LTA Z40+ REINVENTING the SOUND of TUBE AMPLIFIERS
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- More info on David Berning's ZOTL technology www.lineartubeaudio.com/the-t...
Patreon: / audiophiliac
My LTA Z10 CNET review www.cnet.com/tech/home-entert...
My LTA MicroZOTL CNET review www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/find...
0:00 Meet the LTA Z40+ integrated amplifier
2:42 Look inside!
3:25 Knob feel
3:40 Specs
4:14 The review system
6:27 The SOUND!
8:48 Compared with Pass Labs electronics
12:30 Magnepan LRS+
13:13 Buchardt S400 MkII
15:27 Playing LPs
16:50 Headphones
18:04 So Steve, what do you really think?
21:17 Audiophiliac Viewer System of the Day!
22:49 Outro
Audiophiliac Podcast audiophiliacpodcast.buzzsprou...
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg
#LinearTubeAudio #audiophile #hifi 
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There's an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon).
Hitachi were very good in the late 1970s but like many others faded in the 1980s and today ... well we never hear about them. But French Canada had some connection with harman kardon of the New York that were made by Hitachi. But ... late 1970s Hitachi like the SR-603 from 1977 were the best at the price. Very heavy and compact receivers, recommended to anybody interested in vintage from then but they don't come cheap today!
Absolutely Correct on all counts Steve. The LTA amplifiers make music sound like music. It's pure magic. Plus, they are the nicest people ever, who answer their phone and want to help you.
Thanks, Dave! We do indeed! ~Nicholas
@@LinearTubeAudio just this interaction makes me like you company. And I just started the video 😁
@@annebokma4637 🙏
To those curious about or questioning the Berning ZOTL topology used in the LTA amplifiers, here's a VERY simplified explanation. The design is actually pure genius. Think of its front-end, as a multi-tubed, high-end tube preamplifier, that uses a microprocessor-driven array of relays to form the input selector and relay-switched precision-stepped-attenuator volume control. The power amplifier end, is where this amplifier is totally unique. In a way, it not really an OTL at all, as it employs an AIR-core (not iron-core) transformer. Each side of the air-core output transformer's primary is driven by a tubed, class A/B amplifier, with the two A/B amplifiers being driven out-of-phase by a tubed phase-splitter. So in effect, the output transformer's primary is driven by an H-bridge. Rather than using a DC power supply to conventionally power these two out-of-phase A/B amplifiers, the output stages are instead powered by high-current, high-voltage chopped square wave, that is being modulated in power, by the audio signal. The chopped power to the output stage tubes runs at 250 Khz (or 1/4 of a Mhz). So yep that's right, the primary of the output transformer sees the audio riding on (or superimposed upon) a 250 khz carrier. So now, the transformers work and do their impedance matching function at this much higher RF frequency, rather than at audio frequencies. This is why the transformer can be so small, light and have no nasty hysteresis, because it doesn't need to be wound on poorly-behaved, laminated iron core. That's also why the tubes don't see much difference from 20-20khz. The audio that is now riding the carrier at he secondary of the transformer now has a low output impedance (at least as tubes go), without the sound and nasty behaviors of an iron transformer. All that remains is to loose the 250khz carrier, which is easily done by a low-pass filter. The filter is easy to implement, as the carrier is so much higher than even the highest of audio frequencies. Without the compromises forced by the iron core transformers, the output tubes can be run a higher voltages, and lower currents. That's why, as LTA says, the expected tube life is crazy long. All of this magic is implemented with premium, audiophile grade parts quality, being optimized and selected for best sound. As you might expect, with this kind of a topology, it's a very tricky design that is packed with hard-fought-for intellectual property. Power supplies are likewise top-notch. So when Steve took the top off the amplifier, it looks like no other! I hope this helps. To me, it has the tube magic that my brain loves, but without the baggage and hysteresis of the iron-core transformers. Plus, though as always beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think it's case and operation is a thing of beauty.
