Buy Now, Pay Later

We are excited to offer PayPal Credit, Klarna, Afterpay / Clearpay, and Affirm to allow you to pay for your purchase in installments.

PayPal Credit: Checkout on our website, choose the Paypal payment method, then choose Paypal Credit after logging into your Paypal account.

Klarna, Afterpay / Clearpay / Affirm: Contact us to let us know you’d like to use one of these payment methods. We’ll send you a custom link to complete the process.

Note: When you purchase the tube upgrade, they come in addition to the stock tubes. See more info on the Ray tube upgrade below.

Due to high demand, Ray tubes are currently on backorder. All new Ray tubes orders will ship late December.

VELO

The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA’s MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. 

We’ve taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible. 

Features and Benefits

• Class A Push-pull Circuit: Precision for headphones and as a preamp

• ZOTL Output Stage: Patented design brings detail and clarity without excessive warmth and no intermodulation distortion

• Dual Preamp Outputs: Parallel low impedance outputs can easily drive a power amplifier and subwoofer

• Relay Stepped Attenuator: Precise, closely matched volume control

• Remote Control: Machined aluminum LTA remote

• Optional LPS+: LTA’s world-class linear power supply enhances dynamics and overall sonic quality

Testimonials & Reviews

“Great ‘blackness,’ great detail retrieval, great separation, smooth flowing delivery… The Velo also does an amazing job of separating instruments and putting space between them. You can focus on an individual guitar, or piano, or vocals, or drum track because they are all separated and placed parallel in the mix as opposed to smeared together. Said another way, it's like watching the act you're listening to on stage and being able to direct your eyes and ears to the bass player and focus on what he's doing. The Velo paints all the parts of the mix with such separation and detail, you can just direct your mind's eye to what you want to listen to and focus on it.” ~ Head-Fi.org user Mumbles06 - Full review

The Velo Evolution

• Rooted in History: From the original microZOTL's success as a headphone amplifier to the MZ2, MZ3, and MZ Preamplifier releases, the Velo embodies LTA's commitment to refining and perfecting our technology.

• Reimagined Design: Starting with a blank slate, the Velo embodies the lessons learned from each iteration, integrating the best aspects and innovations of previous models.

• Performance Upgrades: Beyond just design changes, the Velo introduces circuit enhancements that increase speed, reduce noise, and enhance overall audio quality.

• Compact and Efficient: Superior performance and a more streamlined design.

• Tailored for the Listener: Every change, from component selection to layout design, is made keeping the end-user's experience in mind.

Enhancements from the MZ2

• Improved ZOTL Circuit: Increased speed and reduced noise

• Advanced Power Supply Filtering: Enhanced for both audio and control sections

• Shortened Signal Paths: Faster, quieter, better sounding

• High-Quality Capacitors: Chosen for optimal audio quality

• Lower Output Impedance: Nearly 50% lower to better drive headphones

The Story of the Velo

David Berning designed the original micro-ZOTL in 2000 as a low-power Class A amplifier to be an entry point into his new ZOTL technology. David imagined it could be used for tweeters or extremely efficient horn speakers. It was a surprise when its primary success was as a headphone amplifier. LTA revived the circuit as the microZOTL2 in 2015, using the same PCB and similar parts, and the amp continued to be popular with headphone while also starting to be used as a preamplifier. In the years since, LTA has made several iterations of what is now known as the MZ2 and released the MZ3 and MZ Preamp. All of these versions refined the product and introduced gradual improvements where we were able, within the limitations of manufacturing that added up along the way.

The Velo takes everything we have learned about the MZ circuit, ZOTL, and building amplifiers, and starts from scratch. The goals were to make the best-performing, best-sounding, most reliable, and most enjoyable version of the amp that we could. We revisited the components, PCB layout, assembly procedure, and case design with these goals in mind. We were not designing to a price point, but we wanted to remove any extra cost that was not in service of those goals. Fortunately, the process of choosing the best components and layout also led to more efficient assembly and smaller size, since top performance often came in SMD packages.

