One in all my favourite items of hi-fi gear in your complete world is the Linear Tube Audio microZOTL MZ3 which is neither a solid-state or tube amplifier. The LTA MZ3 is a reference degree headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier, and built-in amplifier packed right into a desktop-sized bundle that provides the very best of each topologies.
In the event you’re staring on the picture of the MZ3 and targeted on the highest panel which clearly reveals off its praise of 4 vacuum tubes, you’ll be incorrect in case you assume it sounds something like a standard tube amplifier.
It doesn’t. Not even remotely.
Does it show the power to infuse virtually each kind of recording with immediacy, texture, element, and a slightly spectacular diploma of house?
Virtually at all times.
The MZ3 ($3,700) may be clear, detailed, and colourful on the identical time if the remainder of the system is as much as the problem.
Its tonal steadiness works properly with plenty of headphones from manufacturers like HiFiMAN, Audeze, Dan Clark Audio, and Meze Audio. You don’t should spend $3,000, nevertheless, on a pair of headphones to expertise what the MZ3 is able to.
So the place did the MZ3 and model new Linear Tube Audio Velo Headphone Amplifier/Pre-amplifier come from?
David Berning designed the unique micro-ZOTL in 2000 as a low-power Class A amplifier to be an entry level into his new ZOTL expertise. He imagined that it might be used for tweeters or extraordinarily environment friendly horn audio system.
It was a shock when its main success was as a headphone amplifier. LTA revived the circuit because the microZOTL2 in 2015, utilizing the identical PCB and comparable components, and the amp continued to be fashionable with headphone whereas additionally beginning for use as a preamplifier.
Within the years since, LTA created a number of iterations of what’s now generally known as the MZ2 ($975) and launched the MZ3 ($3,700) and MZ Preamp ($4,450).
All of those variations refined the product and launched gradual enhancements inside a slightly particular worth level; and one which positioned it within the high tier of headphone amplifiers.
So what’s so particular in regards to the new Velo that’s priced considerably decrease than the MZ3?
I plan on spending a while with it at CAF 2023 subsequent weekend in Maryland, but when it affords even 85 or 90% of the efficiency of the MZ3 for under $2,100 (or $2,700 in case you go for the LPS+ energy provide) — that’s a critical discount.
It is usually a single-ended pre-amplifier as properly which makes it supreme for lively desktop methods or conventional two-channel stereo methods the place you want 3 inputs.
It options parallel low impedance outputs can simply drive an influence amplifier and subwoofer.
So what’s the large cope with the Velo?
LTA began from scratch with the unit; which feels considerably disingenuous as a result of we all know that they’ve spent the previous 5 years engineering a number of the most spectacular sounding headphone amplifiers on the earth and there’s no approach they didn’t cherry decide the very best options of the prevailing lineup to create the Velo.
LTA revisited the elements, PCB format, meeting process, and case design with the aim of eradicating gadgets that made the product unnecessarily costly.
The brand new design options coupling capacitors had been intentionally chosen for finest audio high quality. Storage capacitance on the audio board has been elevated, particularly proper subsequent to the output stage. There may be extra energy provide filtering for each the audio part and the management part of the amp.
The management part has been redesigned with quieter elements and decrease energy consumption, and the amp’s grounding scheme has been redesigned for decrease noise and improved shielding. The output impedance has been diminished by 30%.
The brand new case was designed so {that a} buyer ought to by no means should unscrew the highest cowl. The tubes at the moment are totally seen and may be swapped with ease. The change to toggle between 6SN7 and 12SN7 output tubes is now on the again plate as a substitute of on the circuit board (and the amp will go into safety whether it is flipped throughout operation).
The fuse has been changed by a quicker, extra dependable overcurrent safety circuit that doesn’t require a brand new half to be put in for the amp to operate once more. The entrance panel indicator lights are all heat, pure mild with out glare.
What else does one lose from the costlier MZ3?
The built-in amplifier part and LED array usually are not a part of the deal however that’s why the worth is just $2,100.
Will the Linear Tube Audio Velo have the ability reserves for the brand new Meze Audio Empyrean or 109 Execs? We will see this weekend.
Specs
- Amplifier Class: Class A Push-pull
- Inputs: 3 x RCA single-ended inputs
- Preamp Output:
- 2 x RCA single-ended outputs
- Output impedance: 50 Ohm
- Headphone Output:
- 1 x 6.3mm (1/4”) single-ended output
- Output Impedance: 1.1ohm
- Achieve:
- 13.5dB into 100ohm
- 12.4dB into 8ohm
- THD: 0.19% at 1kHz, 1Vrms
- Hum: -90dB at 1Vrms
- Frequency Response:
- –3dB: 2Hz – 100kHz
- 0dB: 20HZ – 20kHz
- Energy Consumption: 24W
- Tube Complement: 2 x 12AT7, 2 x 6SN7
- Dimensions:
- Width: 10 inches
- Peak: 2.875 inches (inventory output tubes add 2.5in)
- Depth: 10 inches (11.5 inches together with quantity knob and rear connectors)
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
The place to purchase: $2,100 at lineartubeaudio.com
