Linear Tube Audio Unveils the Century Monoblock Power Amplifiers

Takoma Park, Maryland — To mark our tenth anniversary, Linear Tube Audio (LTA) is pleased to announce the release of the Century monoblocks, flagship high-powered ZOTL (Zero-Hysteresis Output Transformerless) amplifiers developed in collaboration with renowned audio designer David Berning. Priced at $28,000 per stereo pair, the Century Monoblocks are available for order through select dealers, with the initial production run shipping November 2025 in brushed Quicksilver, followed by a Carbon Black finish later this year.

The Century Monoblocks represent the culmination of a decade of innovation, inspired by the precision and endurance of the century ride—a cycling milestone of 100 miles—and designed for audiophiles seeking both power and finesse. By integrating LTA’s latest advancements with Berning’s celebrated ZOTL architecture, the Century amplifiers offer compelling performance for listeners with demanding speakers, including electrostatics, planars, and low-sensitivity designs.

Refined Screen-Drive Circuitry For the first time in LTA’s lineup, the Century Monoblocks utilize a screen-driven output stage within the ZOTL topology. EL84 pentodes steer the screen grids of NOS 6JN6 beam power tubes, enabling efficient pentode operation while maintaining the linearity and fluidity associated with triodes. This arrangement results in fast, detailed reproduction with outstanding depth—uncolored and effortless.

Engineered for Demanding Loudspeakers Conventional tube amplifiers can struggle with complex impedance or capacitive speaker loads, often leading to shifts in frequency response and diminished control. The Century Monoblocks overcome these limitations with inherently low output impedance and wide bandwidth. Their transformerless architecture eliminates the hysteresis, phase shifts, and frequency-dependent distortions typical of transformer-coupled designs, delivering the speed and grip of transistor electronics while preserving the dimensionality and holographic soundstage that define great tube amplification. The result is effortless authority and control, even with demanding crossovers and full-range panels.

Handcrafted Excellence Each Century amplifier is hand-built in Maryland, using components selected for sonic purity and musicality. Non-magnetic resistors, state-of-the-art ferrite-core impedance converters, and a minimalist signal path contribute to a stunningly realistic presentation. Voicing is refined through extensive listening sessions, and casings utilize non-magnetic aluminum with comprehensive Faraday shielding for optimal noise rejection.

Modern Features for Today’s Listener The Century Monoblocks build upon Berning’s Quadrature Z heritage, delivering lower noise, enhanced stability, and modern convenience. Features include auto-biasing, global voltage compatibility (100-260 VAC), built-in protection circuits, adjustable global feedback, and cool-running tubes for long-term reliability. The amplifiers are notably light due to the absence of output transformers.

With these latest designs, Linear Tube Audio transcends expectations for what is possible with tube amplification—ushering in a new generation of products that redefine realism, precision, and musical connection.

The Century Monoblocks stand as a testament to LTA’s pursuit of musical engagement through thoughtful engineering and artisanal craftsmanship. Listeners are invited to discover music with both palpable authority and immersive transparency, where the amplifier disappears and the performance truly comes alive.

Technical Specifications

Inputs: XLR and RCA, with all amplification stages balanced

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 system Tubes: 4 × NOS 6JN6 compactron beam power pentodes per channel, 2 × EL84 pentode drivers, 3 × 7062/E180CC input and gain stage

Construction: Dual monoblock chassis, non-magnetic aluminum casework, full Faraday cage shielding Adjustable Feedback: Front-panel selector for LOW/MED/NORM (High) settings

Components: Non-magnetic resistors, boutique capacitors, advanced ferrite impedance cores, dual binding post outputs to support bi-wiring, and rear panel GND post

Features: Auto-biasing, automatic voltage selection, built-in protection, low heat output, 3400V peak-to-peak power tube voltage swing, ~ 1 Farad storage capacitance

Frequency Response: 8 Ω: 1.3Hz to 44kHz(LOW), 1.14Hz to 64kHz(MED), 1.3Hz to 90kHz(NORM) 4 Ω: 1.23Hz to 37kHz(LOW), 1.17Hz to 46kHz(MED), 1.3Hz to 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

For press, dealer inquiries and ordering information, please contact 

Jacob at hifi@lineartubeaudio.com or +1 301-448-1534