[mrspeakers]

The storage and display box...

 

[TonyNewman]

...My black Blue Hawaii is there in the background, using Siemens EL34.

The electrostatic amp Jesus would use.

I have just taken ownership of a black GS-X Mk2 - a fantastic amp. I can only guess at how excellent the BHSE is.

 

[JimL11]

"The BHSE is amazing for resolution and power, but I also have a prototype of an upcoming Linear Tube Audio ZOTL-derived design that is quite textured and smooth. It's going to depend a lot on what you want to accomplish. As it's a prototype with no ETA, price or final metal I won't directly compare to the BHSE because common sense prevails!.

Not to be contrary, but what is the point of ZOTL technology in this context? The ZOTL is intended to replace the output transformer, but for electrostatic headphones, there is no need for an output transformer - you can drive the phones directly from the output tubes.

 

[mrspeakers]

Not to be contrary, but what is the point of ZOTL technology in this context? The ZOTL is intended to replace the output transformer, but for electrostatic headphones, there is no need for an output transformer - you can drive the phones directly from the output tubes.

ZOTL is a unique OTL topology, just like there are different topologies for balanced amps, or even single ended. It's a unique circuit design with it's own strengths, and presumably weaknesses. I've very much enjoyed having one. I'd really like to get a Carbon or T2 at some point too, but my desk would likely collapse from the weight.

 

[SuperDuke]

I heard the LTA amp with Late version VOCE prototypes just before it went to Mr Speakers and textured and smooth is how I would describe it. I did not have the BHSE on hand to compare. I understand the final production ZOTL stat amp may have an output for dynamic HPs as well - makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[SeaWo|f]

That would explain the need to have a transformer substitute on the output of the amp to drive stats.

Sounds like a normal amp with this added zotl output to drive the stats.

 

[mrspeakers]

My understanding is conventional and stat output as well, my prototype has this. I'd agree about warmth and texture, it's just lovely sounding.

It is a different experience from the BHSE, for sure, and super enjoyable to have both. The BH is my home unit, the ZOTL and TT2 are on my desk. I wouldn't comment on differences as the ZOTL is a prototype... It has some nice features, too, including a relay volume control like the Ragnarok.

 

[mrspeakers]

That would explain the need to have a transformer substitute on the output of the amp to drive stats.

Sounds like a normal amp with this added zotl output to drive the stats.

I think your understanding of OTL is backwards. You'd be better off thinking of an OTL amp as being a "normal amp without an output transformer." OTL is not a "transformer substitute," a transformer is an output stages that reduces tube amp voltage swing and increases current so as to drive a dynamic or planar drivers. In fact, I think early OTL designs were mostly applied to electrostatic loudspeakers because it took too many tubes to generate enough current to drive dynamic loudspeakers to be commercially viable for mainstream users.

The ZOTL output is a unique OTL design and it has an output for a planar/dyanmic may have a step-down circuit or pull the output from a different point in the amp than the output that drives the stat, you'd have to ask LTA what they do here as I've not discussed it nor seen a schematic and don't know. The LTA just sound great into planars as well as stats and even delivers exceptional bass with AEON; an OTL design driving a 13 ohm load with authority is pretty bomb.

Getting further into this is a-beyond my pay grade and b-probably OT.

 

[JimL11]

My understanding is conventional and stat output as well, my prototype has this.

OK, that makes sense. Likely ZOTL for conventional and direct for e-stats.

 

[SeaWo|f]

Sorry @mrspeakers I did a poor job of explaining my though process. Everything you said about OTL amps is correct.

I was thinking of a standard hybrid amp that used a dynamic type initial stages and then a transformer to step up to stat voltage. And that in this new amp the ZOTL was providing the step up. @JimL11 analysis makes more sense than I was thinking.

 

[bearFNF]

Come on March 7th.... F5 F5 F5

Need more photos to tied us over Dan...

 

[DocBass]

How are things going at MrSpeakers? Are we still looking at shipping in 2 days??

 

[mrspeakers]

Yes, we start shipping this week. It'll take some time to get through the backorders, we ship first come first serve, so be a bit patient.

 

[Sound Eq]

can i ask would voce need crazy expensive amps to drive it, as I do not mind the price of voce, but not that I have to spend another 3k usd on an amp

 

[TSAVJason]

can i ask would voce need crazy expensive amps to drive it, as I do not mind the price of voce, but not that I have to spend another 3k usd on an amp

Well the VOCE’ may not be your cup of tea if that’s the case. You do need an amp designed for electrostatic headphones and they can easily cost $3k or more