It's an awesome integrated amp, with tons of detail and beautiful tone. My Z40+ will never leave my house!
Wow! You rarely see an amplifier well build like this. Attention to detail and parts quality is top notch, which also reflects on the high price tag! :) Good review Steve, as always!!
I've had this integrated for 5 months now. Really like the sound it reproduces. It's driving a pair of Dynaudio's contour 20, and it sounds amazing to these ears. Also really easy to use and doesn't run super hot. I have some videos posted here, but it doesn't do it justice.
David Berning is an American legend...... His OTL amps are simply stunning !!!
Thanks for showcasing my system! I upgraded some parts since that picture but still an "all Hitachi" system! Keep up the good work.
Thank you for reviewing LTA; I have a pair of the Zotl 40+ power amps driving my Maggie 3.7i and love them. Great quality and sound. Hope to see you at Cap Audio Fest.
Thanks, Steve! We look forward to getting you the ZOTL40+ Reference power amp (and MicroZOTL Preamplifier) soon... ~Nicholas
Hi Steve! I really want to thank you for that video you did awhile back that encouraged me to give my headphones a real try. I am enjoying my Meze 099 Classics SO much now. I figured out that I have to take my eyeglasses off. Once I did that I had plenty of bass to get my toes tapping! Getting a proper seal around my ears was the key. Thanks again 🤝
Thanks for sharing your review, nice integrated amp👍
LTA stuff is magical. I own the Z40+ power amp and MZ2 preamp. End game setup for me.
What an amp, i would love to hear it… and great video as usual. Feel the sudden urge for an "and it's true!" t-shirt :)
Have one in love it. Thanks for reviewing this
Heard the LTA microZOTL preamp. Stock unit and not upgraded. It sounds really good.
LTA makes very good products.
Dig the shirt Steve. I always enjoy your videos: stay well.
I got my Z40 in January - it is remarkable. Nice review.
I just came across an ad for a Western Electric 91e Integrated amp using 300B WE tubes. It looks like a piece of art.
I have this same amp and run it with Spatial Audio Lab X5s. You had said you might do a review of Spatial Audio Lab speakers a few months ago. Pair these two together and you get some very nice stuff. I replaced the tubes to get a bit warmer sound and love it.
Wow, really diggin' The HI-FI Collective, Steve. Thanks for turning me on to it!
I have had this amp for 2 years (almost). It's incredible. I love everything about it.
🤘
Hi there. Can I ask what speakers you drive with this amp?
Which speakers are you pairing it with?
Thanks for introducing the Hi-Fi Collective. Great sounding music.
Love the 1970s sounding groovy funk from this. Sounds incredible even on Tidal's Hi-Fi tier. Makes me think of buying the DSD version....
Thanks Steve for your review! Just had to get a comment in. I too am BACK INTO TUBELAND!
Added to the Martin Logan/Parasound system of mine you did a short photo mention a while back....I added a brand new pair of Klipsch Forte' Fours (distressed oak / lambswood grills) and powering them with a new WIllsenton R8.
In triode mode and those efficient speakers in my 18x24' space and pulled 31" from the front wall, the low end is really impressive from only 25w per ch. It drives the Martin Logan Classic 9's very nicely as well. It is very enjoyable to have two systems 180 degrees apart in design in one room. Tubes and Forte's bring me back to the days of my Dynaco MK 3 / PAS-2 and Klipschorns, yeaaa! (O: Thanks again for more tube amp reviews.
Medeski, Martin, and Wood. Wow. Never heard of these guys. Thanks Steve. ❤
Check out the very accessible Shack-man and the Radiolarians I, II, & III. Those guys were way ahead of their time. Never heard a B3 sound better.
I have the Zotl40 Reference amp with MZ3 headphone/preamp with my Magnepan LRS w/ Magnarisers and it is awesome! Bass digs deep and I don't need a sub to get adequate bass for my 14'x17' room. Imaging is dead center and holographic. Glad I took a chance and paired them together. My end game...for now.
