Linear Tube Audio MZ3 - High tech OTL tube amp and preamp

[@keith9388]

It's great seeing this AMP get a review from someone with your KZbin following. I've owned the MZ3 for years, and at the time, there were almost no reviews. And still, there isn't much out there. I just took a chance on it and purchased it directly from LTA. You can save some money and wait for their yearly sale and save around $300-$400. The combination of smart features with a tube amp is unique, as well as the modern case. It does not look like your average tube amp. The small size makes the headphone amp section extremely desktop friendly. I have the LPS on the ground, and then the unit on my work desk, which is hardly taking up any space. Nobody would be the wiser that I have a god-tier tube amp sitting beside me. And, of course, the best part is the sound. I find the separation, placement in space, detail, and overall spaciousness to be end-game (for a tube amp). As you said, it makes recordings sound natural, alive, and easy to listen to while retaining clarity. I can't ask for much more. It's the whole package for me, as I prefer tubes over solid state (attack/dryness/clinical/detail fatigue). LTA MZ3 has the size, sound, and looks nailed.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying your MZ3, Keith! I completely agree about how great it is. Sounds like a lovely setup you have going

[@ptg01]

David Berning is an audio rock star since the early 80's !!!! Glad to see him make more "affordable" gear... His Berning amps are stuff that legends are made of....

[@PassionforSound]

It's certainly some cool technology

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

David Berning did not “make” this amp. He has zero input in the circuitry or manufacturing of LTA products. LTA simply pays a licensing fee to use David’s ZOTL patented design. They use his design liberally but is quite different in topology to a Berning branded, designed and produced amp.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, good clarification.

[@Michael_mki233]

Pleasantly surprised to see this. Going to be picking one of these up when I buy a Utopia. I've been reliably told it's an absolutely wonderful pairing.

[@PassionforSound]

Having owned the OG Utopia, I can confidently say that it would be a spectacular pairing! Hope you love it 🙂

[@JL3001]

I live not far from LTA's shop in the Washington, DC area and I drop in from time-to-time...they're great folks! Was able to bring my Verites to listen to the MZ2 and MZ3 in person. Really phenomenal amplifiers.

[@PassionforSound]

That's great service! Pretty cool to get that chance 🙂

[@nimzerz2422]

Was considering one of these for the last few months so I was really happy to see this review posted

[@PassionforSound]

I hope it helped to answer your questions! 🙂

[@mattbyrnes4171]

I bought a used MZ2 with an upgraded power supply about 6 years ago. I have it paired with the Denafrips Ares II and Schiit Lokius. I absolutely love it. I mostly listen to planar headphones (HifiMan HE-X V2, LCD-X 2021) and it's wonderful with them. HD8XX is really nice with it as well. It's definitely one of my best audio purchases ever.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@nick_g]

I heard the the LTA z10e at canjam in socal and it was one of my fav amps at the show. The wooaudio WA33 was also fantastic.

[@PassionforSound]

I need to try some Woo! 🙂

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Huge difference in cost between the MZ3 and WA33 though.

[@markhershberger9477]

Wow really good review Sir! I appreciate your consistency of perspective which is supported in nuanced fashion as you make your way through comparisons. It reflects your keen understanding, capacity for discrimination, and insight between what you are hearing in the different amps and their pairings with headphones. You portray sonic characteristics as well as any of the top tier audio reviewers on the web or in magazines. Lachlan, your work is appreciated!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad it's helpful! Thanks so much, Mark. 🙂🙂

[@vaneast411]

Thanks! I really appreciate the depth you bring to your analysis and sharing I have both the Folkvangr and MZ3 though have barely listened to the Schiit, as of yet, and have mostly used the MZ3 as a pre with my Nelson Pass Sit-3 (along with Audionotekits AN-E’s kit 4 speakers) I am very happy with this combination. Presently I am using the Sonnet Pasithea dac which I am really enjoying too! Thanks again my good man👍

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you vaneast! The MZ3 is technically superior to the Vang, but when the Vang gets paired with the right headphone (like the ZMF Atrium) it's a magnificent experience in musical enjoyment. Sounds like you have a wonderful setup there. Enjoy!

[@vaneast411]

I have been running one of these as a preamp for my Nelson Pass Sit-3 amp. It’s a beautiful pairing into some AN-E kit 4 speakers:)

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, it makes for a wonderful pre-amp!

[@bitterandjaded_]

I bought an MZ3 to use as a preamp. I was completely unprepared for the headphone rabbit hole it would send me down. The downside is I’ve set the bar pretty high for so early in my headphone journey. Bummer, right? Thanks for the comparisons. I already knew it’s a keeper. I’ve bought enough spare tubes to last a few decades.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying the MZ3. Sorry about your wallet 😉

[@mrjohnsuen]

If you like the MZ3, you should also try the Z10e, the electrostatic headphone amp and when paired with say either the Esoteric N-05XD or the dCS Bartok the combo drives the CRBN to its absolute performance!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Someone on headfi said they didn't think Z10e was up to driving CRBN properly.

