Pre-Order Production Status: Velo production will begin once we receive final production components and case parts from our suppliers. We will begin full production the week of April 22nd, with pre-orders shipping in the order they were received.

VELO

The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA’s MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. 

We’ve taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible. 

Features and Benefits

• Class A Push-pull Circuit: Precision for headphones and as a preamp

• ZOTL Output Stage: Patented design brings detail and clarity without excessive warmth and no intermodulation distortion

• Dual Preamp Outputs: Parallel low impedance outputs can easily drive a power amplifier and subwoofer

• Relay Stepped Attenuator: Precise, closely matched volume control

• Remote Control: Machined aluminum LTA remote

• Optional LPS+: LTA’s world-class linear power supply enhances dynamics and overall sonic quality

The Velo Evolution

• Rooted in History: From the original microZOTL's success as a headphone amplifier to the MZ2, MZ3, and MZ Preamplifier releases, the Velo embodies LTA's commitment to refining and perfecting our technology.

• Reimagined Design: Starting with a blank slate, the Velo embodies the lessons learned from each iteration, integrating the best aspects and innovations of previous models.

• Performance Upgrades: Beyond just design changes, the Velo introduces circuit enhancements that increase speed, reduce noise, and enhance overall audio quality.

• Compact and Efficient: Superior performance and a more streamlined design.

• Tailored for the Listener: Every change, from component selection to layout design, is made keeping the end-user's experience in mind.

Enhancements from the MZ2

• Improved ZOTL Circuit: Increased speed and reduced noise

• Advanced Power Supply Filtering: Enhanced for both audio and control sections

• Shortened Signal Paths: Faster, quieter, better sounding

• High-Quality Capacitors: Chosen for optimal audio quality

• Lower Output Impedance: Nearly 50% lower to better drive headphones

The Full Story of the Velo

David Berning designed the original micro-ZOTL in 2000 as a low-power Class A amplifier to be an entry point into his new ZOTL technology. David imagined it could be used for tweeters or extremely efficient horn speakers. It was a surprise when its primary success was as a headphone amplifier. LTA revived the circuit as the microZOTL2 in 2015, using the same PCB and similar parts, and the amp continued to be popular with headphone while also starting to be used as a preamplifier. In the years since, LTA has made several iterations of what is now known as the MZ2 and released the MZ3 and MZ Preamp. All of these versions refined the product and introduced gradual improvements where we were able, within the limitations of manufacturing that added up along the way.

The Velo takes everything we have learned about the MZ circuit, ZOTL, and building amplifiers, and starts from scratch. The goals were to make the best-performing, best-sounding, most reliable, and most enjoyable version of the amp that we could. We revisited the components, PCB layout, assembly procedure, and case design with these goals in mind. We were not designing to a price point, but we wanted to remove any extra cost that was not in service of those goals. Fortunately, the process of choosing the best components and layout also led to more efficient assembly and smaller size, since top performance often came in SMD packages.

Compared to the original MZ2, we’ve made several improvements to the ZOTL circuit that have increased speed, reduced noise, reduced parasitics, and shortened signal paths. Coupling capacitors were deliberately chosen for best audio quality. Storage capacitance on the audio board has been increased, especially right next to the output stage. There is more power supply filtering for both the audio section and the control section of the amp. The control section has been redesigned with quieter components and lower power consumption, and the amp’s grounding scheme has been redesigned for lower noise and improved shielding. Output impedance has been reduced by 30%.

We want the Velo to be simple to enjoy. The case is designed so that a customer should never have to unscrew the top cover. The tubes are now fully visible and can be swapped with ease. The switch to toggle between 6SN7 and 12SN7 output tubes is now on the back plate instead of on the circuit board (and the amp will go into protection if it is flipped during operation). The fuse has been replaced by a faster, more reliable overcurrent protection circuit that does not require a new part to be installed for the amp to function again. The front panel indicator lights are all warm, natural light without glare.

Specifications

• Amplifier Class: Class A Push-pull

• Inputs: 3 x RCA single-ended inputs

• Preamp Output:

  • 2 x RCA single-ended outputs

  • Output impedance: 50ohm

• Headphone Output:

  • 1 x 6.3mm (1/4”) single-ended output

  • Output Impedance: 1.1ohm

• Gain:

  • 13.5dB into 100ohm

  • 12.4dB into 8ohm

• Input Impedance: 50kohm

• THD: 0.19% at 1kHz, 1Vrms

• Hum: -90dB at 1Vrms

• Frequency Response:

  • -3dB: 2Hz - 100kHz

  • 0dB: 20hZ - 20kHz

• Power Consumption: 24W

• Tube Complement: 2 x 12AT7, 2 x 6SN7

• Dimensions:

  • Width: 10in

  • Height: 2.875in (stock output tubes add 2.5in)

  • Depth: 10in (11.5in including volume knob and rear connectors)

• Weight: 6.5lbs