This is an interesting amp. I read about the ZOTL innovation, and it sounds like a winner.
I use OTL triode amps and they sound as you describe. I suspect the ZOTL has better bass and long tube life. OTL has all that tube spaciousness and low-level detail making a very palpable sound. Very cool.
I heard the amplifier at the Seattle Pacific Audio Fest paired with Spatial open baffle speaker. Thought it was the best sound I heard that day.
I've been around tube amps a longtime , a lot of ss sound real good , but something about tubes , for me cant be beat .
For my LRS I use a tube preamp and SS power amp.
Can't fight some battles.
🎶😉🎶
Good call on getting the power amp in
Love the channel Steve , especially the music recommendations. I would love you to review the Norma Audio revo 140 integrated (dual mono) as I think it’s one of the best amplifiers I’ve ever heard. I would love to see your opinion on this Italian stallion.
Hi Steve! You've now reviewed two integrated amplifiers that interest me: the Backert Rhumba 1.3 (though there's now a Rhumba Extreme 1.3), and the LTA Z40+. I currently have a FirstSound Presence Deluxe Mk III amplifier, which I've had for years, but which I love, and I was wondering if either the Backert or the LTA (and I have the LTA Microzotl MZ3 headphone amplifier, which I use with my Meze Empyreans) might give me sound that's just a little bit more lifelike. Please understand, I don't feel any burning need to upgrade, because I'm completely happy with what I have, but if you had to choose between the Backert and the LTA, is there one you think sounds more "realistic" (I know; terrible word!) or richer in the bass? Many thanks!
Splendid review.
Having the Magnepan LRS permanently in-house to torture test amps is essential.
Nevertheless I'm sure this is a great amp. The extended tube life makes it exceptional!
Will have to read up on ZOTL topology...
🎶🤔🎶
It's funny in a way. People buy sub-$1000 speakers but then use them with a $3500 (and even higher) amp to get the most out of them. Not sure what that says about the LRS+ but if people are doing that, there must be something...
@@rosswarren436
Yes there is, friend;-)
Love mine with a pair of RELs, Bryston 3B SST and Musical Paradise 701mk2 preamp.
I doubt I could do better for the price.
🎵🎶😁🎶🎵
Love tube amplifier
Always love your channel. You're #1 on my list. I always find interesting music in your videos but today, I'm having no luck finding anything on "The Hifi Collective". Can you point me in the right direction. Cheers from Toronto.
Dominic
Hi Fi Collective is on Tidal streaming and sold through The Audiophile Society
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac that's too bad. I don't stream but I can if I have too. I'll be on the hunt. Thanks Mr. Steve
Correction, the price you quoted assumes no power tubes included and no phono pre-amp. The price as configured for your review is $9,750. Great Review.
Good eye. $7650 is for the base amp, with KT77 tubes. You can optionally add NOS EL34 tubes (+$600) or one of two versions of the phono preamp. The phono stage in the review unit with the SUTs is +$1500, the one without the SUT (but can still do MM or MC cartridges) is $750. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify. ~Nicholas
Transcendent Sound OTL kits have redefined what amplification can sound like for me. Previously was employing MOSFETs biased double the Current required to achieve Class A operation. But with NOTHING between the cathode and speaker, solid state cannot compete. Best thing, if One is able to follow concise instructions with photos, wield a soldering iron, and use a multimeter, One doesn't need to sell an internal organ for the cash to own OTL's.
Still have my Michealson Odysseous valve amp. Pure sonic luxury.
Love Combustication, but man, Shack-man is the bomb with all its catchy grooves. Glad to hear you like some MMW.
Did you try it with your open baffle speakers? I heard this amp at a show with Spatial Acoustics speakers and they sparkled together.
Yes, I did, with the pure audio Project peakers.
Hi Steve! Thank you for interesting review of this expensive amplifier, BUT it would be nice to listen a few minutes of music samples.