[@mrjohnsuen]

@@johnratcliffe6438 Well I can't speak for others and if it didn't work for them then it didn't. Since this vid is on MZ3, and if you have a chance suggest try it with vinyl, it won't disappoint, and I'm speaking from my own experience.

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to try some other LTA products. It's a shame we're on opposite sides of the world ☹️

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I own one! I bought it 3 months ago. I love it 😊

[@PassionforSound]

That's great! Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@HungryEatNow]

What!!! You have this baby for review ❤️

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, and it's magic. It'll be sticking around as a reference for future reviews of headphones and speakers too 😁

[@frederf69]

Good review & liking the new approach, thanks.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@rhodey2952]

Imo the best way to put it is, the MZ3 is holographic like a tube but with the clarity of a ss. If this had more power and better low end slam I would have kept it. Very good amp tho!

[@PassionforSound]

Definitely holographic. Not quite the clarity of SS, but I get where you are headed and don't disagree overall. What did you need the extra power for?

[@rhodey2952]

@@PassionforSound I didn’t find the clarity lacking when compared to the TT2 at all. I thought the MZ3 was very clean sounding. Pitch black background as well. Some of the best that I’ve heard. I moved to the WA33 from the MZ3. I wanted something with more power to push power hungry planars. I enjoyed the WA33 but felt it was a little dry for my tastes and it wasn’t as fun as I hoped for. I ended up picking up a DNA stratus and paired it with the new Utopia. For planars I bought a Holo Bliss. It seems to have the current and power to push the Susvara very well.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you found some options you enjoy so much!

[@charlesnr]

Many only need one input and no remote as the original hand made Berning amp.introduced at the US CES show. With switch mode power supply, that brings the cost down to $1,295 for this magical sound.

[@PassionforSound]

Wow! That's a pretty great price if it sounds anything like the MZ3

[@DSor1]

This amp looks really good. How would the Gemini stand in a direct comparison considering the price difference and the fact I would not need to connect to speakers directly? Main use for both would be preamp (80% of the time) and headphone amp (20%). I am strictly talking about sound quality. I have a couple of very high end power amps to pair this with, both high resolving, musical and able to do good 3D. Thanks for your feedback and it is awesome that you get to expose us to the inner circle of people like Sparko. Really fun to get to see the people whose creativity makes this hobby so much fun. Regards!

[@PassionforSound]

The Gemini is lovely, but not on the level of the MZ3. You might want to consider the Velo if you don't need speaker amplification. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4XOoquCprF-nLMsi=v6vXSBsfMmfsNNtc

[@DSor1]

@@PassionforSound Awesome. Thanks for your answer!

[@mastaboog749]

Just started looking at this company, it's a couple states down and I'm really considering doing a drive and picking up my first serious piece. I'm only at the jotunheim 2/lyr 3 level.

[@PassionforSound]

Definitely worth checking out! The MZ3 is a wonderful amp if you're looking for some tubes in your life. Hope you get to try them.

[@crangaz]

I have had this amplifier in the back of my mind for a long time, and was waiting for more reviews. Really appreciate you doing this. I have a question that I hope you can answer. I already have a TT2 running ZMF VC. What is the biggest difference in driving direct from TT2 vs MZ3?

[@crangaz]

Sorry. I got the answer to the question after watching the review a second time. But, would you say that the MZ3 has a more holographic presentation than the tt2?

[@PassionforSound]

That's ok. Yes, the presentation will be a little more holographic with greater depth and also a smoother presentation so you'll lose a tiny bit of the texture that the TT2 is so strong with, but the MZ3 will bring a different sense of ease and naturality.

[@aceofspades6667]

Mz3 sounds like a fantastic combination of technical and enjoyable. You might eventually look at something like a Trafomatic head 2 as well. It’s a hybrid but similar balance as the mz3

[@PassionforSound]

It definitely is! Thanks for mentioning the Trafomatic too - I'd forgotten about that one

[@javiersamayoa8]

Did you ever compare or are you able to compare the Burson 3x GT and the MZ3? I have the Burson and interested in the MZ3 but wondering if they would be too close.

[@PassionforSound]

I have both and they're very different. The MZ3 brings all the benefits of tubes (smoother sound, more depth in the soundstage, etc.) without any drawbacks in terms of thickness, loss of control, etc. It's definitely different from the Soloist GT and they are a good pair.

[@rickg8015]

Will LTA give this a “Reference +” treatment? It might close the gap in “transparency” vs the TT2 direct..

[@PassionforSound]

I don't think it will ever match the transparency of such a short, solid state analog circuit, but if the MZ3 can get even better, I'd be one interested dude!

[@Smood47]

1:44 The music is sick here damn

[@neilsnyder7915]

I think my assessment of the z10e was accurate. While I appreciate what tubes provide my preference is for neutral and transparent with great detail. To each his own.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I thought of you as I produced this one. It's not an amp for detail freaks like you (and me quite often), but it's about as detailed as an OTL amp can get and I love it's ease of delivery so long as you're not wanting every last shred of texture.

[@aRc11-11]

I have two of the original Berning headphone amps.

[@PassionforSound]

Nice!

