MicroZOTL2.0 Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier

$1600

Hand-built using quality premium components, the MicroZOTL2.0 headphone amplifier delivers stunning, award-winning realism and sound quality designed to last a lifetime. The MicroZOTL2.0, manufactured by Linear Tube Audio, utilizes patented Zero hysteresis Output Transformer-Less (ZOTL) technology to eliminate the distortion and noise typically found in tube amplifiers. Performing at the theoretically correct turns ratio, a previously unheard of achievement, Linear Tube Audio’s MicroZOTL2.0 delivers an unparalleled, enlightening and stunningly realistic experience wherever it's plugged in.

Originally manufactured in 2000 till 2007 by David Berning, the original microZOTL has a reputation as one of the finest and most realistic headphone amplifiers ever made. Linear Tube Audio's reconfiguration of the original microZOTL amplifier lives up to its name and utilizes a highly refined, no feedback, Class A triode design with a separated power supply to eliminate noise.

The MicroZOTL2.0 can easily drive headphones from low-impedance planar types to high-impedance dynamics. For example, the MicroZOTL2.0 drives the HiFiMAN HE1000 headphones with power to spare and has no trouble with 600 ohm Beyerdynamics.

The MicroZOTL2.0 is also an excellent preamplifier. It has outputs that enable it to drive power amplifiers as a Class A preamplifier.

The microZOTL2.0 can drive efficient speakers via its speaker outputs (89db or higher sensitivity, depending on whether you're using a desktop or room-sized setup) to moderate levels in offices, bedrooms and other small rooms.

The MicroZOTL2.0 comes in black or midnight blue.

Features

Designed by David Berning - one of the world’s premier amplifier designers
Hand-made in Washington, DC
External power supply - extremely low noise floor
Drive low efficiency planar headphones easily
Drive high efficiency speakers (89 db efficiency or higher) to adequate volume
Transparent cover
Universal voltage power supply
2 selectable inputs
Class A preamplifier output
Transformer-less design eliminates intermodulation distortion inherent in all transformer designs
Simulates the correct transformer turns ratio using impedance converter
Low impedance output easily matches wide range of headphones and speakers
Same technology & tone as more expensive Berning amplifiers
No heavy power or audio transformers
Patented impedance conversion technology
Optimized tube life expectancy of 10 - 20 years based on use
One year warranty

Premium Components

Tung-Sol Russian vacuum tubes
Locking Neutrik headphone jack with silver contacts
Silver coated copper wire with teflon insualtion
ALPS volume control
Hand-wound coils and impedance converters
Gold connectors throughout audio signal path

Specifications

Amplifier class: Push-pull Class A, no feedback
Sensitivity: 0.6V RMS for full output
Output impedance: (measured at 0.5A, 60 Hz) 2 ohms
Input impedance: 50k
Power Supply Input: Auto-switching 100V / 120V / 220/ 240V operation
Power Supply Output: 12VDC, 2.5A
Hum and noise: minimum 60mV RMS or 90dB below full output (20Hz-20kHz)
Power consumption from ac power source: 33W
Power output: with 4-ohm load: 1W, 1% THD, with 14-ohm load: 0.5W, 1% THD
Channel separation: (4-ohm loads) 46dB, 100Hz-10kHz, (14-ohm loads): 54 dB, 100Hz-10kHz
Frequency response full power: (4-ohm load) +0, -1dB 10Hz-20kHz, (14-ohm load): +0, -1dB 5Hz-50kHz
Voltage gain: (4-ohm load): 10.3dB, (14-ohm load): 12.4dB
Size: 7 7/8 inches (19.7 cm) deep, 9 1/2 inches (24.1 cm) wide, 4 3/4 inches (12 cm) tall (including connectors)
Net weight: 5.35 lbs. (total amplifier and external power supply)
Finish: Aluminum case with lexan top
Tube complement per channel: 12AT7 input, phase splitter, 6SN7 p-p output

REVIEWS & AWARDS

ZOTL10

$2,600.00

A new amp by David Berning, ZOTL inventor, the ZOTL10 is one of his finest works yet. Showcasing a designer at his best, the ZOTL10 Power Amplifier provides two 10W outputs with accurate, uncolored sound with automatically protected circuitry. Rapid response, detailed sound, and an absence of the tube bloom typical of other amplifiers, the ZOTL10 Power Amplifier delivers experience defining realism.

