So, I’ve had the Linear Tube Audio MZ2 w/Linear Power Supply for about 2 weeks or so now. I’ve had the chance to use it as both a pre-amp and an integrated (0.5 watts/ch!), as well as swap my previous pre-amp (Schiit Saga) and amp (DIY Amp Camp Amp 8 watts/ch) in and out for some quick, back-to-back comparisons. I think I have a pretty good handle on what the MZ2 does for my particular system. The
LTA website has all the specifics (tube complement, gain, features, etc)
TL;DR Me like!
As Preamplifier
The biggest factor in choosing this particular box of wires and tubes was the expectation, based on many reviews, of an enlarged soundstage, with more air and space between the instruments. In my brief experience, this is easily the most noticeable trait. After comparing the Schiit Saga and the MZ2 in quick succession, both going thru my PrimaLuna Prologue 5 amp, I could “measure” a gain of about 2 feet higher and about a foot wider than with the Saga. In my room, this translates to ~24 sq ft more soundstage. Some airier recordings pushed these boundaries a little further.
In regards to imaging and space, I listened to the first minute of
The National Anthem from Kid A to get a sense of tone from the electric bass line that drives the song, as well as the atmospheric swirl going on around it. I think I now understand the audiophile term “smearing” a lot more . With the MZ2, the lead in and out of notes are much more in focus than before (besides having more space to swirl around). With the Saga, this was all done in tighter confines and with less focus. Same results when listening to
How To Disappear Completely, particularly at the 5:23 mark when Thom’s vocals release into the clearing – bigger background, greater separation between vocals and orchestra, with better underlying bass and overall dynamics.
All in all, as a preamp, the MZ2 does what I bought it to do. I’m totally happy with it.
As Integrated Amplifier
I bought the MZ2 as a preamp, but the fact that it
could be used as an integrated was certainly a curiosity for me. Given I have a pair of pretty efficient Zu Audio Dirty Weekends, I had to see what .5 watt could do. I was shocked by what I heard. The volume knob got to 3 o’clock before it was too loud, and that was with my phono stage being at its lowest setting of 40db. All of the above traits mentioned about the MZ2 as a preamp held true. The soundstage was exactly the same size with the MZ2 as it was as a preamp thru the PL. All of the space and focus was still there too. Even the bass was impressive (DJ Shadow – Our Pathetic Age
Rosie really bumped!)
When compared to the PrimaLuna amp (36 watts/ch) however, bass meat did fall off the bone, especially in the mids, but also in finer texture and absolute bottom end. As a result, dynamics lessened and the overall experience was less enjoyable, but still certainly acceptable. I also tried my previous DIY AmpCampAmp (with the MZ2 as preamp) and while the tone is nice, the soundstage shrunk to exactly within the confines of the height and width of my speakers. This amp actually restricts the capabilities of the MZ2 in that regard. Based on what I heard with all the pairings of preamps/amps/integrated, the MZ2 and the PL unsurprisingly worked the best together. Each component gets to bring what they do best to the table, without interfering with the other.
As a preamp, I got exactly what I wanted. As an integrated, I’m really happy with how well it performed, especially in case some tragedy befalls my PL amp or my tubes die unexpectedly. Oh, yeah this is also a headphone amp! Apparently an elite one at that. I listen to my stereo via headphones maybe a few times a year, so I have very little reference to go by. I will say my Grados sounded really nice, though!
Lastly I should mention LTA’s customer service was really great. This was a used piece so it arrived much faster than new built to order components are. I received frequent updates from LTA regarding shipping status as well as nearly immediate responses to a few questions I had along the way.
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