The LTA Z40 is not your Dad's Futterman OTL Amp. It is so much better than that. Dynamic, detailed and very accurate. This was my first experience with a ZOTL amp it is remarkable. For more info on the Z40 Visit: www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/z40-integrated-amplifier. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
I saw them (w. the Quartet) play in Italy in the mid 90's at the Umbria Jazz Fest and at another pavilion near Verona. Utterly heavenly. The sound was like nothing I have heard since the Dead's Wall of Sound. Sitting on a blanket drinking wine, smoking some reefer and watching the sunset as they played extended versions of all sorts of tunes will be a highlight of my life.
You can thank Julius Futterman for his original designs and the great David Berning for perfecting OTL amplifiers. One of my engineering professors owned Futterman amps and he couldn’t stop raving about them. This was back in 1968 I believe.
Another nice video. New to the Jenna and Rolf’s album. She has a beautiful voice. Sure wish I lived in your neighborhood so I could listen to all these wonderful pieces of equipment you get to review! Thanks again for the music and bringing us new equipment, many of us will never own, heck, probably not even get the opportunity to hear one.
I think that Steve Guttenberg has an LTA as his reference preamp. He was praising it very highly when he reviewed it. I'm certain that you and my fellow subscribers can find it in the archives of his TH-cam channel. Personally speaking, one of my favorite aspects of tube amps is that added warmth or what you referred to as "tubiness". Tube application can offer you that 3d holographic sound stage that we all crave. The heart of my first hi fi system was a Pilot 602 tube receiver (it was gifted to me in 1975 by my Father who had bought new in 1962 )that had EL 82 output tubes and output transformers. Even though it was only 12 watts per channel it sounded great with high efficiency speakers. It was a quality product that lasted nearly 40 years of usage.As always thanks Ed for another interesting review.
@@OldGuyHifiI'm a relatively new subscriber, and after watching several of your videos I think that we are cut from the same bolt of cloth. While I really enjoy learning about the technical aspects of various components and speakers, the main reason that I'm into this hobby is music, not just the equipment. My end goal is to build a system that presents and enhances the music that I love. That said, I guess that I'm looking for components that create a specific sound signature that is subjectively the "best" to me and my ears. I assume that's why personal preference is the most important part of this hobby for the both of us. Am I wrong? Personally speaking, this "problem" is further exacerbated by budgetary constraints. (Sorry for such a long winded comment, but it's difficult for me to describe the emotions that I feel when I listen to my favorite music,)
Nicely done Ed. These LTAs are amazing. Have the MZ3 Headphone/Pre amp. As a Headphone amp it is amazing…..as a pre-amp….it is amazing. Never “tube sounding” as it is smooth without the “round edges”. High in resolution and never fatiguing. I think you caught the essence of this design well. Thanks
I used to own an MZ2. Great for headphones & to drive my vintage Electrovoice Aristocrats, my Dad built in around 1960. I bought a pair of Maggies so had to get something with more power.
Love your informative, insightful reviews expressed without a barrage of esoteric audiophile terms. And your love for the music that is the foundation of this hobby just shines through with your album choices and descriptions. Your have introduced me to interesting music and artists I did not know existed. One problem though, when I try to subscribe to support you as you encouraged, the subscribe button takes me only to an option to join with a paying membership. I am seeing this on other channels too. Do I have to fund you to subscribe?
I have the LTA microZOTL preamp. it’s hands down the best preamp I have had in my system it works really well with the pass labs xa25 amp. I swapped out my Shindo pre for the LTA and never looked back.
Thank you for this review. Always was interested how ZOTL really good is. Seem to be very, very good. Well… if i only had bitcoins bought 20y ago for pennies… I’d sell one now
Lucky you to be able to play with this integrated amp for a while. I was close to buying this, but I chose to go with seperates for use with multiple power amplifiers. Looked hard at their preamplifier, too. I'm curious if they would also add an extra preout since I see the back panel has pre drilled holes next to the subout. Also, did you mention if there is any need to bias/adjust the tubes from time to time? This is a great all in one unit.
nice amp,the mat finish looks great ,but its a fingerprint magnet.definetly need a pair of white cotton cloves when setting up ,moving it ..great review .
