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Allnic/ZL Technologies L-9000 OTL/OCL
The L-9000 OTL/OCL (Output Transformer-Less/Output Capacitor-Less) is a triple gain stage, remote controlled, line-stage preamplifier, without transformers or capacitors in its single-ended signal path.
- OTL, OCL Direct Coupled preamplifier
- Two SEPP 6080s output
- True Dual Mono design
- 61-step Silver Contact Constant Impedance attenuator
Allnic Audio’s Technology
Remote controlled 61-step constant impedance attenuator
Mr. Park has completed development of the world’s first 61-step, constant impedance, “bridged” type attenuator. Allnic’s new attenuator is now the most sophisticated on the market, and we believe, without a doubt, also the absolute best sounding. With fixed impedance and no (± 0db) channel unbalance at any volume level, the new attenuator will astound users with its elevation of the fidelity and purity of any system in which it is used. This revolutionary and currently unique, oil clutched, motorized attenuator will be standard equipment on the L-8000 preamplifier and L-10000 OTL/OCL, L-9000 OTL/OCL, L-8500 OTL/OCL preamplifier.
OTL/OCL Ciruitry
OTL/OCL means “Output Transformer-Less” and “Output Capacitor Less”. In an OTL/OCL preamplifier, there is no coupling device between the preamplifier and the power amplifier, that is, the preamplifier’s final output tubes are directly connected to the power amplifier. Normally, an Output Capacitor or Output Transformer for separating AC music signal from the DC operating potential; if this is not done, the latter will destroy the power amplifier or loudspeakers. But these two types of coupling devices are effectively obstacles to signal transmission that add their own character (color), increase distortion, and consume small signals according to physical efficiency theory. In addition, they limit signal dynamics. Because of all these adverse effects, OTL/OCL has been considered the best solution for amplifiers in order to maintain signal purity. Some circuit experts might worry about DC potential in the music signal, but there is no need to worry. Allnic uses a “floating power supply circuit” which prevents the creation of any DC potential in the first place.
Soft-start Circuitry
Allnic uses soft start circuitry that, after sufficient warm-up only, provides the high voltage supply to the plate of each tube. This protective design results in prolonged tube life and fewer and less frequent issues with tube performance.
Beautiful 100kHz square wave response
We can show you how beautifully a 100kHz square wave response is reproduced.
New vacuum tube damping technology
Allnic Audio’s patented “Absorb GEL tube damper” technology prevents harmful vibrations from reaching the signal/gain tubes and, therefore, prevents micro-phonic noise propagation in the tubes. The Allnic Audio Absorb Gel damper technology effectively solves a problem that plagues most tube amplification systems. Provided other tube components do not introduce micro-phonic noise into your system, with the Absorb Gel damping system, you will enjoy a degree of transparent sound that will surprise and please you.
Powerful driving circuitry
Allnic believes in the importance of using high-quality, low noise and powerful driving circuitry in all its amplifying devices. Therefore, for example, in the M-3000 mk2, we employ the E282F tube (E55L for M-5000) in triode mode as the second stage driver tube, with a load of about 6 k ohms, and using 20 mA of current. The listener can easily hear and even “feel” the differences between this design and other, more conventional, ones. Please imagine, as you listen to the M-3000 mk2, its sound compared to the sound of an amplifier with conventional 12AU7 or 12BH7’s used as drivers, with a load of about 47 k ohm, and using 2 to 3 mA of current.
Analogue power tube current monitors
In order to provide constant current (bias) monitoring for the power tubes, Allnic uses a separate analogue current meter for each tube. The meters make it exceptionally easy to see the status of each tube at any time and to respond immediately to any variation in bias by use of the bias control knob for the relevant tube. The meters offer a simple, unambiguous indication of each tube’s status compared to conventional LED bias monitors.
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Professional Reviews 88/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Connectivity
86/100
Value for Money
84/100
The immediate, richly colored presentation of the L-9000 gives music striking presence, with deep soundstage layering and natural warmth that Howard Kneller found especially captivating. Its low output impedance and balanced/RCA flexibility suit serious systems, while the open, futuristic chassis adds cachet. For listeners chasing tube liquidity without giving up detail, it stands out.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional immediacy and detail, with a vivid sense of presence and captivating musical flow.
Deep, airy soundstaging with natural warmth, rich harmonic texture, and three-dimensional images.
Strong connectivity and system-matching flexibility, including RCA and XLR inputs/outputs plus low output impedance.
&
Cons
The motorized volume attenuator is audibly noisy during level changes.
It produces more hiss than some competing preamps, even if the noise is subtle in normal use.
Its lowest bass extension and black-background silence do not quite match the best solid-state alternatives.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers describe the L-9000 as exceptionally immediate, detailed, and captivating, with strong harmonic color and a lively, open presentation. It does give up a bit of background blackness and low-level hush compared with the best, and there is some tube hiss, but the overall sonic impression is highly accomplished and musically engaging.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Howard Kneller calls the preamp 'exceptionally immediate, detailed,' and praises its clarity and transient speed, with piano notes rendered in a three-dimensional way. He also notes that it cannot match the black background of the comparison preamp and that it produces more hiss than others he knows, so the transparency picture is strong but not spotless.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
The L-9000 is repeatedly praised for warmth, harmonic texturing, and tonal color saturation, with violin and piano described as naturally warm, round, and richly fleshed out. The reviewer frames that character as a strength, calling the result captivating rather than merely accurate.
Dynamics
89/100
The review highlights strong immediacy, excellent low-end impact, and a lively, alive presentation, especially on percussion and piano. It does not read as soft or compressed, though the strongest comments are about flow and snap rather than explosive macro-dynamic scale.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Spatial performance is one of the clear strengths here: the stage is described as deep, open, airy, and three-dimensional, with excellent width and depth. Images are portrayed with attractive bloom and convincing outline, even if the emphasis is a little more on air around instruments than on razor-edged pinpoint focus.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
Reviewers admire the striking open-cased industrial design and call it gorgeous, with a distinctive sci-fi look. The main reservation is practical rather than structural: the motorized volume attenuator makes a loud noise during level changes, which slightly undercuts the sense of refinement.
Features Connectivity
86/100
The L-9000 offers 3 RCA inputs, 2 XLR inputs, 1 RCA output, and 2 XLR outputs, so connectivity is above the bare minimum and includes balanced options. The review also points to the elaborate stepped attenuator and low output impedance, but there is no mention of extras like headphone output, phono stage, home-theater bypass, or remote control.
Value for Money
84/100
At around $19,500 to just over $20,000, this is firmly an upscale purchase, and the review does not call it a bargain. Still, the reviewer clearly treats it as a special and highly capable design rather than an indulgence with no payoff, so value reads as reasonable for the performance, if not especially compelling on price alone.
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Authorized dealers for Allnic/ZL Technologies L-9000 OTL/OCL
- Audioplus Hi End — in-store — San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche, Italy (website)
- East End Hi-Fi — in-store — Brookhaven, New York, United States (website)
- Kronos Audio Visual — online and in-store — Staplefield, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Live Fidelity — in-store — Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands (website)
- Moorgate Acoustics — online and in-store — Woodseats, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Norsk Audio Teknikk — in-store — Sofiemyr, Akershus, Norway (website)
- Perfect sense Audio — in-store — Stockholms län, Sweden (website)
- Rennaissens — online and in-store — Boulogne-Billancourt, Île-de-France, France (website)
- SALLINGBOE AUDIO — in-store — Svebølle, Denmark (website)
- Salon One Audio — in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
and 6 more verified dealers