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

[VanHai]

If anybody wants to improve the sound of the MZ3, here are the tubes that you are looking for; Tung -Sol 12SN7 black glass, according to Linear Tube Audio founder Mark Schneider. I sold my MZ3, but still have 3 Tung-Sol 12SN7 black glasses. Let me know if you are interested.

"If you can get Tung-sol 12SN7 Black Glass, these are the best tubes we’ve ever heard.

Because of the transparency of the ZOTL circuit, our amps are a platform for tube quality (and source quality). The better the tube the better the sound.

Since our amps are so quiet, they reveal any noisey tubes right away. For that reason and more, we source and supply only premium, fully tested tubes in our amps. This is an ongoing process that takes hours a week of testing, burn-in, more testing, and keeping everything organized. It’s worth it, though.

We use a number of different types of tubes across all our products. Because of the nature of the NOS tube supply chain, we’re not wed to one particular brand. We can’t be. But we have our own methods and secret suppliers that give us regular access to world-class tubes. I’ll leave it at that, but you’ll find the regular suspects among our tube collection: Amperex, Bugle Boys, Mullard, RCA, etc.’"

 

[JacobLTA]

Personally, I wish they would make an MZ3 with more power because I like the form factor. I think I’m in the minority though.

I would also, personally, like to see something like this.

If only the Z10E had preamp functionality.. tempted to get the Z10E AND the ZOTL preamp

The Z10e does offer a buffered preamplifier output. It's not quite the same level as the MZ3 or Velo but it works well enough if you're primarily using it as a headphone amp.

 

[skhan007]

I like it too. If it could run Sus and Tungsten DS that would be great.

Really interesting. I have used my Tungsten DS with my MZ3 and it sounds really good. I've read/heard that if the amp isn't putting out enough watts, volts, or current, the bass may be lacking, but I honestly don't hear that. I could be completely wrong, as I don't recall the math needed to drive my Tungsten DS efficiently, but to my ears the MZ3 does just fine.

Curious if there are MZ3 owners who also own Tungsten?

If one owns MZ3, keep it. I will. It is excellent with reasonably efficient low-impedance headphones. It is very good with high-impedance headphones. Oh, I think / experience that MZ3 is at its best with 12-volt tubes 'all around'.

Funny you mention this, because I was on the fence about selling mine. I'm not one to own too much gear at once and I have been listening more to my WA22 for tubes and Flux Mentor for solid state (the latter, being my go-to for a while now). Not sure, because I REALLY like the MZ3 and have been super happy with it. Just over the last year or so, I've barely used it compared to my other two amps.

 

[jamato8]

Really interesting. I have used my Tungsten DS with my MZ3 and it sounds really good. I've read/heard that if the amp isn't putting out enough watts, volts, or current, the bass may be lacking, but I honestly don't hear that. I could be completely wrong, as I don't recall the math needed to drive my Tungsten DS efficiently, but to my ears the MZ3 does just fine.

Curious if there are MZ3 owners who also own Tungsten?


Funny you mention this, because I was on the fence about selling mine. I'm not one to own too much gear at once and I have been listening more to my WA22 for tubes and Flux Mentor for solid state (the latter, being my go-to for a while now). Not sure, because I REALLY like the MZ3 and have been super happy with it. Just over the last year or so, I've barely used it compared to my other two amps.

I tend to use one amp for some time and then another one. I have the Cayin Soul, which is extremely good but haven't used it for about 2 months even though it is extremely good. I like variety. The MZ3 is an excellent amp as well. I think a break and then going back to an amp, you realize how good or maybe not, an amp is. With the MZ3, it is a solid performer.

I also think the Aero R2R dac is something some are missing out on. Superb in all area. It doesn't do DSD but I would care less, it does music!

 

[George Hincapie]

I tend to use one amp for some time and then another one. I have the Cayin Soul, which is extremely good but haven't used it for about 2 months even though it is extremely good. I like variety. The MZ3 is an excellent amp as well. I think a break and then going back to an amp, you realize how good or maybe not, an amp is. With the MZ3, it is a solid performer.

