skhan007
1000+ Head-Fier
Wow, serial #0002 was David B's original production/prototype. Very nice that you now have it. I read the article when serial #0002 was reviewed. I also appreciate the info on the power supply. My plan is go visit LTA this weekend and listen again to the MZ2 very carefully, with my DAC and my headphones, which I'll bring along. As mentioned, I can pick up a used one and likely purchase the LPS+ separately and still be below the price of a new one. The alternative is to buy a newer one and as you mentioned, and have more durability with tube rolling. Honestly, I'm wondering if just getting some different 12AT7's and leaving the stock 6sn7's could be a simple option. Nonetheless, thank you again for chiming in.I have an early one, serial #0002. I was perfectly happy with it, but it stopped working at some point... I believe it was due to tube rolling. The original sits on a flimsy base, and inserting, them removing the tubes causes a connection to break. Since I had to send it out for repair anyway, I opted to send it to Ben, spring for upgrades (many internal, massive external power supply), and I have to say it sounds amazing. Obviously, I didn't have the original version to compare it to, which is consider a more accurate of judging (but, hey, in life we don't always get optimal-many times I've had to compare components in one dealer's showroom to different ones in another dealers, with different ancillary equipment. Such is life).
So, my take would be: the power supply upgrades are not essential but worthwhile. The original is probably fine if you place it securely and don't mess with tube rolling. If you do want to experiment, you're better off with a newer version of it.
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