One of my favorite pieces of hi-fi gear in the entire world is the Linear Tube Audio microZOTL MZ3 which is neither a solid-state or tube amplifier. The LTA MZ3 is a reference level headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier, and integrated amplifier packed into a desktop-sized package that offers the best of both topologies.
If you’re staring at the image of the MZ3 and focused on the top panel which clearly shows off its compliment of 4 vacuum tubes, you would be incorrect if you think it sounds anything like a traditional tube amplifier.
It does not. Not even remotely.
Does it demonstrate the ability to infuse almost every type of recording with immediacy, texture, detail, and a rather impressive degree of space?
Almost always.
The MZ3 ($3,700) can be transparent, detailed, and colorful at the same time if the rest of the system is up to the challenge.
Its tonal balance works well with a lot of headphones from brands like HiFiMAN, Audeze, Dan Clark Audio, and Meze Audio. You don’t have to spend $3,000, however, on a pair of headphones to experience what the MZ3 is capable of.
So where did the MZ3 and brand new Linear Tube Audio Velo Headphone Amplifier/Pre-amplifier come from?
David Berning designed the original micro-ZOTL in 2000 as a low-power Class A amplifier to be an entry point into his new ZOTL technology. He imagined that it could be used for tweeters or extremely efficient horn speakers.
It was a surprise when its primary success was as a headphone amplifier. LTA revived the circuit as the microZOTL2 in 2015, using the same PCB and similar parts, and the amp continued to be popular with headphone while also starting to be used as a preamplifier.
In the years since, LTA created several iterations of what is now known as the MZ2 ($975) and released the MZ3 ($3,700) and MZ Preamp ($4,450).
All of these versions refined the product and introduced gradual improvements within a rather specific price point; and one that placed it in the top tier of headphone amplifiers.
So what’s so special about the new Velo that is priced significantly lower than the MZ3?
I plan on spending some time with it at CAF 2023 next weekend in Maryland, but if it offers even 85 or 90% of the performance of the MZ3 for only $2,100 (or $2,700 if you opt for the LPS+ power supply) — that’s a serious bargain.
It is also a single-ended pre-amplifier as well which makes it ideal for active desktop systems or traditional two-channel stereo systems where you need 3 inputs.
It features parallel low impedance outputs can easily drive a power amplifier and subwoofer.
So what’s the big deal with the Velo?
LTA started from scratch with the unit; which feels somewhat disingenuous because we know that they have spent the past 5 years engineering some of the most impressive sounding headphone amplifiers in the world and there is no way they didn’t cherry pick the best features of the existing lineup to create the Velo.
LTA revisited the components, PCB layout, assembly procedure, and case design with the goal of removing items that made the product unnecessarily expensive.
The new design features coupling capacitors were deliberately chosen for best audio quality. Storage capacitance on the audio board has been increased, especially right next to the output stage. There is more power supply filtering for both the audio section and the control section of the amp.
The control section has been redesigned with quieter components and lower power consumption, and the amp’s grounding scheme has been redesigned for lower noise and improved shielding. The output impedance has been reduced by 30%.
The new case was designed so that a customer should never have to unscrew the top cover. The tubes are now fully visible and can be swapped with ease. The switch to toggle between 6SN7 and 12SN7 output tubes is now on the back plate instead of on the circuit board (and the amp will go into protection if it is flipped during operation).
The fuse has been replaced by a faster, more reliable overcurrent protection circuit that does not require a new part to be installed for the amp to function again. The front panel indicator lights are all warm, natural light without glare.
What else does one lose from the more expensive MZ3?
The integrated amplifier section and LED array are not part of the deal but that’s why the price is only $2,100.
Will the Linear Tube Audio Velo have the power reserves for the new Meze Audio Empyrean or 109 Pros? We shall see this weekend.
Specifications
- Amplifier Class: Class A Push-pull
- Inputs: 3 x RCA single-ended inputs
- Preamp Output:
- 2 x RCA single-ended outputs
- Output impedance: 50 Ohm
- Headphone Output:
- 1 x 6.3mm (1/4”) single-ended output
- Output Impedance: 1.1ohm
- Gain:
- 13.5dB into 100ohm
- 12.4dB into 8ohm
- THD: 0.19% at 1kHz, 1Vrms
- Hum: -90dB at 1Vrms
- Frequency Response:
- –3dB: 2Hz – 100kHz
- 0dB: 20HZ – 20kHz
- Power Consumption: 24W
- Tube Complement: 2 x 12AT7, 2 x 6SN7
- Dimensions:
- Width: 10 inches
- Height: 2.875 inches (stock output tubes add 2.5in)
- Depth: 10 inches (11.5 inches including volume knob and rear connectors)
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
Where to buy: $2,100 at lineartubeaudio.com
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Emmitt Richards
April 1, 2024 at 11:40 pm
Any follow up?
Ian White
April 2, 2024 at 1:40 am
Emmitt,
Awaiting a review sample.
Best,
Ian White