I also think the Aero R2R dac is something some are missing out on. Superb in all area. It doesn't do DSD but I would care less, it does music!

As always, make sure your source chain is as good as it can be if you want the DAC onwards to shine.

 

[skhan007]

Question for those more knowledgeable than me on the topic:

I realize my MZ3 is ideally to be used with high impedance headphones and it puts out about 1 W. When I use headphones that are not "matched" for these specs, what exactly should I be listening for?

For example:

When I use my Abyss 1266 (47Ω) into the MZ3, it sounds absolutely stunning. No compromises, etc. What should I be hearing if the low impedance headphones are not a match for the recommended high impedance?

Second, my Tungsten DS (78 dB sensitivity) are supposedly only going to sound good if I have an amp delivering 1.5 watts or higher. Again, they sound great with the MZ3. Perhaps there's a tad less bass slam, but that's not important to me, as I'm not a bass-head. What should I be hearing if there's a mismatch with wattage output and what the headphones "need"?

 

[tesarpa]

I’d say don’t try to find problems, where they aren’t. Let your ears decide. If it sounds great, enjoy it.

Let me give you an example. I briefly owned DCA Noire X headphones, 16 ohms. When plugged directly to Mac Book Air M2, they sounded light, transparent, with really stunning details. From proper amp the sound transforms completely to warmish, bass heavy. Details were still there, but not as upfront. I’m reluctant to say, what sound is better. Objectively from amp, but someone may like it from Mac Book, who knows? It’s subjective after all.

 

[bifford]

has anybody tried the new Ray’s 6sn7 in the MZ3? If so, I would love to hear their impressions. I read that the Rays reserve has more resolution, but the 6SN7 select has more warmth.

I have new production 6SN7EH gold pins, and they sound pretty good to me—but I’m not that experienced with tubes.

 

[dpump]

The MZ3 is not made just for high impedance headphones. It works just as well with low impedance headphones as high impedance headphones. It is basically load tolerant. The limitation on the MZ3 is the amount of power it will deliver, not the impedance of the headphones.

 

[cats4cans]

Question for those more knowledgeable than me on the topic:

I realize my MZ3 is ideally to be used with high impedance headphones and it puts out about 1 W. When I use headphones that are not "matched" for these specs, what exactly should I be listening for?

For example:

When I use my Abyss 1266 (47Ω) into the MZ3, it sounds absolutely stunning. No compromises, etc. What should I be hearing if the low impedance headphones are not a match for the recommended high impedance?

Second, my Tungsten DS (78 dB sensitivity) are supposedly only going to sound good if I have an amp delivering 1.5 watts or higher. Again, they sound great with the MZ3. Perhaps there's a tad less bass slam, but that's not important to me, as I'm not a bass-head. What should I be hearing if there's a mismatch with wattage output and what the headphones "need"?

The 1W rating is through the speaker circuit into 4 ohms. The ZOTL circuit is fundamentally different than a typical OTL. I don’t know that exact power to impedance curve, LTA has a bunch of headphones that they’ve tried. Write them an email if you have specific questions. They’re pretty good about that sort of thing. The volume readout seems to be almost the same for me whether it’s with the 300 ohm ZMF Verite Open or the 20 ohm Audeze LCD-X. Both of those headphones benefit from the dynamic response and inherent feeling of speed the MZ3 gives. I haven’t found a bad pairing yet. Some headphones benefit from the weightier and thicker sound of a more classic TC tube amp, but the MZ3 is always good.

 

[David A Silva]

Question for those more knowledgeable than me on the topic:

I realize my MZ3 is ideally to be used with high impedance headphones and it puts out about 1 W. When I use headphones that are not "matched" for these specs, what exactly should I be listening for?

For example:

When I use my Abyss 1266 (47Ω) into the MZ3, it sounds absolutely stunning. No compromises, etc. What should I be hearing if the low impedance headphones are not a match for the recommended high impedance?

