Tube Preamp Reviews

Zesto Leto Ultra II line preamplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Two-channel tube preamplifier with mono switch, "Presence control," and remote control. Tube complement: Two JJ Electronics ECC82/12AU7; two JJ Electronics ECC832/12DW7. "Energy Source Power Supplies": 1 high-voltage 300V and 1 low-voltage 12V toroidal transformer. Inputs: 3 pairs transformer-coupled balanced (XLR), input impedance 10k ohms; 3 pairs single-ended (RCA), input impedance 100k ohms. Outputs: 2 pairs transformer-coupled balanced (XLR), output impedance 150 ohms; 2 pair single-ended (RCA), output impedance 150 ohms. Maximum input level: 7V. Maximum peak output level: 10V. Frequency range: 10Hz–40kHz. THD+N: 0.03% with 1V RMS input. S/N ratio: 100dB below operating level. Gain settings: 9dB, 6dB, 3dB. (Manual gain switch, rear panel.) Channel separation: >90dB. Power consumption: 28W.
Dimensions: 17" (431.8mm) W × 12" (304.8mm) D × 5" (127mm) H. Weight: 28lb (12.7kg).
Finish: Black/silver.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 190713. Made in USA.
Price: $10,900. Approximate number of US dealers: 14. Warranty: Two years, six months on tubes.
Manufacturer: Zesto Audio, 3138 Calle Estepa Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Tel: (805) 807-1841. Web: zestoaudio.com.

COMPANY INFO
Zesto Audio
3138 Calle Estepa
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 807-1841
zestoaudio.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
mememe2's picture
Submitted by mememe2 on January 23, 2021 - 7:16am

The preamp costs 11K US. "A small, nine-button plastic remote handles input, volume, "Presence," mute, mono, and gain." Why do so many costly upscale bits of hi end equipment come with cheap remotes? Is this one even backlit? It always reflects negatively on the perceived value of a component. You don't get faux leather seats in an upscale Honda.

Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on January 24, 2021 - 2:55am

... line-level preamp in perspective is to consider that, for essentially the same price, one could buy both the Luxman CL-38uC preamp and the matching MQ-88uC power amp or the McIntosh C22 preamp and the MC275 power amp.
Both preamps include phono stages that can accommodate MM and MC cartridges.
KM should do a review of either one or both combos in comparison to his Shindo set-up.

https://luxmanamerica.com/product/cl-38uc/
https://luxmanamerica.com/product/mq-88uc/

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/preamplifiers/C22-Mk-V
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC275B

mosfet50's picture
Submitted by mosfet50 on May 30, 2021 - 5:15am

I don't get it. I have been buying and using very sophisticated electronic equipment for decades and I never once had a manufacturer say you have to run it 200 hours before it works right. Not only does this equipment cost more than a lot of audio equipment but it goes down to levels well below human hearing.
This is why I want DBT. I want someone to prove that they can hear the difference in two pieces of audio equipment (except speakers) comparing out of the box to run 100 hours. I want people to prove they can hear the difference in cables in a DBT too. So far no one has been able to.

windansea's picture
Submitted by windansea on November 29, 2021 - 10:25pm

I like the subjective opinions, but it should be backed up with some DBT. Trust but verify. If the $10K pre can't be distinguished from the $1K pre, from a pro reviewer with golden ears, then why spend the money?

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