[@crate718]

I took out my ten year old Avid fast track duo interface and I connected the sh6 and it was magic way better then the su6 almost not sharp at all even with dt 1990 and now I know what you mean by 360 degree sound stage. Makes me wonder what is the best interface for audiophiles?

[@PassionforSound]

That's an interesting question. Many interfaces aren't great for music listening, but I've never explored it to find which are optimal.

[@crate718]

@@PassionforSound I bought the avid interface around $300 $400. Now you can find it used for $60. In my opinion it is really good and unbeatable for the price. The RME baby face interface suppose to be one of the best and it cost $1000 but it is a learning curve to learn how to use it correctly

[@adeadcrab]

NOW we're talking... big boys time...

[@PassionforSound]

Sure is! Beautiful amp

[@histubeness]

Does it still emit the click sounds when using the remote to change volume levels instead of the knob?

[@PassionforSound]

Yep. It's the relay making the sound. It's an excellent quality volume control system, but some won't like the noise it makes.

[@tomwalker7629]

Any thoughts on how it compares to the Auris HA2-SE?

[@PassionforSound]

Not as yet. I'd love to try the HA2!

[@TriAmpHiFi]

I wonder if selling 1000 of these in a year is over ambitious. 🔈🔉🔊 Thanks 4 the Vid.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not sure how many of these would sell in a year, but glad you liked the video

[@Reeeepicheep]

I see Hekv2 in the background. Review incoming? Also the He1000v2 Stealth has just been released, which is supposedly better.

[@PassionforSound]

You'll find out (from my perspective) this week...

[@looyoo0-u6i]

What are those stands you use I love their look ????

[@PassionforSound]

The light wooden ones with silver accents? Those are Avantree stands. There are multiple links in my "Passion for Sounds Recommends" database, but here's the US link for the stands: amzn.to/3gWnu87

[@looyoo0-u6i]

@@PassionforSound I meant the amp stands ? 🤔

[@PassionforSound]

Oh, sorry! I made that myself with some Tasmanian Oak (I think)

[@looyoo0-u6i]

@@PassionforSound ahh i kept looking around online for an attractive one( to me) that isnt an arm and a leg in price but it really does come to "fine ill do it myself"

[@PassionforSound]

Yep. That's where I Ianded too. Just be careful not to size yourself into a corner. I built mine for specific devices at each tier and then I upgraded to different sized devices later... 🤦‍♂️

[@oscarvalencia9485]

any idea of DHT OTL?

[@PassionforSound]

No, haven't tried that one yet. Sorry

[@Smood47]

The standing is cool

[@PassionforSound]

Did you like it better?

[@Smood47]

@@PassionforSound I think both are cool. Maybe go back and forth to keep it fresh :D

[@PassionforSound]

I actually need to get my sit-stand desk setup properly again (cable management is my challenge) so I'll see what I can do

[@pennfootball71]

Less feedback in bigger amps though creates problems. If you look at Pass Labs some of their low or no feedback amps actually have DC they amplify a bit because no feedback can tame it down!! (this can blow a tweeter!!!) This is not good! It all depends on the design. Pass Labs does a piss poor job and they all run out of gas after 10 watts then after 10 watts distortion goes up as power goes up...Some of this is audible some is not. This is why Nelson really only wants to focus on the first Watt and have sensitive speakers becasue his circuits struggle more after that for more modern inefficient speakers that need current and power. Their power rating is deceptive it is only 1 channel driven! Be careful of no or low feedback designs. I tried the M23 with my ZMF aeolus and it had a harder time driving them...The Z10 integrated amp is more powerful and is a next level up for headphones and just is kick ass and worth the extra money.

[@michaellichnovsky8397]

What amps in particular are you talking about? The DIY amps? First Watt amps? Pass Labs Amps? Which models exactly? What you’re describing does not tally with my experience with the XA models.

[@PassionforSound]

I think there's always a balance with everything when it comes to balancing power, noise, feedback, etc.

[@dar._]

Sell me your Folkvangr, then you have a reason to own the MZ3. Easy.

[@PassionforSound]

That's a discussion that we could potentially have... Although I'd need time to come around on letting the Vang go

[@dar._]

@@PassionforSound I was expecting to be told to go to hell, but... interesting ;)

[@PassionforSound]

I'll chat to you in the Discord and explain where I'm at. The final decision likely hinges on the Atriums...

[@razisn]

Did you test this for electrocution? 😛

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. No thanks

[@markw7303]

so iits good but its not ref i dont want to spend money and lose dac detail even with a good presentation

[@PassionforSound]

It's reference for a tube amp. I don't think any tube amp (based on my experiences) will provide the sheer resolution of a solid state amp.

[@markw7303]

@@PassionforSound excellent I was aproching it more as a pree . Trying to find the most holographic and spacious tub pre or buffer between 1500 and 3500 ish new or used . I don't really need the in puts and honestly run it at full unatenuated and use my dac as the attenuation . Ie unity gain ... Sort of. Other interesring ones are 300b tube based kits . There are great expensive pre tube or otherwise . But there is little value in them . Other stand outs are the bigest older and Evo primaluna ones in this price .