Linear Tube Audio MICROZOTL anyone??

[Psilonaught]

I'm still continuing my search for my next preamp, and I'm now considering the LTA MICROZOTL preamplifier using a David Berning inspired design.

It is about £4k new, so not outrageous, fully balanced, and has some extremely impressive reviews.

Any comments or thoughts?? Audiogon seems abuzz with chat about it. Better than an AR Ref6?

 

[Non-Smoking Man]

I cant help you with the LTA James, but I ought to point out that there's an Ayre K-5xe 'Evolution' pre on eBay currently @ £1850. However, as I am watching it (idly) the seller has offered £400 off!

Should you watch it (if its still there) you may get the same offer.

I have one and I like it. Its the equal of the Audio Research LS26. Ayre are noted for their balanced technology and I know you are in the balanced camp.

Jack NSM.

 

[jahsavage]

The preamp has a good pedigree but where can you hear it? Personally I would wait until the Hi-Fi Shows start again.

 

[Psilonaught]

The preamp has a good pedigree but where can you hear it? Personally I would wait until the Hi-Fi Shows start again.

Good advice.

The problem I'm in, like many others, is that quite large investments are needed in order to step things up, so as you say, £4k+ without audition is hard to swallow.

 

[Psilonaught]

https://youtu.be/4gEUhdK0v4I

Looks like David Berning is actively involved in LTA, I didn't realise that. Thought they were just using his zotl philosophy.

Also interested that they listened to a "bunch" of caps including V-cap odams that I chose for my dac, and they preferred clarity cap CMR. 

 

[Frizbriz]

I owned a Zotl pre, it was a stunning bit of kit, ruthless of partnering kit. It had a touch of valve warmth, but was scary revealing in a good musical fashion. I had mine with zotl power and esl57 where it’s balance was near perfect. I would say it’s lean, clean and light on its feet, not huge tonal saturation but is easily tuned to taste with some tube rolling.

 

[Psilonaught]

I owned a Zotl pre, it was a stunning bit of kit, ruthless of partnering kit. It had a touch of valve warmth, but was scary revealing in a good musical fashion. I had mine with zotl power and esl57 where it’s balance was near perfect. I would say it’s lean, clean and light on its feet, not huge tonal saturation but is easily tuned to taste with some tube rolling.

Thanks. I'm definitely looking for transparency and neutrality in the sound.

I'm also considering the Opera consonance linear1 with is a DHT configuration and transformer coupled, using 101D tubes. That is also supposed to be lean and neutral, based on Stereo.net forum owners in Oz who own one.

Decisions decisions.

 

[antonio66]

I cant help you with the LTA James, but I ought to point out that there's an Ayre K-5xe 'Evolution' pre on eBay currently @ £1850. However, as I am watching it (idly) the seller has offered £400 off!

Should you watch it (if its still there) you may get the same offer.

I have one and I like it. Its the equal of the Audio Research LS26. Ayre are noted for their balanced technology and I know you are in the balanced camp.

Jack NSM.

Just contact the seller direct, let him you are interested and that you understand some watchers have been offered £400 off, would he do you the same deal, guess your set on valves though.

 

[Psilonaught]

I don't believe that Ayre is a step up on my modwright ls36.5. 

Might be wrong.

 

[Non-Smoking Man]

I don't believe that Ayre is a step up on my modwright ls36.5. 

Might be wrong.

You are not wrong - I have heard them in a direct comparison and the Modwright was the winner.

Jack NSM

 

[Frizbriz]

Re Berning pre, it’s worth looking to states for s/h stock as the amps are universal voltage, with all usual caveats of course.

 

[monya]

I know a guy who builds amps and has a LTA amp himself which he regards highly. No backup over here if it fails though…

 

[Psilonaught]

Gah whilst searching for high end preamps to consider I came across this.

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/preamplifier/audio-gd-vacuum-he1-xlr-tube-preamplifier-review/

Apparently GD-audio copied the krell cast technology. It is supposed to sound exceptional. 

GD-audio are an interesting company I must say.