Article: Review: Linear Tube Audio Z10e Integrated Electrostatic/Magnetic Headphone/Speaker Amplifier

[Sonis]

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[Sonis]

On 1/28/2020 at 9:20 AM, Dadracer said:

I think that there is another valve based integrated amp that powers electrostatics and dynamic headphones and will also power hi efficiency speakers called the Audiovalve Solaris https://www.audiovalve.info/shop/headphone-amplifier/verto-kopie-2/

 

I think you can even specify it with a DAC too!

 

I haven't heard one but they seem well regarded. I chose a slightly different path and went for a DHT headphone amp that can power speakers too and its is a wonderful thing and the 300Bs make up for not having an electrostatic output.

 

 

It’s a nice looking piece, and cheaper than the LTA as well. One thing that concerns me though is the power output specs for the speakers. 12 Watts at 200 Ohms? I have it on good authority that there aren’t many 200 Ohm speaker systems out there. What’s the power at, say, 8 Ohms?

[Sonis]

7 hours ago, MarkS said:

Great review. I heard this integrated amp at the last Capital Audio Fest and thought it sounded superb too. I slightly preferred some HiFi Man electrostats as I recall, but not significantly. 
 

Are there any well regarded very small high efficient speakers (stand mount monitors preferred)?  My reference Boenike W5 need vastly more power. 
 

Also, the balanced input pictured looks different from what I’m used to?? Is that a standard balanced input?

I’m sure there are more than a few high-efficiency speakers out there including many Wilson’s. But it’s not something I pay a lot of attention to. When you’ve got 150 WPC at 8 Ohms, speaker efficiency just isn’t an issue. 
thanks for your feedback of the review, though. It’s always appreciated.