I would be glad if you reviewed more tube components. I currently have a rebuilt Dynaco ST70 & two from Black Ice, their tube DAC which improves my WiM Ultra in my second system & the FOZ SS-X, which improves my soundstage in my main system..
Ed, you get some of the most interesting products in and things I've never seen, which is great. The only design knock I see is that really dated display.
You say dated, I say retro. :) Seriously, I adore the display. If there's such a thing as perfection in design of an integrated, this is it. Bravo LTA (and Fern & Roby).
They are so different it is pointless to try and compare them. The SPL stack is super clean and neutral while the LTA amp has a distinct character unlike the SPL. They are aimed at two completely different markets. Both are very good. Thx
Interesting technology and great introduction into it by informed and knowledgeable perspectives. Thank you for your time and efforts sharing this with us all, but way too pricey for me to even consider purchasing.
They are so different. The LTA is $10k and a completely different circuit design. That said they both have a bit of a warmish sound. I like the bass from solid state amps a bit more. Thx
Nice job with the review. I have a few questions. Have you ever heard any other integrated amps that images better? How does it compare with your Cambridge Evo 150 when it’s not streaming? Thanks…
I find that quality components can produce whatever image the recording contains. Imaging is typically more recording dependent then equipment dependant. They are very different sounding. Both image very well. The LTA is less dynsmic but a bit smoother in the midrange. They both have their own unique qualities. I don't think they are going to be cross shopped so a direct comparison isn't worthwhile. I like them both. Thanks for asking and tuning in.
I am not sure it is possible the compare them. The LTA amp is $10k, the Galion is $5k and the Black Ice is $3.2k. The only thing they really share is tubes. They all have strengths and weaknesses. If I had to pick just one it would probably be the Black Ice based on price v performance basis.
If I wanted an integrated tube amp, this one would not be on my list. 1) It is not worth the asking price for what it is. 2) it is not aesthetically pleasing in any way (though that aspect is not important), but if one is going to have a piece, the eyes still factor in. For me, I want to see the tubes and I might want to tube roll. This amp would be difficult to impossible to do that with anyway. That said, I know next to nothing about tubes and have no experience with tube gear. I would not mind having a piece like a PrimaLuna Integrated or something though as I have always wanted to try tubes.
I am constantly impressed by LTAs stuff… my only issue with them is there's always something lacking for me in terms of inputs or outputs (ie, not enough XLR, no i2S, etc). Sound quality is always stellar.
The LTA Z40 is not your Dad's Futterman OTL Amp. It is so much better than that. Dynamic, detailed and very accurate. This was my first experience with a ZOTL amp it is remarkable.
For more info on the Z40 Visit: www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/z40-integrated-amplifier. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
Glad your introduction to ZOTL and LTA's products was a positive experience. Thanks for spending time getting to know the Z40+ Integrated!
@@LinearTubeAudio Thank you.
Made in Takoma Park! Very cool, thanks for introducing me to this amp and this company.
Man that thing is cool looking. Great review
Thanks 👍
The Scofield & Metheny album is simply brilliant!
Agreed
I saw them (w. the Quartet) play in Italy in the mid 90's at the Umbria Jazz Fest and at another pavilion near Verona. Utterly heavenly. The sound was like nothing I have heard since the Dead's Wall of Sound. Sitting on a blanket drinking wine, smoking some reefer and watching the sunset as they played extended versions of all sorts of tunes will be a highlight of my life.
I had that Pat & John album...
You can thank Julius Futterman for his original designs and the great David Berning for perfecting OTL amplifiers. One of my engineering professors owned Futterman amps and he couldn’t stop raving about them. This was back in 1968 I believe.
There was something very special about the first several albums released by America. Great fantasies in their lyrics that need to be deciphered
George Martin produced some of America's albums.
I have a pair of zotl40 ref+ amplifies driving my Maggies; I believe you did a terrific job of describing ZOTL sound. Excellent job, Ed!
Thank you.
Agreed!
