skhan007
1000+ Head-Fier
^^One if the best live albums ever recorded, IMHO.
I believe the headphone amp of the MZ-3 and the Z-10i are the same specs. Not sure about the Z40, You might want to ask Nicholas at LTA but thats my understanding.@jamato8 Do you find the Z10E to be an obvious upgrade over the MZ3 or just a different flavor? I’d also like to know how you rate your Quicksilver in such lofty company. I’m still smitten with my Quicksilver, but I can’t help but wonder if these LTA amps offer a clear upgrade path if I ever want to get another tube amp.
You’re the perfect person to ask since you have the two LTA amps I would be considering as well as my current amp. I appreciate your insight!
They are pretty different. To me they don’t sound the same.I believe the headphone amp of the MZ-3 and the Z-10i are the same specs. Not sure about the Z40, You might want to ask Nicholas at LTA but thats my understanding.
Thanks for the clarification, cheersThey are pretty different. To me they don’t sound the same.
How so?They are pretty different. To me they don’t sound the same.
Might depend on your headphones, but I haven’t found it to be too much at all. That’s my preferred lineup. I do use the warm filter on the Qutest. I was using the incisive filter until I started comparing it to R2R DACs. Very minor difference. Just the tiniest edge in the very, very top end that never bothered me before. In fact, I never noticed it before I did direct A/B comparisons.I went ham and bought a mz3 and a chord qutest dac. I am worried it will all be a little too analytical, hoping the warm setting on the qutest will give it more musicality. Haven’t tried either and impatiently waiting
Yeah this obsession got out of hand fast. I got a pair of Zmf atriums and said I was happy with that… at first. I saw a review of the qutest saying it smoothed over some edm stuff so I wonder if my questyle m15 can handle the electronic stuff or I might have to pony up for another dac lol.Might depend on your headphones, but I haven’t found it to be too much at all. That’s my preferred lineup. I do use the warm filter on the Qutest. I was using the incisive filter until I started comparing it to R2R DACs. Very minor difference. Just the tiniest edge in the very, very top end that never bothered me before. In fact, I never noticed it before I did direct A/B comparisons.
Figuring out my preference for detail is actually what pushed me to buy the MZ3 over a more traditional tubed preamp. And then of course how can you own an MZ3 without decent headphones? And so began my newest obsession.
My most recent acquisition is the LCD-X so it’s getting the most play lately as I get used to them. A little more detail and a different presentation than the Aeolus. Definitely not a replacement, but a complement. They might be pushing the limits of detail for me. There’s a difference between having detail available and having it forced on you. I think the LCD-X flirts with that line a little for me.What headphones are you enjoying?
There is also a fine line between genuine detail and glarey etch……I do enjoy my LCD-X (2016: old-style headband) with the LTA MZ3. Cable is Norne Audio Vygarde (copper / silver interwoven), tubes are Raytheon 6SN7 s and RFT ECC81 s (foil getters).My most recent acquisition is the LCD-X so it’s getting the most play lately as I get used to them. A little more detail and a different presentation than the Aeolus. Definitely not a replacement, but a complement. They might be pushing the limits of detail for me. There’s a difference between having detail available and having it forced on you. I think the LCD-X flirts with that line a little for me.
My most recent acquisition is the LCD-X so it’s getting the most play lately as I get used to them. A little more detail and a different presentation than the Aeolus. Definitely not a replacement, but a complement. They might be pushing the limits of detail for me. There’s a difference between having detail available and having it forced on you. I think the LCD-X flirts with that line a little for me.
I don’t own the MZ3 (yet) but have been to LTA a few times to hear it in-person. I brought my RME ADI2 DAC and it’s a perfect pairing, along with my ZMF cans. Also, huge cycling fan here. You’re not really George, are you??Out of curiosity, can MZ3 owners please tell me which DAC you are using (if you're using one), and describe how happy you are with the synergy?
Thanks.