[doctorjazz]

Cool, speakers are tempting to try with the ZOTL...

 

[saidentary]

The "About" section of the Linear Tube Audio website is an enjoyable read.*  It goes a long way towards explaining why the stunning sound quality we're hearing from the MicroZOTL 2 isn't "too good to be true," even at that price point.  Mark's so unassuming to talk to, so humble and down to earth, that you wouldn't know how technically proficient he is--until you have listening experience with one of his audio products.  This is very good news for audiophiles, I think.   
 
*No, I don't work for him, he didn't ask me to say this (or anything else--ever), we're not related, and I didn't get a discount on the MicroZOTL 2.  I've only talked with him by phone a very few times; we've never even met in person.

 

[Beagle]

The MICROZOTL2 is AMAZING! Best amp I've ever owned.
 
And the customer service/support from Mark at Urban HiFi is just exemplary. Absolutely wonderful.

 

[TomNC]

@Beagle
 
   Could you describe the sound signature of the MICROZOTL2 in some detail? Is the sound thick/warm/neutral/lean? What about dynamic (punchy bass? Recessed mids? Or bright trebles)? Transparency? Resolution?  Does tube rolling make significant differences in sound? How is the amp compared to other tube or SS amps you have heard?
 
   I am in the process of searching for a mid-budget tube amp. Your impressions will be helpful. Thanks.

 

[jamato8]

  @Beagle
 
   Could you describe the sound signature of the MICROZOTL2 in some detail? Is the sound thick/warm/neutral/lean? What about dynamic (punchy bass? Recessed mids? Or bright trebles)? Transparency? Resolution?  Does tube rolling make significant differences in sound? How is the amp compared to other tube or SS amps you have heard?
 
   I am in the process of searching for a mid-budget tube amp. Your impressions will be helpful. Thanks.

The micro Zotl is mid budget but high end. I hear no deficits in the sound. I don't like warm and don't like cold or edgy. I like transparency, bass quality that is natural and clean with true bass notes and a dynamic quality that is what I hear in real music and this is what I hear. I know you weren't asking me but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents. For me, I like the tubes that came with it just fine but I also like the round plate VT99/6F8G but they require an adapter. Otherwise there are some great 12AT7 and 6SN7 tubes that can be fun to roll but a number of people enjoy the micro as shipped. 

 

[TomNC]

@jamato8
 
  Thanks for your comments. Non-edginess is good as I will use the amp primarily with HD800, which is already quite bright in its stock form. How well can the Zotl2 drive your HE-6? I have one pair too.

 

[Beagle]

  @Beagle
 
   Could you describe the sound signature of the MICROZOTL2 in some detail? Is the sound thick/warm/neutral/lean? What about dynamic (punchy bass? Recessed mids? Or bright trebles)? Transparency? Resolution?  Does tube rolling make significant differences in sound? How is the amp compared to other tube or SS amps you have heard?
 
   I am in the process of searching for a mid-budget tube amp. Your impressions will be helpful. Thanks.

 
There is no sound signature. That's why I love it.

 

[jamato8]

The micro puts out 1 watt. For the HE-6 you really need more power. I would think 3 watts or more for the HE-6 and will try them on the Zotl 10, which uses 2 EL84 tubes per side for 3 watts into 50 ohms and 10 into 8 ohms. 

 

[TomNC]

@Beagle; @jamato8
 
Thanks for the input. It seems there will be a review of the Zotl2 on the Absolute Sound soon. I'll see what is to be written. I am tempted. 

 

[dpump]

  @Beagle; @jamato8
 
Thanks for the input. It seems there will be a review of the Zotl2 on the Absolute Sound soon. I'll see what is to be written. I am tempted. 

If you talk to Mark Schneider at Urban HiFi, I'm pretty sure he will give you a 30-day trial on the ​ZOTL2. If you decide you don't want it you will only be out the shipping costs. That's the way I purchased mine. You can also inquire about a demo or return and possibly save some money.

 

[TomNC]

@dpump
 
Wow. Great tips. Thanks.

 

[jamato8]

  @dpump
 
Wow. Great tips. Thanks.

As I listen to mine right now, there is nooooo way it was going back. Best buy in a home amp I have ever made. 

 

[heyyeh]

I will be receiving my MicroZotl2 in the next day or 2.  Relly looking forward to it.

 

[TomNC]

Congratulations. Looking forward to reading your impressions too.

 

[doctorjazz]

Congrats! Sure you will enjoy the ZOTL! Keep us posted.