Thanks for watching, the reason I don’t do music demos is because I don’t believe in them. That is when I hear other demos on other channels of speakers, I know well, the demo never comes close to portraying their sound. After all, you’re just hearing a lot of room sound, and not the actual sound of the speaker, and if you try to do two speakers, in stereo, it’s just not practical. And then there’s the question of copyright.
Curious to hear opinions on how this compares to the Prima Luna Evo 400 integrated?
I got a chance to listen to LTA's headphone stuff at CanJam and I really was very surprised at how much I liked the sound. I just wish I had the desk space for it 😕
Thanks for stopping by our booth at CanJam. And since I was the only one manning the booth, I'm sure it was nice to meet you! :) ~Nicholas
I’d really love your thoughts on the amp only……👍
Steve, judging by what you like about the LTA you really should check out the Octave V70 Class A with Super Black Box...
Other than the speakers in the review, have you tried other speakers to see if there is any synergy?
Steve, if you think the 40 has awesome bass then you need to listen to the Ultralinear. That thing controls the bottom end way better than the 40. It’s a special amp
So Steve thanks for all. In case you can choose this or Luxman 595 witch one you will pick up fro the duet 15? Thanks from italy
Steve, I’m sure this is too late for you to answer but I’m gonna ask anyway. I own one of these units and every time I turn it on as it warms up there’s a audible pop /crackle sound. I think that’s a design Feature, not a flaw, but I’m curious if you heard it.
Steve, don’t forget LTA’s Ultralinear amp which is pretty dang special in its own right.
ya...I'd love to see some comments about how one might go about choosing btwn a Z40+ and an UL+. I am about to buy one of those!!
@@mikewiley3057 me too!
Hi Steve, do you have any experience with Cary Audio, particularly their solid state apps. Thanks
Yes, but only their tube electronics
So now confused…. Have a Pass Aleph3 driving Quad 57s. Lost my preamp (another story). Was looking at LTA Pre but now reconsidering - to drop the Pass and go intergrated Z40. Any views as to if time to move on from the Aleph 3, which is the c2000 precursor to the Pass 25 amp Steve used in his vid…. Also, is it a compromise to use the switching power supply in the Z40 when the Pre uses a linear power supply…🤔
I love death metal and always thought i liked loud music, until i measured the sound. Mostly in the 70 and once in a while the 80 db range. But I think a 100 watts on the heresy and a subwoofer? Def feels impactful when it isnt loud. Even ambient harp music hits better.
I'm sure the LTA Z40+ is excellent. I have an LTA Z10e which is also very good and justifies the good reviews. I want to thank Steve for mentioning such interesting music for his listening. I have checked them all out on Qobuz.
Thanks for watching
I'm watching this have no idea what I need an amp for and this is all gibberish. That being said wow you are captivating I watched the whole thing.
That’s great thank you so much!
System of the day is set up for rock.
Haha good one :P
Please, if You can try Monolith m350. Neve heard m300 (but heard about bad reviews), but this is just great. Had Audeze isine 10 with cipher and for me it was too cold, clinical playing. Heard isine 20 with cipher and I liked it really much, I’m owner also of Audeze el8 open back. For me this m350 is just terrific. I’m not audiophile this way You are, but if I may I would give it a shot. And it cost 130 $ which changes everything. Sounds nice with my Cayin C5 headphone amp. Anyway best wishes and big thanks for all Your films!
Hi sir I loved your video review, First time I a listening your video. Because I am hunting for tube value amplifier class A & AB for. I selected 3 ones??
1)Canor Ai 1.10 made Slovakia 🇸🇰,
2)Galion Ts12 SE Class A & Class AB.
3)Linear Tube Audio z40+.
Which should I buy now Confused. Do this work in 220 volt. , Is it Class A & Class AB , Does it have pre out. I am using speakers Wharfedale EVO 4.4 , Monitor audio B2 bronzes book shelf, Klipsch RF 8000 f. Please advise which one to buy. Waiting your reply. Thanks Sir🙏.
If he's in Quebec, Mr. Hitachi MUST know Thomas & Stereo.
