[Pre-order] Linear Tube Audio Z10E Electrostatic Headphone AMP / Integrated AMP

2 Year Local Singapore Warranty

Pre-Order Only. Lead time: 6-8 weeks.

The Z10e is a reference 12-watt electrostatic headphone amp, also capable of driving any planar and standard dynamic headphones on the planet. This is an end-game product for demanding electrostatic headphone owners.

LTA is excited to announce the Z10e Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier. With all the magic, realism, and 3D soundstage of ZOTL technology, the Z10e delivers one of the best electrostatic headphone experiences available. In addition, the Z10e is a full-function regular dynamic and planar headphone amplifier and a 12-watt per channel integrated speaker amplifier.

A single component solution, the Z10e incorporates the acclaimed ZOTL10 power amplifier, a Berning-designed preamplifier, and the LTA control system with three inputs – all packaged in a beautiful aluminium low-resonance case designed by Fern & Roby.

With startling realism, plentiful bass, and gorgeous mids and highs – 3D music seems as if it’s appearing from a silent, black background.

The LED array display and the milled aluminium front and rear panels exude high-quality manufacturing, handmade in the USA.

The Z10e offers all the benefits of the ZOTL technology of three times the tube life and one third the heat output.

The Amplifier

The heart of the Z10e is the highly-acclaimed ZOTL10 power amplifier, using sweet sounding EL84 power tubes providing 12 tube watts per channel. Delivering much higher power than solid state amps with the same power rating, ZOTL tube amplifiers can drive your 90db and above sensitivity speakers to very loud, even “thundering” levels.

The Preamplifier

The amplifier is preceded by the 12AU7 preamplifier circuitry, which was borrowed from one of David Berning’s ultra-premium amplifiers. It features both true balanced and single ended inputs. The preamplifier uses ceramic circuit board material, giving it a premium point-to-point sound quality.

The LTA Control System

The amplifier is wrapped in our new control system featuring: 3 inputs (including one true balanced input), LED dimmable display with configurable time out, LED input indicators, remote controlled stepped attenuation using premium Vishay Dale resistors, and a linear power supply configured with a Belleson regulator for extremely low noise.

Additionally, the Z10e comes equipped with two headphone output jacks: a high output for less sensitive headphones and a low output for very sensitive headphones.

The Volume Control - w/ Adjustable Gain & “Hi-Res” Settings

Now shipping is our new 8-bit volume control, which gives you 128dB of total attenuation via 100 individual steps. We use precision thin film Nichrome resistors with low thermal noise and ceramic circuit boards with low dialectric constant for the highest level of clarity and transparency.

For the ultimate in control, you can activate the “Hi-Res” setting in the menu system, which offers 199 steps to dial in exactly the volume level that works best for you.

We’ve also added the ability to adjust the gain via the menu system. This adjusts the volume level to allow for finer low-level attenuation when using sensitive speakers or headphones. There are three settings: 0db (default), -15db, and -30dB.

SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs: 2 single-ended RCA stereo inputs, 1 input using two 3-pin combom XLR/TRS jacks

Speaker Output: 4 speaker binding posts, banana or spade

Conventional Headphone Outputs: Low: 240mW per channel @ 32 ohms, High: 3W per channel @ 32 ohms

Electrostatic Headphone Output: 5 pin Stax interface, 580V bias

Subwoofer Output: Stereo subwoofer output (Mono option available upon request)

Front Panel Controls: Power switch, Input switch, volume control, and headphone / speaker switch

Remote Control: All front panel functions and configuration menu accessed using an aluminum Apple TV Remote

Volume Control: 100 stepped attenuator (smallest step 1/1000th of total value) using Vishay Dale 1% precision resistors

Output impedance: 1.2 ohms

Power Supply: Linear supply using a Belleson regulator and low ESR poly-organic capacitors

Input impedance: 47k

115VAC or 220-240VAC configured at factory - 50/60Hz - IEC receptacle

Hum and noise: 94dB below full output (measured at 20Hz-20kHz)

Power output with 4-ohm load: 13W, 0.5% THD

Power output with 8-ohm load: 12W, 0.5% THD

Frequency response (8-ohm load): 6Hz to 60kHz, +0, -.5dB

Amplifier class: Push-pull Class AB

Voltage gain (8-ohm load): 18dB

Amplifier Weight: 18 lbs

Power Supply Weight: 5lbs

Amplifier Dimensions: 12.75” wide x 14.5” deep (with connectors) x 6.5” tall

Power Supply Dimensions: 8" wide, 7.5" deep (with connectors), 3.85" tall

Finish: Aluminum case

Tube complement: premium NOS two 12AT7s, four 12AU7s, and four EL84s or equivalent

Home Theater Function can select any input for fixed volume

Display: 16 Levels of brightness and programmable 7-second time out

SPEAKER RECOMMENDATIONS

LTA amplifier owners have found great enjoyment using their amps with a variety of speaker outside of the below ranges. The below are guidelines, not rules. If you have questions about your specific speakers, chances are someone we know has tried them. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about your specific setup. Also, don’t forget we have a 14-day no-questions-asked return policy.

Critical listening environments: 90db sensitivity and above

Smaller rooms / lower volume levels / non-critical listening: 88db sensitivity and above