Another nice video. New to the Jenna and Rolf’s album. She has a beautiful voice. Sure wish I lived in your neighborhood so I could listen to all these wonderful pieces of equipment you get to review!
Thanks again for the music and bringing us new equipment, many of us will never own, heck, probably not even get the opportunity to hear one.
Thank you my friend. My door is always open.
I think that Steve Guttenberg has an LTA as his reference preamp. He was praising it very highly when he reviewed it. I'm certain that you and my fellow subscribers can find it in the archives of his TH-cam channel. Personally speaking, one of my favorite aspects of tube amps is that added warmth or what you referred to as "tubiness". Tube application can offer you that 3d holographic sound stage that we all crave. The heart of my first hi fi system was a Pilot 602 tube receiver (it was gifted to me in 1975 by my Father who had bought new in 1962 )that had EL 82 output tubes and output transformers. Even though it was only 12 watts per channel it sounded great with high efficiency speakers. It was a quality product that lasted nearly 40 years of usage.As always thanks Ed for another interesting review.
Thank you.
@@OldGuyHifiI'm a relatively new subscriber, and after watching several of your videos I think that we are cut from the same bolt of cloth. While I really enjoy learning about the technical aspects of various components and speakers, the main reason that I'm into this hobby is music, not just the equipment. My end goal is to build a system that presents and enhances the music that I love. That said, I guess that I'm looking for components that create a specific sound signature that is subjectively the "best" to me and my ears. I assume that's why personal preference is the most important part of this hobby for the both of us. Am I wrong? Personally speaking, this "problem" is further exacerbated by budgetary constraints. (Sorry for such a long winded comment, but it's difficult for me to describe the emotions that I feel when I listen to my favorite music,)
@ Thank you for subscribing. Yes. Personal preference is very important. g
Good luck with your quest.
Very Cool, Ed. I'm seriously jealous! 😂 Enjoy it while you have it! 👍
Thanks. It has already gone back. I do have some new cool stuff in house.
Great video, sir. Appreciate the informative and concise review. Keep the good work coming peace and blessings to you.
Thank you so much.
Nicely done Ed. These LTAs are amazing. Have the MZ3 Headphone/Pre amp. As a Headphone amp it is
amazing…..as a pre-amp….it is amazing. Never “tube sounding” as it is smooth without the “round edges”. High in resolution and never fatiguing. I think you caught the essence of this design well. Thanks
Thanks.
I'm thinking about a Tube amp in the future. These video's are very informative.
Thank you.
I hope you review the LTA DAC. Thanks for the video.
I will be getting the Aero DAC soon. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi Awesome. It will be interesting to hear your comparison between Laiv Harmony and LTA Aero.
Wow it's beautiful.
A pleasure as always Ed😊Thank you
I used to own an MZ2. Great for headphones & to drive my vintage Electrovoice Aristocrats, my Dad built in around 1960. I bought a pair of Maggies so had to get something with more power.
I love "I Can See Your House From Here"! I remember buying it when it came out. Saw them both indivdually during that time.
Well done Ed. Interesting piece and tech. I had heard about the tech. Great deep dive on the music you used as well.
Thank you sir.
Thanks Ed.
You are very welcome
Love your informative, insightful reviews expressed without a barrage of esoteric audiophile terms. And your love for the music that is the foundation of this hobby just shines through with your album choices and descriptions. Your have introduced me to interesting music and artists I did not know existed. One problem though, when I try to subscribe to support you as you encouraged, the subscribe button takes me only to an option to join with a paying membership. I am seeing this on other channels too. Do I have to fund you to subscribe?
No you shouldn't have to pay. Let me figure it out and get back to you.
I have the LTA microZOTL preamp. it’s hands down the best preamp I have had in my system it works really well with the pass labs xa25 amp. I swapped out my Shindo pre for the LTA and never looked back.
Thank you for this review. Always was interested how ZOTL really good is. Seem to be very, very good. Well… if i only had bitcoins bought 20y ago for pennies… I’d sell one now
Lucky you to be able to play with this integrated amp for a while. I was close to buying this, but I chose to go with seperates for use with multiple power amplifiers. Looked hard at their preamplifier, too.
