microZOTL 3 by Linear Tube Audio. True High End Audio.

[George Hincapie]

Yep. TT2 and MScaler into MZ3. On Utopia 2022 the difference was very, very small. MZ3 brought a little more to the upper midrange, so voices and string instruments had a bit more texture. The trade off was in smoothness and quietness. With the LCD5 however, I enjoy the combo much more.

Would I add the MZ3 to TT2 now? No. For me the cost doesn’t add up for the very small change in performance.
If I owned the MZ3 and was thinking about a DAC, I’d go for something really good that didn’t have a headphone output. Qutest I like very much with MZ3, but I bet it’d also sound great with the Weiss DAC204. And it’s all cheaper.

I hope that helps

Sorry Mick. I meant TT - turntable. Vinyl.

 

[jamato8]

Yep. TT2 and MScaler into MZ3. On Utopia 2022 the difference was very, very small. MZ3 brought a little more to the upper midrange, so voices and string instruments had a bit more texture. The trade off was in smoothness and quietness. With the LCD5 however, I enjoy the combo much more.

Would I add the MZ3 to TT2 now? No. For me the cost doesn’t add up for the very small change in performance.
If I owned the MZ3 and was thinking about a DAC, I’d go for something really good that didn’t have a headphone output. Qutest I like very much with MZ3, but I bet it’d also sound great with the Weiss DAC204. And it’s all cheaper.

I hope that helps

Also there is the D16 by iBasso, which is an excellent dac.

And the new Aero LTA dac using the AD1865 dac chip, one of the best dac chips ever made. Superb sound when done right. I just got an Aero dac and burning it in now.

 

[skhan007]

Turntable- Yes! Input number two for my Kenwood TT and Sota Pyxi phono stage. It sounds absolutely phenomenal with the MZ3. Love this set up.

Sorry Mick. I meant TT - turntable. Vinyl.

 

[George Hincapie]

Turntable- Yes! Input number two for my Kenwood TT and Sota Pyxi phono stage. It sounds absolutely phenomenal with the MZ3. Love this set up.

I don't know anything about TTs - black magic to me. I want to listen to a well set up TT to guage how it compares to digital for myself.

 

[skhan007]

I don't know anything about TTs - black magic to me. I want to listen to a well set up TT to guage how it compares to digital for myself.

Go join Audiokarma and educate yourself. There’s a lot to learn about TT’s, cartridges, phono stages, etc.

 

[Killerb]

Sorry Mick. I meant TT - turntable. Vinyl.

I have a Rega P8 with a Rega Aria phono stage into my MZ3 and it sounds great with my Omega V8 HO speakers. The sound is very holographic like a wall of sound, not super detailed but great for jazz or vocals. I prefer streaming or CD with headphones due to surface noise.

 

[Jonwch]

Hi All, recently pulled the trigger on the MZ3! Was just wondering if anyone has experience hooking it up to the TT2, and if i should be using DAC mode or preamp mode?
Thanks!
J

 

[cats4cans]

Hi All, recently pulled the trigger on the MZ3! Was just wondering if anyone has experience hooking it up to the TT2, and if i should be using DAC mode or preamp mode?
Thanks!
J

I run my Qutest at 3V without an issue. IIRC it can handle even higher input voltage (Just looked up an old LTA email. They say the max input voltage is greater than 5V.)
The common wisdom says try both and see if you notice a sweet spot. If not do what’s easiest. A lower voltage might give you finer volume adjustment depending on what headphones you’re using. You’re gonna love it.

 

[Jonwch]

I run my Qutest at 3V without an issue. IIRC it can handle even higher input voltage (Just looked up an old LTA email. They say the max input voltage is greater than 5V.)
The common wisdom says try both and see if you notice a sweet spot. If not do what’s easiest. A lower voltage might give you finer volume adjustment depending on what headphones you’re using. You’re gonna love it.

Good to hear, I'll give it a go thanks! Just got an email saying it should ship out on Wednesday, going to be a painful wait this week

 

[559938]

Hi All, recently pulled the trigger on the MZ3! Was just wondering if anyone has experience hooking it up to the TT2, and if i should be using DAC mode or preamp mode?
Thanks!
J

I use mine in DAC mode and use the MZ3 remote exclusively. I run in the 30s when using Nutopia, and 40s-50s when it drives a power amp.

 

[George Hincapie]

Has anyone listened to HEKSE or Stealth on MZ3? I have no concerns about drive, just wondering what the synergy is like?

 

[George Hincapie]

Evening Gents.

Have any of you tried any new tube combinations lately you'd like to share? I've been reading about the new PSVane Horizon range - considering taking them for a whirl.

 

[David A Silva]

Evening Gents.

Have any of you tried any new tube combinations lately you'd like to share? I've been reading about the new PSVane Horizon range - considering taking them for a whirl.

Hi John
I’ve found the forever tubes for my MZ3. RCA 6SN7GTB Narrow Gap Staggered Plates and GEC A2900.

I’m sure you will find your forever tubes too! Happy hunting!

 

[George Hincapie]

Hi John
I’ve found the forever tubes for my MZ3. RCA 6SN7GTB Narrow Gap Staggered Plates and GEC A2900.

I’m sure you will find your forever tubes too! Happy hunting!

Hello David!

I also use the GEC A2900, based I think upon your recommendation. I am still using the Melz with them. Tell me about the RCAs you are using please.

 

[David A Silva]

Hello David!

I also use the GEC A2900, based I think upon your recommendation. I am still using the Melz with them. Tell me about the RCAs you are using please.

They tick all the boxes. Timbre is smooth and clear top to bottom. Strong bass, excellent mids, clear treble. Spacious imaging with very good instrument positioning. And most of all excellent low level detail. This is with my Verite Closed and Caldera.

The Melz have an excellent reputation. What do you feel needs improvement?