2. amps-preamps
  3. 135151-14697

Tube Preamps.....

I am running 2 GFA 565 Musical Comcepts modded Amps with Vandersteen 2ce v2. I am looking for a good quality tube preamp. With or without a built in dac. Should I stick with shopping for a used Mac? Or should I look at others also. Suggestions? Like to keep it under $3000. Could stretch to 3500. Thanks for your input. 
pstores

Showing 4 responses by jsm71

jsm71
141 posts
 
+1 LTA MZ2.  I love mine.  It now comes with three inputs or you can opt for a second set of outputs.  LTA's build team is flexible.  It is so much more transparent and 3D sound producing than my prior Cary tube preamp (also 6SN7 based), which I liked a lot until a friend brought over his MZ2.  No contest.  Ordered the next day.  Quickly sold the Cary and I only miss the pretty red chassis it had.
jsm71
141 posts
 

I've had a McIntosh preamp, a Cary 6SN7-based preamp (selected over a CJ preamp), and now the LTA MZ2, also a 6SN7/12SN7 preamp. 

The MZ2 is far and away the best I've had, and a tube rolling funhouse.  You can tailor your tone preference with tube choice.

jsm71
141 posts
 

@sciencecop - If the preamp's output impedance is too high for the amp you risk rolloff at the frequency extremes.  This does need to be considered.

The LTA MZ2's output impedance is 2 ohms, unheard of for a tube preamp and another benefit of its design.  This is basically SS territory.  It will work with any amp.

jsm71
141 posts
 

@meiatflask - There is something special about the ZOTL design from David Berning that provides amazing clarity and 3D soundstage.  I was using my Cary at the time when a friend brought over his MZ2.  The difference was immediate, like replacing new glass in place of a piece that needed cleaning.  I placed an order the next day and sold my Cary. 

I'm still using 2 of the NOS JAN Sylvania 6SN7GT tubes I had in the Cary for the MZ2.  The Cary's NOS Telefunfen 12AX7s went into my LTA amp.  I could have deployed the Cary's 12AU7s also in the MZ2, but it can use 12AT7s as an option, which I prefer.  The 12AT7 provides a bit more gain and a more forward presentation depending on the brand.  Again, the MZ2 is a tube rolling funhouse.  The stock tubes that LTA provides sound pretty good.

I know that LTA has also just announced a new/improved preamp for those wanting an even more refined sound, more inputs, a better volume control, and a more polished look.  Its price is more in line with Cary/CJ

For me, I still like the MZ2.  At its cost, I can't see how it can be beat, even when configuring with upgrades.  Like the new model, the MZ2 is also a premium headphone amp, its originally designed intent. 


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