I'm curious if they would also add an extra preout since I see the back panel has pre drilled holes next to the subout. Also, did you mention if there is any need to bias/adjust the tubes from time to time?
This is a great all in one unit.
The tubes don't require biasing. You would have to ask them about the blank holes. Thx
nice amp,the mat finish looks great ,but its a fingerprint magnet.definetly need a pair of white cotton cloves when setting up ,moving it ..great review .
I would be glad if you reviewed more tube components. I currently have a rebuilt Dynaco ST70 & two from Black Ice, their tube DAC which improves my WiM Ultra in my second system & the FOZ SS-X, which improves my soundstage in my main system..
Ed, you get some of the most interesting products in and things I've never seen, which is great. The only design knock I see is that really dated display.
The display is odd. But it works sort of.
You say dated, I say retro. :) Seriously, I adore the display. If there's such a thing as perfection in design of an integrated, this is it. Bravo LTA (and Fern & Roby).
Good afternoon..man, there’s a name I haven’t heard in a while 😎
Hi, very intersting review. Could you tell something to similarities and differences of the LTA Z40 and the SPL tsack? Are their comparable?
They are so different it is pointless to try and compare them. The SPL stack is super clean and neutral while the LTA amp has a distinct character unlike the SPL. They are aimed at two completely different markets. Both are very good. Thx
Interesting technology and great introduction into it by informed and knowledgeable perspectives. Thank you for your time and efforts sharing this with us all, but way too pricey for me to even consider purchasing.
Thank you sir.
Thank you, very informative. Any experience with a hybrid design and how it compares to the LTA?
You should watch my review of the Rogue Pharaoh II. Thx.
I wonder how it matches up to an Advance Paris, the tiny display is a cool touch
They are so different. The LTA is $10k and a completely different circuit design. That said they both have a bit of a warmish sound. I like the bass from solid state amps a bit more. Thx
Nice job with the review.
I have a few questions. Have you ever heard any other integrated amps that images better?
How does it compare with your Cambridge Evo 150 when it’s not streaming? Thanks…
I find that quality components can produce whatever image the recording contains. Imaging is typically more recording dependent then equipment dependant. They are very different sounding. Both image very well. The LTA is less dynsmic but a bit smoother in the midrange. They both have their own unique qualities. I don't think they are going to be cross shopped so a direct comparison isn't worthwhile. I like them both. Thanks for asking and tuning in.
Cool!
Hi Ed, which do you prefer: the LTA Z40, Black Ice F22, or TS120SE?
I am not sure it is possible the compare them. The LTA amp is $10k, the Galion is $5k and the Black Ice is $3.2k. The only thing they really share is tubes. They all have strengths and weaknesses. If I had to pick just one it would probably be the Black Ice based on price v performance basis.
@@OldGuyHifi ok, thank you
You mentioned that the Black Ice amp has similar bass damping. How do the two amps compare overall? Do you have a preference?
They both have their own unique qualities. I do have a preference for the Black Ice. Just something seductive about it's sound. Thx.
Don't forget to like! People
Thx
Just a comment.
Just a thank you.
To expensive ...........( good opt 's are very expensive )
Tubes are faster than SS , tubes are more linear ( less distortion ) than SS....
If I wanted an integrated tube amp, this one would not be on my list. 1) It is not worth the asking price for what it is. 2) it is not aesthetically pleasing in any way (though that aspect is not important), but if one is going to have a piece, the eyes still factor in.
For me, I want to see the tubes and I might want to tube roll. This amp would be difficult to impossible to do that with anyway. That said, I know next to nothing about tubes and have no experience with tube gear. I would not mind having a piece like a PrimaLuna Integrated or something though as I have always wanted to try tubes.
Thx for tuning in and commenting.
I am constantly impressed by LTAs stuff… my only issue with them is there's always something lacking for me in terms of inputs or outputs (ie, not enough XLR, no i2S, etc). Sound quality is always stellar.
Why would an amp need I2S? Just curious. They're are not many balanced stereo tube amps. Thx.