the DI's nicely. Hardly even a load for them. NIce inner detail, transients and upper and mid range. The DI's will reveal anything put into them nicely. QUite the educational time. My BAT vk500 does most of this very well but the finesse of the ATmasphere tube amp is really superb. I am still interested in the Lyngdorf 2170, the BAT VK55SE, the Aric Audio Transcend seriesKT120SE amp.Good Times tonight" |
@mac48025, I am waiting on you’re review of the DI SE speakers. I only have to pick a color and am ready to place my order. |
Mac, I haven’t decided on a color yet but I sure would like to see that mineral grey.
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@kristofa, the tweeter array in my system is also above my head especially since I have them sitting higher on maple platforms with brass footers. The sound is spectacular. I’m getting all of the good stuff. I wouldnt worry about it.
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@mac48025,
I am using Mapleshade Threaded Brass Heavyfoot Speaker Upgrade Kit and Timbernation 3” maple platforms with spikes through carpet.
Lance
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I just ordered the DI SE in a color called "Rosso Folgore" I saw it in the sample pics on his web site and it's beautiful. Karma said it could be 16 - 20 weeks. I'm OK with that, as long as I know what to expect.
l also just got the Linear tube Audio UltraLinear amp. So far it's the most incredible 20 watts I've ever heard. For those of you that used the Micro ZOTL 1 watt to power your DI's and liked the sound, it's like that but Sweeter top, tighter bass with a lot more power . |
@mac48025,
Tesla has a suitcase sized battery (powerwall) that can run our homes for 7 days. I’m waiting for a version to come out for audiophiles just to power our Audio systems. I figure it’s just a matter of time.
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I would like to try the GAIA footers on my Tektons but the weight of the DI’s would require the GAIA II. I have thin carpet on concrete and wondered if they had spikes? The spikes I see look like they only fit the GAIA I.
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@klh007 , I still have the Mirror Image amps, all 400 watts into 4 Ohms running the DIs and sounding fantastic. The LTA Ultralinear is currently breaking in powering my Janszen zA21.1s and surprisingly loud with 20 watts powering 87 dB speakers.
Yes, I have maple and brass but always looking to try something new. My new Cerious Technologies Graphene Matrix Cables are now settling in with the DIs and oh boy do they make a difference.
I will move the Ultralinear downstairs with the DIs soon but I already know this Ultralinear amp is very special. More to come.
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Thank you David, that’s exactly what I was hoping to hear. Im looking forward to sharing about mine in 3 or 4 months.
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While I’m now waiting for the DI SE, I have tried quite a few amps with the DI’s to find the combo I like the best. I have borrowed some big SS amps from friends and a few different LTA amps as well. I have now tried Benchmark AHB2, Mirror Image 1.1SB, Plinius SA103, LTA MZ2, LTA ZOTL40 and the LTA mystery amp I reported on months ago when Mark loaned me his prototype. The mystery amp is the 20 watt UltraLinear. Mark has built one for me though the production model isn’t quite ready yet.
The UltraLinear is a keeper. I have never heard the DI’s sound this good. It really does sound like the MZ2 on steroids with crushing dynamics and tight bass like the best SS. There’s a creamy midrange goodness of tubes and sparkle at the top. It makes music flow so very naturally and has the blackest of backgrounds. I am really enjoying the DI’s, time to make room for the SE.
Lance
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@powerglide, if you’re thinking about a purchase and you like the ZOTL10, you might want to audition a 20 watt UltraLinear. This amp is a David Berning master piece. Production models should be available any day now.
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@mac48025 , I have the Linear Tube Audio 20 watt ultralinear doing full time duty with the DI. I also have a 30 year old Mirror Image Audio 1.1SB with 400 watts into 4 Ohms that I use occasionally in this system when I want the ultimate bass slam. So amp rolling maybe isn’t that unusual.
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@david_ten , I enjoyed a visit to LTA yesterday. Mark said he would have his amps in 3 different rooms at Axpona. I think the plan is to introduce the UltraLinear there. The new cases from Fern and Robey will arrive in about two weeks and then they will be building and selling the production model. Unlike the ZOTL40 and similar to Berning’s ZH230, it uses TV sweep tubes instead of EL34. The UL makes my DI sing like no other amp I’ve tried thus far. |
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@laaudionut, I also use an Oppo 205 with my DI setup. I think the DAC in the Oppo is outstanding. I got the Modwright tube output stage with separate power supply and I’m very happy.
