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FAQ

Please explain the relationship between the MicroZOTL2.0, MZ2, and MZ2-S

Our first product was a re-introduction of David Berning's MicroZOTL amplifier, which we named the MicroZOTL2.0.

Since then we've made many small and several larger changes to the case and components we use, but we have always used and continue to use Berning's original circuit. When we added an improved power supply, that product eventually took on the name "MicroZOTL2.0 Deluxe".

When we decided to use NOS 12SN7 tubes and manually alter the circuit to allow this, we created the "MZ2-S" around this, with a further upgraded power supply and some other improvements.

Eventually we replaced the manually altered circuit boards with jumpered boards, which negated the need for completely separate products, and we decided to discontinue certain aspects of the MicroZOTL2.0, like the locking headphone jack and the color scheme, while making other features that the MZ2-S had introduced available as options for any order. The "S" went from denoting these upgrades to essentially meaning the same thing that "Deluxe" had before it; an amp with an upgraded power supply.

The "MZ2" therefore took the place of the "MicroZOTL2.0", as our amps were now markedly changed from what the MicroZOTL2.0 had until then been.

To make all of this more confusing, many people still refer to any model as a MicroZOTL. The most important thing is that we'll make sure you get the features you want regardless of what it's called in the process. 

Today, we simply refer to the all of the above as the MZ2. The newer model upgrade is called the MZ3.

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Can the Z10 Integrated amplifier drive my speakers?

The Z10 Integrated amplifier generates 13 watts per channel into 4ohms and 12 watts per channel into 8ohms. This may not sound like a lot, but the Z10 Integrated can drive 90db and above speakers in critical listening environments to thundering levels.

With less sensitive speakers, the Z10 Integrated would be best suited to smaller rooms or non-critical listening environments (say, a living room) at lower volumes. Being an integrated amp, we see this usage a lot, and thus have no doubts about recommending it for such environments with almost any speaker.

If you have less sensitive speakers (<88db) and you have a large room and/or like to listen to music extremely loud, you may be happier with one of our other more powerful amps.

Note that the above are recommendations, not rules. LTA amplifier owners have found great enjoyment using their amps with a variety of speakers, including Quad 57s, Maggie Minis, Tekton Design, Fern & Roby, Voxativ, Janszen, Decware, Klipsch, Silverline, Spatial, DeVore, Daedalus, Zu, Ryan, Living Voice, Omega, and many others.

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Are LTA amps hybrid tube + solid state amps?

No. Linear Tube Audio amps offer 100% tube-based amplification.

The confusion lies in some of the language often used to describe our amps.

Phrases like, “tube tone + solid state detail” and “all the magic of tubes and all the benefits of solid state.” Or, our favorite, as one of our customers once said: “the gap between the best of what solid state amplification has to offer and the best of what tube amplification has to offer just got blown up.”

While all these phrases are true, due to the unique nature of our ZOTL technology, we can see how people could get confused.

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What’s the difference between the MZ2 and the MZ3?

The MZ2 is the amp that put us on the map. It is much-loved by customers and reviewers alike, garnering many rewards at audio shows worldwide. The MZ2 remains a fantastic choice for its price point. That’s why we continue to manufacture and sell the MZ2.

That said, the MZ3 is significantly better than the MZ2, as you would expect given its higher price. The MZ3 is an end-game headphone amp, reference-level preamplifier, and an integrated amp that will drive sensitive speakers to thundering levels in critical listening environments.

The MZ3 comes wrapped in a new low-resonance milled aluminum chassis, designed and made by award-winning industrial design firm, Fern & Roby.

Inside its new case, the MZ3 contains new circuit board material, new volume control technology, upgrades in wire, capacitors, and a set of curated, premium tubes. It also ships with our top of the line linear power supply, the LPS+.

Sonically, the MZ3 is the clearest, cleanest sounding microZOTL yet. It has a lower noise floor, which will be hard for some to believe given the pitch-black backgrounds of the MZ2, and it’s and more musical. A lot more.

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