Linear Tube Audio Launches Century Monoblock Power Amplifiers for Audiophiles

Experience unprecedented tube amplifier power and precision with Linear Tube Audio’s Century Monoblocks, crafted for demanding speakers and refined musicality.

A Decade of Audio Innovation Hits a New Peak

If you’re a fan of high-end audio gear, the latest from Linear Tube Audio power amplifier is a thrilling milestone. To celebrate ten years of pushing tube amplification boundaries, LTA has unveiled the Century Monoblocks power amplifier—flagship powerhouses designed in collaboration with legendary audio engineer David Berning. These aren’t just any amplifiers; they’re the ultimate expression of the revolutionary ZOTL (Zero-Hysteresis Output Transformerless) technology that has quietly become a beacon for audiophiles craving unmatched clarity and power.

Priced at $28,000 per stereo pair, these amplifiers are poised to ship starting November 2025 in a sleek brushed Quicksilver finish. A Carbon Black version will follow later in the year—because style matters just as much as sound when you’re decking out your audio sanctuary.

The Century Monoblocks embody a decade of sonic refinement and engineering prowess.

The Century Monoblocks: Inspired by Endurance and Precision

The name “Century” nods to the legendary century ride—a 100-mile cycling challenge demanding stamina and precision. This metaphor perfectly fits LTA’s latest creation, which balances raw power with remarkable finesse. If you’ve ever wrestled with complex speakers like electrostatics or planar magnetics that demand more juice and control, these amps might be your new best friend.

Blending LTA’s latest innovations with Berning’s iconic ZOTL architecture, the Century Monoblocks push tube amplification to new heights, delivering clean, vibrant sound that refuses to sacrifice warmth or detail.

Cutting-Edge Screen-Drive Circuitry for Sonic Clarity

Here’s where things get especially interesting: the Century Monoblocks introduce a screen-driven output stage—something new in LTA’s lineup. Using EL84 pentode tube to steer the screen grids of NOS 6JN6 beam power tubes, this design fuses the efficiency and power of pentode operation with the smooth, triode-like linearity audiophiles adore.

What does that mean in practice? Fast, deeply detailed sound with a natural, uncolored texture that invites you into the music without distraction.

Built to Tame the Most Challenging Speakers

If you’ve owned traditional tube amps, you might have noticed how tricky they can be with certain speaker types. Complex impedance and capacitive loads often cause frequency shifts and less control. The Century Monoblocks solve this with a low output impedance and wide bandwidth, thanks to their transformerless design. No more hysteresis, no phase shifts, no frequency-dependent distortions—just pure, confident authority.

Think of it as the speed and grip you expect from transistor amps, combined with the spatial richness and warmth that only tubes can provide. Whether you’re running full-range planar panels or navigating complicated crossovers, these amps keep everything crisp and under control.

Handbuilt Artistry Meets Cutting-Edge Components

One of the most captivating things about the Century Monoblocks is their pedigree. Each unit is hand-built in Maryland, crafted with components selected for their sonic purity and musicality. Imagine non-magnetic resistors, boutique capacitors, and cutting-edge ferrite-core impedance converters all working in harmony.

The signal path is minimalist—a deliberate choice to keep things transparent. Even the chassis utilizes non-magnetic aluminum with full Faraday shielding to reject noise and interference. Listening sessions have fine-tuned the voicing to strike the perfect balance between realism and engagement.

Features Designed for the Modern Listener

These amps don’t just sound incredible; they’re built for convenience and reliability, too. Drawing on Berning’s Quadrature Z heritage, the Century Monoblocks incorporate:

• Auto-biasing for hassle-free tube maintenance
• Global voltage compatibility (100–260 VAC) for international use
• Built-in protection circuits to safeguard your investment
• Adjustable global feedback for tonal customization
• Cool-running tubes to extend tube life

And because there are no bulky output transformers, these amps are remarkably lightweight—making them easier to handle without compromising performance.

Redefining Realism and Musical Connection

What truly stands out about the Century Monoblocks is their ability to make music feel palpably alive. The engineering mastery behind them doesn’t just serve technical specs; it enhances emotional connection. When the amplifier fades into the background, and the performance shines through with holographic dimensionality, you know you’re hearing something special.

Linear Tube Audio’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering culminates in a product that doesn’t just reproduce music—it invites you to live it.

Technical Specs at a Glance

• Inputs: XLR and RCA, fully balanced amplification stages
• Power Output: 110W into 8 Ω / 144W into 4 Ω (stable below 2 Ω) @ 1% THD
• Burst Output: 178W (4 Ω) @ 1% THD, 196W (4 Ω) @ 2% THD
• Topology: Fully differential ZOTL with new Screen Drive and Pentode driver control
• Tubes: 4 × NOS 6JN6 beam power pentodes per channel, 2 × EL84 pentode drivers, 3 × 7062/E180CC input/gain stages
• Construction: Dual monoblock chassis, non-magnetic aluminum with Faraday shielding
• Adjustable Feedback: Front-panel LOW/MED/NORM settings
• Components: Non-magnetic resistors, boutique capacitors, ferrite impedance cores, bi-wiring binding posts, GND post
• Features: Auto-biasing, automatic voltage selection, built-in protection, low heat output, 3400V peak-to-peak tube voltage swing, ~1 Farad storage capacitance
• Frequency Response:
  • 8 Ω: 1.3Hz–44kHz (LOW), 1.14Hz–64kHz (MED), 1.3Hz–90kHz (NORM)
  • 4 Ω: 1.23Hz–37kHz (LOW), 1.17Hz–46kHz (MED), 1.3Hz–58kHz (NORM)
• Input Impedance:
  • RCA: 20k (LOW), 26k (MED), 47k (NORM)
  • XLR: 28k (LOW), 36k (MED), 94k (NORM)
• Output Impedance: 0.8 Ω (NORM), 1.9 Ω (MED), 5.2 Ω (LOW)
• Power Requirements: 100–260 VAC, 50–60 Hz, power factor corrected
• Weight: 26.5 lbs (12 kg) each

Wrapping Up: A New Era of Tube Amplification

The Century Monoblocks are a reminder that tube amplifiers can still surprise and delight with innovation and artful design. They perfectly balance the technical demands of modern speakers with the emotional warmth and immediacy unique to tubes. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a passionate music lover, these monoblocks invite you to experience sound with new depth and authority.

FAQ

• What is the significance of ZOTL technology in the Century Monoblocks?
  ZOTL technology eliminates the traditional output transformer, reducing distortion and phase shifts to deliver a more transparent and dynamic sound.
• Are the Century Monoblocks suitable for electrostatic and planar speakers?
  Absolutely. Their low output impedance and wide bandwidth make them ideal for challenging speaker types like electrostatics and planars.
• How does the screen-driven output stage improve the amplifier’s sound?
  Using EL84 pentodes to drive the screen grids of beam power tubes enhances efficiency while maintaining triode-like smoothness and detail.
• What modern conveniences do these amplifiers offer?
  Features like auto-biasing, global voltage compatibility, built-in protection circuits, and adjustable feedback make them user-friendly and reliable.
• What finishes are available for the Century Monoblocks?
  They initially ship in brushed Quicksilver, with a Carbon Black finish coming later.

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