Second, my Tungsten DS (78 dB sensitivity) are supposedly only going to sound good if I have an amp delivering 1.5 watts or higher. Again, they sound great with the MZ3. Perhaps there's a tad less bass slam, but that's not important to me, as I'm not a bass-head. What should I be hearing if there's a mismatch with wattage output and what the headphones "need"?

With my MZ3 I use a DCA Aeon 2 Closed 16 ohm, ZMC Caldera 60 ohms, and a ZMF Verite Closed 300 ohm. Volume 45 out of 100 is plenty loud with all three.

 

[jonathan c]

Question for those more knowledgeable than me on the topic:

I realize my MZ3 is ideally to be used with high impedance headphones and it puts out about 1 W. When I use headphones that are not "matched" for these specs, what exactly should I be listening for?

Actually, MZ3 is 'ideally' to be used with low impedance headphones. Why do I say this? Because of the 2 ohm output impedance of MZ3. This is very low for any OTL / OTL-variant tube h/p/a. The norm is between 80 ohms - 120 ohms.

When I use my Abyss 1266 (47Ω) into the MZ3, it sounds absolutely stunning. No compromises, etc.

Not a surprise.

What should I be hearing if the low impedance headphones are not a match for the recommended high impedance?

They are a match.

Second, my Tungsten DS (78 dB sensitivity) are supposedly only going to sound good if I have an amp delivering 1.5 watts or higher. Again, they sound great with the MZ3. Perhaps there's a tad less bass slam, but that's not important to me, as I'm not a bass-head.

Enjoy ....

 

[Lakerfreak]

If anybody wants to improve the sound of the MZ3, here are the tubes that you are looking for; Tung -Sol 12SN7 black glass, according to Linear Tube Audio founder Mark Schneider. I sold my MZ3, but still have 3 Tung-Sol 12SN7 black glasses. Let me know if you are interested.

"If you can get Tung-sol 12SN7 Black Glass, these are the best tubes we’ve ever heard.

Because of the transparency of the ZOTL circuit, our amps are a platform for tube quality (and source quality). The better the tube the better the sound.

Since our amps are so quiet, they reveal any noisey tubes right away. For that reason and more, we source and supply only premium, fully tested tubes in our amps. This is an ongoing process that takes hours a week of testing, burn-in, more testing, and keeping everything organized. It’s worth it, though.

We use a number of different types of tubes across all our products. Because of the nature of the NOS tube supply chain, we’re not wed to one particular brand. We can’t be. But we have our own methods and secret suppliers that give us regular access to world-class tubes. I’ll leave it at that, but you’ll find the regular suspects among our tube collection: Amperex, Bugle Boys, Mullard, RCA, etc.’"

Interested in your Tung-Sol 12SN7 tubes - pls PM me. Thank you!

 

[jonathan c]

If anybody wants to improve the sound of the MZ3, here are the tubes that you are looking for; Tung -Sol 12SN7 black glass, according to Linear Tube Audio founder Mark Schneider. I sold my MZ3, but still have 3 Tung-Sol 12SN7 black glasses. Let me know if you are interested.

"If you can get Tung-sol 12SN7 Black Glass, these are the best tubes we’ve ever heard.

Because of the transparency of the ZOTL circuit, our amps are a platform for tube quality (and source quality). The better the tube the better the sound.

Since our amps are so quiet, they reveal any noisey tubes right away. For that reason and more, we source and supply only premium, fully tested tubes in our amps. This is an ongoing process that takes hours a week of testing, burn-in, more testing, and keeping everything organized. It’s worth it, though.

We use a number of different types of tubes across all our products. Because of the nature of the NOS tube supply chain, we’re not wed to one particular brand. We can’t be. But we have our own methods and secret suppliers that give us regular access to world-class tubes. I’ll leave it at that, but you’ll find the regular suspects among our tube collection: Amperex, Bugle Boys, Mullard, RCA, etc.’"

.... don't forget that the Tung-Sol 'black glass' 12SN7 pair will likely be fantastic in LTA Aero DAC ....