sheldaze said:

  Congratulations on the MassDrop collaboration!

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Yes, LTA should be very proud

Very cool, congrats on the Massdrop listing. It's not clear (to me), though, what (if anything) is different about the Massdrop version besides the tubes.

I just ordered this amp two days ago, is there going to be an official upgrade program for current owners that won't void the warranty? I don't want to wait until October to get one but that Massdrop faceplate is gorgeous.

sheldaze said:

  Congratulations on the MassDrop collaboration!

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What MassDrop collaboration? Is there a link?

edmontoncanuck said:

  What MassDrop collaboration? Is there a link?

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https://www.massdrop.com/buy/linear-tube-audio-mz2-s-headphone-and-speaker-amp?mode=guest_open

doctorjazz said:

Very cool, congrats on the Massdrop listing. It's not clear (to me), though, what (if anything) is different about the Massdrop version besides the tubes.

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The board itself has been changed to allow us to use 12SN7 tubes instead of 6SN7 tubes. Their sonic signature is, according to most accounts, identical, except that the prices for NOS 12SN7 tubes makes it feasible for us to offer them as a stock tubes in the unit, along with the well-regarded (in this thread) 6201 variant of the 12AT7. Superficially, the power button is white and the screws are silver-colored steel. If you buy it through Massdrop you also get a set of shiny brass screws for that gold-like bling, which won't come with the amp once it's sold through our website.
 

danielleesq said:

I just ordered this amp two days ago, is there going to be an official upgrade program for current owners that won't void the warranty? I don't want to wait until October to get one but that Massdrop faceplate is gorgeous.

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The faceplate you ordered (and all black faceplates) will look the same, except you'll have a red LED power button and red screws, to denote the 6SN7 model. The MZ2-S is only available in black and with the C/C jack and the LPS, while the MicroZOTL2 is still available in blue or black, with locking or C/C jack, and a choice between standard power supply or LPS. 
 
The upgraded PCBs will from now be standard for all 12SN7 and 6SN7 models (trickle it on dowwwwn)

Congrats on the Massdrop. Lack of wider acknowledgement of the MZ2's awesomeness has always seemed a shame to me. 

zachawry said:

  Congrats on the Massdrop. Lack of wider acknowledgement of the MZ2's awesomeness has always seemed a shame to me. 

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I think that how transparently the ZOTL reflects tube character combined with the Tung-sols gives it a particular sound signature that you have to enjoy before delving deeper in. The NOS tubes let you arrive at a certain depth already. I'm excited to read the first reviews of the MZ2-S. 

My Massdrop order is in!

Whats the difference between microzotl vs lps?

lavakugel said:

  Whats the difference between microzotl vs lps?

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The MicroZOTL2 is the amp, which comes with an external power supply that is a very standard switch-mode supply when the $1100 base model is purchased. The "LPS" is the Linear Power Supply, which comes with the "MicroZOTL2 Deluxe" and is a large improvement over the switch-mode power supply, which is why it's more expensive. Pretty much every aspect of the sound is improved when the power is improved, if the circuit of the amplifier is well-designed. 
 

I liked the first zotl better because I could see the tubes. Has anybody compared zotl2 vs eddie current black widow? They are nearly the same price-range.

lavakugel said:

  I liked the first zotl better because I could see the tubes.

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The amp section is the same, it still has the clear top. If you look at this image, the amp is on the left, and the LPS is on the right, it is the external power supply. 
 

Another LC owner switching over to the Microzotl 2.0. 
Just placed an order for Microzotl 2.0 Deluxe (tempted to go stock but decided to upgrade the power supply) from Urban HiFi. I was hoping for free shipping but I guess they don't offer it. 

sling5s said:

Another LC owner switching over to the Microzotl 2.0. 
Just placed an order for Microzotl 2.0 Deluxe (tempted to go stock but decided to upgrade the power supply) from Urban HiFi. I was hoping for free shipping but I guess they don't offer it. 

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I'm curious if you heard it, or have gone on the word of mouth. Having both amps, I'm sure you'll be happy with the upgrade. Congrats.

(I get the sense the LC is like a gateway drug for some, who bought it and realized there is better sound out there than their smartphone. Once they hear the difference, the natural thought is, "amps do make a difference, what does upgrading from here get me...)