microZOTL Preamplifier Upgrade Program

The microZOTL Preamp is a reference-level preamplifier that many consider an “end game” component. The MZ Pre was released in 2018 and has received glowing reviews in publications such as Positive Feedback, Part-time Audiophile, and Home Theater Review.

While all that is true, we are always searching for the next level of sonic improvements, and so we’re happy to announce our Level 3 upgrade program.

Level 3 + Production Upgrades

1. Signal Path Optimization: Dramatically shortened signal routes reduce noise and minimize parasitic effects. Ceramic PCBs with low dielectric constant ensure clean signal transmission, while strategic component placement maximizes circuit performance.

2. Advanced Power Architecture: Fully isolated power stages provide dedicated, instantaneous power to each channel. A 70% increase in total storage capacitance, combined with advanced placement techniques, ensures unprecedented dynamic headroom and stability.

3. Component Evolution: Leveraging surface-mount technology allows for higher-performance components with reduced parasitic effects. Each component is now strategically positioned to minimize interference and maximize signal purity.

4. Thermal and Operational Efficiency: Improved circuit design reduces heat dissipation and mechanical stress. New soft-start stages protect tube longevity while maintaining the preamplifier's legendary reliability.

5. Architectural Integrity: By separating previously shared circuit sections, we've created a more focused, pure signal path that reveals previously masked musical details and spatial information.

Balanced Input Transformer Upgrade

The balanced input transformer upgrade adds high-quality Lundahl input transformers to the XLR inputs on your microZOTL Preamp. If you have a source with balanced outputs, this upgrade retains all the sonic fidelity of your source and is a worthy upgrade.

How It Works

1. Place your upgrade order

2. LTA will send you a return shipping label

3. Pack your MZ Pre securely in its original box and packaging (if you don’t have the original packaging, let us know), affix the label, and take it to your closest UPS Store

4. When we receive your preamp, we’ll do the upgrades and ship it back to you ASAP after play-testing and burn-in (see note below).

5. Enjoy!

A note on burn-in:

The upgraded caps take quite a bit of burn-in to offer consistently high quality sound. We recommend 168+ hours prior to critical listening, which is a full week of playing music 24/7.

We prefer to burn in the upgrades here, which we do at no charge, so your preamp arrives to you sounding great. If you would like to get your preamp back without our burn-in service, let us know when you order.

To accelerate the burn-in process, play music through your preamp 24/7 with the volume at any volume level above 0. You can turn your power amplifier off during period you don’t want music playing out loud without affecting the burn-in process.

Return policy: there are no returns or refunds on upgrades. All sales final.