I do know Thomas ;) Small world!
If you can't afford an amp like this you can use a tube buffer into a good used studio amp . I used a modified yaquin with good tubes and a halfler p7000. I used a marantz slim home theatre reciever as a preamp to tune it and jbl 580's. It really, really sounded great. Better than my 5000$ genelec monitors. This configuration is called an SET follower configuration.
LTA is fantastic
Agree!
I own one and it's perfect!
If I buy a tube amp, I also want to see the tubes glowing.
Me too! That's why the tubes peek out the top of the case and you can see them glowing. Steve shows a photo of this in the video. 🤘 ~Nicholas
I have the LTA MZ3 in a desktop set up (preamp/HP amp). It is an amazing piece of gear. I was fortunate enough to go to the Tektonics Design Group facility, where the chassis is manufactured, to demo the MZ2 & Z10e headphone amp. They didn’t have a MZ3 available for demo but I knew when I left the facility that I was going to purchase the MZ3 (unheard)…& I did. LTA makes some of the best equipment available to the audiophile community.
Hey Steve, i can not find the the hifi collective album you spoke of, catalog number?
Listen on Tidal, buy it on HDtracks
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I do not do digital music.
What brand and type of cable do you use betweemn DAC and Transport?
Not sure, it’s an inexpensive HDMI cable for I2S connection. it came with the Jay’s transport
Hi Steve, love your daily vids. Does LTA have a pre-amp?
Hey, Jerome. I'll answer for Steve. Yes, we do! Three, in fact. See them all here: www.lineartubeaudio.com/preamplifiers
@@LinearTubeAudio Thank you for the info, I appreciate the feedback. 🙏🏾
@@jeromejax8675 My pleasure. Please get in touch if you have any questions at all. ~Nicholas
@@LinearTubeAudio TY Nicolas. I looked at the site and like the specs of the Microzoti Preamp. I want to add separates: a tube preamp with 2 class D SS Atma-sphere power amps to my system. My current system is a PL HP Dialogue Int Amp w/KT 150 tubes. I have a pair of Focal Kanta 2 speakers, 2 dual 15" Seaton Submerssive Subs plus a Lumin T2 dac and a modified OPPO 205 transport going into a AQ 5000 power conditioner. All power cords AQ Hurricane. My question is will my current system have good synergy with the LTA preamp if added?
@@jeromejax8675 NO...
Steve, how does it compare to Enleum 23R
The LTA is a warmer, richer, sound amplifier.
Would this amp be a good match with Focal Aria 936 K2's?
I've one still okay right now.
When does the patent run out?
Want to hear the LTA MZ2 with 1 watt driving Cornwall's
I know of a guy using an MZ3 with Klipschorns It's amazing what 1 watt can do with super-sensitive speakers! We also have multiple customers who love the Z40/ZOTL40 with Cornwalls, Fortes, etc. even though you don't need the power. Just seems to be a good combo. 🤘 ~Nicholas
$7600 direct! I'm thinking Galion TS120 for < half that much which is being reported to have slamming bass & 3D image & sound stage.
Inside reminiscent of Marantz tube amps of early 60s.
How about klipsch heresy II III Iv matching up with LTA
“Bass endowed”. Yeah, gonna use that if I ever need eHarmony. 🤦♀️😆
Try an Audiomat integrated amp
When I'm wondering what to stream in music, I watch Steve Guttenbourg to get some suggestions and I RUclips search it and wow!
I think it works the same as a croft acoustics valves driving a MOSFET
50 watts is plenty you can party on 30 Watts x2 as long as speakers are fairly efficient 89 DB+are you talking 25 w per channel.
you got it wrong you should have the preamp LTA powering a pass labs not the other way!
that Hitachi dac is a lovely, better than modern crap
I bought that dac as a joke... I wanted to have an ALL hitachi system even for my digital source. Turned out the Hitachi dac murdered my Schiit Bifrost Multibit and Gungnir DS DAC. Since then i tested a few modern dacs that also don't match the Lo-D. Funny how the industry made us feel like it made incredible progress on the digital front but ...