Compared to the original MZ2, we’ve made several improvements to the ZOTL circuit that have increased speed, reduced noise, reduced parasitics, and shortened signal paths. Coupling capacitors were deliberately chosen for best audio quality. Storage capacitance on the audio board has been increased, especially right next to the output stage. There is more power supply filtering for both the audio section and the control section of the amp. The control section has been redesigned with quieter components and lower power consumption, and the amp’s grounding scheme has been redesigned for lower noise and improved shielding. Output impedance has been reduced by nearly 50%.

We want the Velo to be simple to enjoy. The case is designed so that a customer should never have to unscrew the top cover. The tubes are now fully visible and can be swapped with ease. The switch to toggle between 6SN7 and 12SN7 output tubes is now on the back plate instead of on the circuit board (and the amp will go into protection if it is flipped during operation). The fuse has been replaced by a faster, more reliable overcurrent protection circuit that does not require a new part to be installed for the amp to function again. The front panel indicator lights are all warm, natural light without glare.

Ray RESERVE 6SN7 Tube Upgrade

Elevate your Velo experience with the Ray RESERVE 6SN7 tube upgrade. This premium option comes in addition to the stock tubes.

Existing Velo owners can purchase the Ray RESERVE 6SN7 Tube Upgrade here.

The Ray RESERVE 6SN7 delivers a lifelike audio experience with smooth vocals, balanced treble, and commanding bass, surpassing the stock 12SN7 in tonal richness. It's an exceptional alternative to NOS tubes, offering deep bass and a smooth, refined high end..

• Hand-selected and rigorously tested

• Fewer than 5% of the tubes commissioned for production meet our voltage, current, and sound signature standards

• Gold pins for superior conductivity and longevity

• Monocrystalline carbon coating enhances sound by cooling, blocking noise, and allowing for quicker electron transmission

• Low noise and microphonics

• 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects (more info)

• 30-day trial / return policy (more info)

Ray Tubes Quality Control Processes

Due to the clarity of the ZOTL circuit in LTA products, we are very picky about tubes. LTA has worked directly with Ray to establish strict guidelines and industry-leading QC processes to ensure great sound, consisent operation, and long tube life.

• 24 Hour Burn-In: Each tube undergoes a burn-in period to stabilize components and identify early signs that might lead to premature failures later on.

• Comprehensive Parameter Testing: Tubes are tested against more than a dozen critical parameters like amplification factor and internal resistance.

• Individual Measurement Recording: Measurements are logged under each set’s unique serial number for traceability.

• Current Draw Analysis: Industrial-grade machinery measures current draw to ensure fully-accurate matching.

• Functional Testing: Tubes are installed in amplifiers to assess real-world performance.

• Microphonics Testing: Tubes are subjected to physical stressors to reveal any buzzing or defects.

• Expert Listening Sessions: Audio specialists randomly select certain tubes that have passed all previous tests and evaluate the sound quality of tubes.

Note: Ray RESERVE 6SN7 tubes ship separately from the Velo.

The Ray tubes upgrade is only available in the US. If you live outside of the US and order the tube upgrade, we will refund the tubes portion of your order minus a 5% service fee.

Specifications

• Amplifier Class: Class A Push-pull

• Inputs: 3 x RCA single-ended inputs

• Preamp Output:

  • 2 x RCA single-ended outputs

  • Output impedance: 50ohm

• Headphone Output:

  • 1 x 6.3mm (1/4”) single-ended output

  • Output Impedance: 1.1ohm

• Gain:

  • 13.5dB into 100ohm

  • 12.4dB into 8ohm

• Input Impedance: 50kohm

• THD: 0.19% at 1kHz, 1Vrms

• Hum: -90dB at 1Vrms

• Frequency Response:

  • -3dB: 2Hz - 100kHz

  • 0dB: 20hZ - 20kHz

• Power Consumption: 24W

• Tube Complement: 2 x 12AT7 (12AU7 tubes can also be used), 2 x 6SN7 (12SN7 tubes can also be used)

• Dimensions:

  • Width: 10in

  • Height: 2.875in (stock output tubes add 2.5in)

  • Depth: 10in (11.5in including volume knob and rear connectors)

• Weight: 6.5lbs