microZOTL MZ2, MZ2-S User Manual
MZ2/
MZ2-S
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER, PREAMP, & STEREO AMPLIFIER
USER GUIDE
Linear Tube Audio
Takoma Park, MD, USA
WARNING: For safety, the cover of this amplifier should be secured at all times. DC
voltages as high as 450V and peak AC voltages as high as 800V are present inside. The service
information contained in this manual is intended only for trained service personnel. Furthermore,
this amplifier generates radio-frequency energy that can interfere with communications
equipment.
Quick Start Guide
-Remove the amp and power supply from the box and bags.
-Plug the AC cable into the power supply and into an outlet.
-The DC cable will have one end with a locking connector and one end with a plain connector. The
locking connector attaches to the back of the amp, where you should screw it securely but not as tight as
you can onto the threads of the DC jack.
-Insert the non-locking end of the DC cable into the DC jack on the power supply.
-Turn on the power supply using its toggle switch (if you are outside the US, make sure the voltage is set
correctly on the linear power supply, which is visible directly above the IEC connector).
-Turn on the amp with the power button on the faceplate. You may want to attach interconnects or
speakers before powering on, but it isn’t necessary. If you are using the MZ2/MZ2-S as a preamp, it is
best to have your power amp off (and necessary to have it off if it is a DC-coupled amp) when
powering on and connecting the MZ2/MZ2-S, to avoid off/on transients. Please read this entire guide if
using a DC-coupled power amp.
Introduction
The MicroZOTL2.02.0 is a high quality Class A tube headphone amplifier utilizing ZOTL (Zerohysteresis Output Transformer-Less) technology. Additional uses of MicroZOTL2.0 include
tweeter amplifier, preamplifier, and high-efficiency speaker amplifier recommended for small
rooms or desktop setups.
Features
•
External power supply – extremely low noise floor
•
More than enough power for standard headphones
•
Drives all types of dynamic and planar headphones of any impedance
•
Drives speakers to adequate volume with 1watt output (small room) if speaker sensitivity
is 90db efficiency or higher, for critical listening 98db or higher is recommended.
•
Transparent top cover
•
Universal voltage power supply – works in any country automatically (the Deluxe
model’s power supply can be easily switched by the user between the two most widely
used voltages)
•
Front switch selects between two inputs
•
Preamp output!
!
Advantages of ZOTL technology
•
Eliminates intermodulation distortion
•
Low impedance output easily matches wide range of speakers and headphones
•
Designed by David Berning – one of world’s leading amplifier designer
•
Same technology and tone as Berning amps that cost thousands more
•
No heavy audio transformers
•
Patented impedance conversion technology
•
Tubes operate in a low current manner to last over 10,000 hours
Power Supply
The power supply for the unit is in a separate case. The external power supply has a connection
to the AC cord and a connection for 12V Output. A cable with 2.5mm mini-plug connectors on
either end is attached between the power supply and the main amplifier unit. Other
manufacturer’s power supplies may be used as long as they supply 12VDC at 2 amps. The
MicroZOTL2.0 is fused at 2.5 amps (5x20mm fast-blow).
Power Sources*
The universal input features automatic voltage selection, and requires no rewiring to change from
100VAC to 240VAC, or from 50Hz to 60 Hz. Power consumption is 33 watts.
*The linear power supply that comes with the MicroZOTL2.0 Deluxe and MZ2-S requires a
manual switching from 115V to 220V, which can easily be done without opening the power
supply case.
Operation
Operation of the MicroZOTL2.0 amplifier is straightforward. The amplifier can be used with a
high-level source such as a CD player or DAC directly, and the level control on the amplifier can
be used as a volume control.
Burn in
Units sometimes are sent to customers without having been fully burned in. After about 80-100
hours of use, the MicroZOTL2.0 should be fully burned in and sounding near its best.
!
Rear View
Speaker Outputs
The amplifier outputs 1 watt (4 ohms). If your speakers are 90db efficiency or higher, speakers
can be driven to a surprising volume with only a watt. 90+db is recommended only for near-field
listening. For a small room, 98+db is recommended. Both the headphone output and the speaker
outputs are active at all times, unless you have the closed-circuit jack (identifiable by having a
nut and no locking mechanism), in which case the preamp and speaker outputs are disconnected
when headphones are plugged in.
Preamplifier Outputs
There is a pair of RCA jacks on the back of the unit labeled “Preamp Out” which is designed to
provide the input for a power amplifier when using the MicroZOTL2.0 as a preamplifier.
CAUTION: when connecting to a direct coupled solid state power amplifier, the turn on and
turn off transients might be dangerous to the speakers and possibly the amplifier. It is necessary
that when using the MicroZOTL2.0 as a preamplifier with direct coupled solid state power
amps, first turn on the MicroZOTL2.0, then turn on the power amplifier, and when
powering your system off, first turn off the power amplifier, then turn off the
MicroZOTL2.0. This is not an issue when using tube power amps.
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