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I’m guessing he doesn’t have time to do any shows. The build list has got to be long since I’m on a 16 to 20 week wait. So why pay for a room at Axpona?
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Thanks Joe for an enjoyable visit. I can hardly wait for the DI SE myself.
Lance |
@david_ten
My comments were meant for this thread but there are so many Tekton threads so it’s a little confusing. Yes, I can’t wait to hear the DI SE. I will use the LTA UltraLinear. This is the finest amp I heard so far. Besting all of the other LTA amps. I have not heard David Berning’s 75K mono blocks and have not heard 2170 either. |
@corelli , The UL sounds amazing top to bottom. It grips the bass better than any tube amp, maybe better than any SS amp I’ve ever heard. In fact it has many of the positive attributes of SS and yet a beauty that only tubes can produce. Absolutely no noise, no haze, no veil just the purest, blackest background. I am not the best at describing what I hear in words so If you haven’t seen this review by dodgealum here it is and I concur. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-linear-tube-audio-lta-ultralinear-amplifier |
@djtunes, I heard the DIs in a similar size room at Linear Tube Audio. They sounded good. |
The DI SE is in the house. Since today is my 20 year wedding anniversary I will wait until tomorrow to unpack and start playing if I know what’s good for me. |
Thanks guys, I will report back tonight.
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@corelli,
I made a deal with Eric early on to swap them. When I called him originally Iminquired about the DI SE and they were not ready so he offered to trade them in when they were available.
I will get some more pics on the page. It’s also really hard to see the paint in the basement light. It’s a very dark almost burgundy and I can’t even remember the name of the color.
Imam also waiting for some Sound City outriggers and IdoAcoustics GAIA I |
OK, they sound great right out of the box and I can also tell they need a little breakin. There is a little brightness that I’m sure will subside. I think that the UltraLinear will be a good fit. The UL brings out the bass in a spectacular way. The paint job is beautiful. I will get some pictures for my system page shortly.
I would also mention to anyone who has the task packing their old DI’s to send away should be well versed at solving a Rubik’s cube. |
@david_ten
I bought the carpet spikes that go with the GAIAs.
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I have added a few pics to my system page.
The outriggers because they are so tall and I worry about them accidently getting knocked over.
The IsoAcoustics GAIA because I believe in isolation and have had good experience with such products in the past such Mapleshade. I also have read good reviews of the GAIA but in my descision making even more weight is given to the members here who have shared their positive experience.
Lance
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My DI SE are breaking in nicely and sounding incredible. I just put the SoundCity Outriggers and Isoacoustics GAIA I footers on finally. I’m running a Modwright Oppo 205 direct to LTA UltraLinear. I will insert the MZ2 as a preamp to see what difference it makes but I’m throughly enjoying this sound right now with crushing dynamics and more bass than I’ve ever heard in this room. |
@corelli, me too.
so far I can say with these speakers the LTA UltraLinear sounds better than the ZOTL40 and the ZOTL40 sounds pretty darn good. The ULs 20 watts are all that is needed.
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@david_ten the DI SE are still breaking in so not the best way to review isolation. Since I took them out of the box last week They have been sitting on the carpet without any feet at all. Now I have the outriggers for stability and the Isoacoustics Gaia I with spiked cups for the carpet. A much tighter bass is immediately noticeable. MicroZOTL Preamp vs MZ2 The same house sound just more of it. The new preamp has a wider, more clearly defined sound stage and more sparkle at the top. The bass is just a bit more real sounding. There is smoothness, a little smoother without losing dynamics. I can’t explain this but could the MZ2 have been a little grainy sounding? The piano is sounding more real than ever. There is more clarity in the sense of having more space in between notes or just less noise? Not that I could ever detect any audible noise before with the MZ2 but the background is darker. I guess more real sounding, more in the venue feel. So the flavor is the same just more of it and the best description I could use is refined, more refined. I think Mark has optimized this circuit design as far as it will go and the more I listen the more I like it. I had to return this one after only a few days but I will be buying one. Lance |
@harv1021, about how how many hours would you say are on them now that you are experiencing this change. I also am loving the sound. @david_ten , im not sure when I will get around to trying the Gaia without the outriggers, it took 2 of us install these. This sound is different but I think it will rival my first system. I have ordered the LTA Preamp. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-linear-tube-audio-microzotl-preamplifer |