ZOTL10 Power Amplifier

Hand-built in Washington, DC, with premium components, the ZOTL10 is available through Urban Hifi as part of their carefully curated collection of premium products.

Performing at the theoretically correct turns ratio, a previously unheard of achievement, Linear Tube Audio’s ZOTL10 delivers an unparalleled, enlightening and stunningly realistic experience wherever it's plugged in. Considered the only significant advance in tube circuitry since the 1960’s, ZOTL technology delivers an unforgettably palpable and memorably poignant listening experience by eliminating the output transformer in order to remove the inherent distortion found in transformer-type amplifiers. Urban HiFi is proud to spotlight the level of attention to detail and expertise Linear Tube Audio has leveraged in their pursuit of affordable, high-end audio experience by offering the ZOTL10 and ZOTL40 for purchase in our online collection.

Perfect for high efficiency speakers, the ZOTL10 produces a much lower hum than most tube amplifiers and requires no adjustments since tubes are auto-biased. The ZOTL10 uses EL-84, 12AT7, 12AU7 Russian Tung-Sol tubes and has a universal autosensing 100-240VAC 50/60Hz power supply. With push-pull Class AB output stage, a second set of inputs and a power amp input via the Alps volume control for direct connection to high output sources, the ZOTL10 Power Amplifier delivers experience defining realism.

Features

Designed by David Berning - one of the world’s premier amplifier designers
Hand-wound coils & impedance converters
10 watts per channel with little or no hum
Transformer-less design eliminates intermodulation distortion inherent in all transformer designs
Impedance converters simulate correct theoretical output transformer turns ratio
Low impedance output easily matches a wide range of speakers and cannot be damaged with no load
No adjustments – tubes are auto-biased
Automatic protection circuitry
High voltage turn on delay to maximize tube life
10 - 20 years tube life depending on use
Push-pull, Class AB output stage
No heavy power or audio transformers
Universal voltage power supply (autosensing 100-240VAC 50/60Hz)
Has one input through Alps volume control for direct connection to high output sources
Second set of inputs bypass volume control for direct input

Premium Components

TUNG-SOL Russian vacuum tubes
Silver-coated Teflon copper insulated wiring
Alps volume control
Hand-wound coils & impedance converters
Gold connectors throughout signal path
5-way gold binding posts
High quality metal film resistors

ZOTL40 Power Amplifier

5,800.00

A new amp by David Berning, ZOTL inventor, the ZOTL40 is one of his finest works yet. Showcasing a designer at his best, the ZOTL40 Power Amplifier provides two 40W outputs with accurate, uncolored sound with automatically protected circuitry. With such rapid response, detailed sound, and absence of tube bloom typical of other amplifiers, the ZOTL40 Power Amplifier sets itself apart as best-in-class, producing an unforgettably palpable and poignant listening experience every time.

ZOTL40 Power Amplifier

Hand-built in Washington, DC, with premium components, the ZOTL40 is available through HiFi Logic..

Performing at the theoretically correct turns ratio, Linear Tube Audio’s ZOTL40 delivers a previously unattainable, unparalleled and stunningly realistic experience wherever it's plugged in. Considered the only significant advance in tube circuitry since the 1960’s, ZOTL technology eliminates the output transformer in order to remove the inherent distortion found in transformer-type amplifiers.

Perfect for high efficiency speakers, the ZOTL40 produces a much lower hum than most tube amplifiers and requires no adjustments since tubes are auto-biased. With Russian Tung-Sol tubes, push-pull Class AB output stage, an Alps volume control and inputs for direct connection to high output sources, theZOTL40 Power Amplifier delivers a potent, experience defining realism.

Features

Designed by David Berning - one of the world’s premier amplifier designers
Hand-wound coils & impedance converters
40 watts per channel with little or no hum
Frequency response flat from 8 hz to almost 50K hz
Transformer-less design eliminates intermodulation distortion inherent in all transformer designs
Impedance converters simulate correct theoretical output transformer turns ratio
Low impedance output easily matches a wide range of speakers and cannot be damaged with no load
No adjustments – tubes are auto-biased
Automatic protection circuitry
High voltage turn on delay to maximize tube life
10 - 20 years tube life depending on use
Push-pull, Class AB output stage
No heavy power or audio transformers
Universal voltage power supply (autosensing 100-240VAC 50/60Hz)
Has one input through Alps volume control for direct connection to high output sources
Second set of inputs bypass volume control for direct input