@@mr.hitachi797 if I can remember does it have the Philips 16bit r2r dual mono chip. what's those speakers like?? would sound very good with an active crossover like a Bss FDS 334. Hitachi made some good studio equipment and their quarter inch reel-to-reel are the best in industry
@@hoobsgroove The HDA-001 use two Burr Brown PCM53 :) The HS-90F speakers are a really impressive speakers with deep bass and extensive soundstage. Lot's of presence. In the 140 pairs of speakers i personally owned in the last 30 years, these are on top of my list. Other lower Hitachi speakers represent ridiculous value and prove to be extremely reliable. Some of them are using a patented gathered edge suspension that makes them virtually eternal.
@@mr.hitachi797 right! I thought that was the dac from the early 90s no!
Stand Up is a great album.
Looks great. But I stopped at the price. lol
Dang!
Want to buy one, just to support the engineering & manufacturing.
U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A
Some of the best laugh out loud comedy is when Steve mentions the price on some of these things.
It’s sounds good enough that if you love the looks and have the cash.. get it
What a cheerleader crowd. My LTA went to LTR in the classifieds.... All looks.. That's it..
I've had a lot of stuff in my house, and the LTA is at the top with a couple of other things over time. What kind of speaker were you driving?
@@badgerdms I tried two different speakers which I own. Aci Sapphire xl, Dynaudio Special 40.
is that a tube driven switching amp?
basically. I believe the big secret is he uses opamps or resistors to help get the impedance lower in place of output transformers doing it
Conrad Johnson ❤
You did not have any Dynaco gear ever?
How do 7 days (or 168 hours) allow for 200 hours of burn-in?
Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity at work... ;-) Seriously I saw LTA post that the value was indeed 168+ hours of burn-in, not 200...Steve was probably rounding up....Their post says, "Hey there. It takes about seven days to build, and then we burn it in for at least seven days (168+ hours). ~Nicholas"
Maybe he works for Hitachi.
I wish… i would certainly try to bring them back in the hifi game. But i doubt it will ever happen.
You just made him a pile of money, he should say that I amp tomorrow morning:)
Everything sounded great... until you mentioned the price.
yes, it is way out of reach for me. I am not convinced that it is a good value unless one has money to burn.
Curious if anyone has compared this to the PASS Labs INT-250. Asking for a friend. Cheers!
How do you get 200hr in 7 days including the build ( 24 times 8.33 equals 200) ?
Build time and burn in time isn’t the same thing
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac At 3:04 you said that it took 7day for build QC and 200 hour burn in time . Thus What I heard was not what you intended to convey based on your reply. Regards.
@@johnwilliamson467 I posted the same. It is what Steve said. He misspoke I guess. I was wondering if they had a way to more rapidly deliver 200 hrs worth of burn in time.
Hey John, LTA posted, "Hey there. It takes about seven days to build, and then we burn it in for at least seven days (168+ hours). ~Nicholas"
@@rosswarren436 Given the level of qc one can see 7 days to complete assembly and QC . The further burn in has over time proved to improve the stability and sound of tube unit in my experience . well done .
push pull design?
Class AB, push pull
yes, it is a nice amp, but for the price I would want something that has a little more versatility as far as driving speakers goes. However, I do realize that this is not what the designers had in mind.
If someone would like to suggest a voluptuous, rich, juicy, fat honey amplifier? I'm all ears. :)
Great review!
If you can find one, Joule Electra.
@@badgerdms - Thanks!
200hrs is almost 10 days
$ 7,650.00 AMP... EL34's IT better be DARN GOOD for that Steve!!! It looks like a nice good sounding set but COST will BITE YOU.....OUCH....
An OTL? Saw no xformers in the pics. Must be some kind of current booster following an idling tube amp running as a low current, voltage amp. This is surely odd enough to sound different. Someone really knows their engineering.
Go look up David Berning. Lots of patents and a long track record of making his amps.