The Linear Tube Audio Century Preamplifier is the new flagship line stage from the Maryland-based tube specialist. It is fully balanced, direct-coupled and built around the company’s ZOTL (Zero-Hysteresis Output Transformerless) circuit, and it is designed as the companion to the Century Monoblocks. Like the rest of the range, it is hand-built in Takoma Park, Maryland.
According to Mono and Stereo, the Linear Tube Audio Century Preamplifier makes its public debut at Capital Audiofest 2026 in Rockville, Maryland, which runs from 13 to 15 November.
A ZOTL design for the Linear Tube Audio Century Preamplifier
Linear Tube Audio describes the Century as a pure Class A design with no coupling capacitors and no negative feedback. The circuit is split into four separate amplifier sections, each with its own output tube. Per channel, the preamp uses two 6J5 or 12J5 single triodes together with a 12AT7 or 12AU7 working in parallel single-ended mode, with NOS triodes in the ZOTL output stage.
The brand quotes an expected tube life of about 10,000 hours, helped by continuous autobias. Volume is handled by two remote-controlled resistor-ladder attenuators with between 100 and 199 steps.
Built to keep noise out
The circuit sits on a ceramic SMD board inside a non-magnetic chassis, with internal and external Faraday shielding. The power supply accepts 100 to 260 VAC, is power-factor corrected and draws less than 60 W. Two 12V trigger outputs and a Home Theater Mode make it easier to fit into a larger system.
Connectivity is generous for a tube line stage: three balanced XLR and three single-ended RCA inputs, plus two XLR and two RCA outputs. Gain is 18 dB through the balanced path and 12 dB through RCA, with a maximum output of 14 Vrms balanced.
Part of a complete Century system
With the Linear Tube Audio Century Preamplifier, the brand now offers a full flagship pre and power combination alongside the Century Monoblocks. Readers who know the company from more compact designs can read our earlier news on the Linear Tube Audio Aero+ DAC. Full details are on the official Linear Tube Audio Century Preamplifier page.
Pricing and availability
Linear Tube Audio does not list a price on its product page. According to Mono and Stereo, the Linear Tube Audio Century Preamplifier carries an MSRP of US$18,000 and is available from November 2026 through Linear Tube Audio and its dealers. It comes in brushed silver or black, with a 5-year warranty. European pricing has not been announced.
Key specifications
- Type: fully balanced, direct-coupled ZOTL tube line preamplifier, Class A, no coupling capacitors, no negative feedback
- Tubes per channel: 2x 6J5/12J5 plus 12AT7/12AU7 in parallel single-ended
- Inputs: 3x XLR, 3x RCA
- Outputs: 2x XLR, 2x RCA
- Gain: 18 dB (XLR), 12 dB (RCA)
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ (XLR), 50 kΩ (RCA)
- Output impedance: 150 Ω (XLR), 75 Ω (RCA)
- Maximum output: 14 Vrms (XLR), 7 Vrms (RCA)
- THD+N: 0.1% at 2 Vrms (XLR), 0.5% at 1 Vrms (RCA)
- Frequency response: 2 Hz to 35 kHz ±1 dB; 0.5 Hz to 120 kHz +1/-3 dB
- Crosstalk: -84 dB at 1 kHz, -66 dB at 20 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 96 dB A-weighted at 2 Vrms, 105 dB at maximum output
- Volume control: two remote-controlled resistor-ladder attenuators, 100 to 199 steps
- Power: 100 to 260 VAC, under 60 W, power-factor corrected
- Dimensions: 432 x 140 x 392 mm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 8.4 kg
- Finishes: brushed silver, black
- Warranty: 5 years
