Tube Preamps.....

The MZ2 adds nothing detrimental to the sound except dynamics and added soundstage size. It is a clear conduit otherwise. I agree that it’s the best preamp I’ve owned, much better than my AI Modulus.

I am testing the new Micro ZOTL Preamp now and it’s more of he same but better. To me the MZ2 is the best bang for the buck.

@judgementday,

I sold my AI MB3 when I found that my MZ2 was a superior sounding preamp even though it doesn’t have as much functionality. The one outstanding thing about the AI MB3 was the incredible John Curl phono stage. My solution was the buy a Parasound JC3+ for phono and use the MZ2 as a line stage.

@parsons,

That is high praise and I completely agree. The MZ2 can compete with preamps at 10x the cost. I am now very curious about the new Micro ZOTL Preamp that was just shown at Axpona for the first time. Unlike the MZ2 which is a Swiss Army knife product, the new pre is a dedicated preamp and Mark says it’s better than the MZ2.

Linear Tube Audio MZ2-S