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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> ZP3 Arrived
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Message started by Ed on 07/19/25 at 21:03:15

Title: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Ed on 07/19/25 at 21:03:15

Happy to report that 13 days shy of three years, and my ZP3 arrived today. As I unboxed and prepped to tube up my phono, I realized that the tube complement included a pair of 5963 (jan version of 12AU7 if im not mistaken), and a single Sovtek 12AX7. Unless Im missing something, the two signal tubes in front will only use 12AX7. At least that is what the manual states. I have no intention of powering up the ZP3 until I confirm. Am I correct believing that a 12AU7 can. Ot be used in signal position?

Thanks all.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Kahuna Jack on 07/19/25 at 21:56:24

They are just signal tubes so you're not going to see any fireworks from those positions. Stronger then strong chance those were the tubes used in your Zp3 in testing and QC. While your waiting for an answer you feel confident in? just listen to it.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Sean on 07/19/25 at 23:58:08

Congrats! 5963 are 12ax7 variants. Those go in the front most spots, 12au7 in the rear.

I know it exists but a quick search didn’t find it. Don’t put the 12au7 in the 12ax7 spots or vice versa, I can’t recall which way but someone did it and the results weren’t good, not catastrophic, but not good. I think the tube rolling ZP3 thread in the ZP3 forum is the thread to read.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Sean on 07/20/25 at 00:02:38

Found it. It was a 12at7 in the 12au7 spot that blew one of the 12ax7’s.

Post 47
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1402147415/47#47

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Lon on 07/20/25 at 00:04:54

Actually I'm going to be contrary and say that 5963 is a 12AU7 variant; Steve has sent one to me with a ZROCK2 and I have used them in 12AU7 spots before. I think they can safely be used in one of the 12AX7 spots but will have low gain, lower output.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Sean on 07/20/25 at 00:36:46

Lon, you’re right again, not sure WTH I was thinking. So many codes to keep straight! Don’t mind me, I’ll be sitting in the corner!

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Lon on 07/20/25 at 03:45:55

Yeah, I get confused a lot myself between US and European designations.

I don't think there is any danger to the circuitry to use the 12AU7 type in one of the 12AX7 spots, but it's not optimal for playback. Surprised this was a mistake made during or after quality control at the mother ship.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Ed on 07/20/25 at 17:02:03

So it took me a few days to figure out that I couldnt reply to you all because I wasnt logged inn. 🙄

Thanks for the replies all. And yes I was comfortable that the 5693 is 12AU7 equivalent but not whether I could run it in the 12AX7 circuit. Im picking up a spare 12ax7 later today from a friend so I can go about burning it in. I guess Im not losing my mind with impatience because during my wait, picked up a really nice Phasemation EA200 phono stage that Im pretty darn happy with. The ZP3 has pretty big shoes to fill but I am completely confident it is up for the task.

Thanks again all.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by hdrider on 07/22/25 at 00:01:01

Ed- Congrats on receiving your ZP3. I'm listening to ours right now and I will say that after getting some hours on our unit, it bested our ARC SP-11 by a long shot. That, our ZMC-1 and Hana SL LMOC really makes listening just a fun and happy experience. I would agree with Kahuna Jack that those are the tubes Steve supplied and used to test your unit. What cartridge are you running into it? Keep us posted on how it goes. Happy listening, Chris.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Dominick on 07/22/25 at 14:40:50

Congrats on your new ZP3. I initially had a Rega phono stage… But when I acquired my ZP3 there was absolutely no comparison. I had a conversation with STEVE about sending it in for the Anniversay mods, but he recommended that until I upgrade to a better turntable… That the stock ZP3 would be more than sufficient and I probably wouldn’t be able to hear the upgrades anyway. So for the time being… I’m just going to enjoy the music.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Ed on 07/22/25 at 17:59:29

Chris,

Yeah I agree they are probably the tubes that it was QC's with. Steve confirmed that the 12AU7 wont hurt the circuit but won't sound right. A 12AX7 replacement is on the way. I picked up a Tungsol 12AX7 at the local Guitar Center so that I could start the burn in process. It is set up in the number two system burning in nicely with a streamer playing pink noise and an RIAA inverse filter into the ZP3. Im about 50 ho0urs in so far.

I also have a Hana SL into a ZMC1 that I ran through a Rega P3 until about two months ago when I stumbled across a killer deal on a VPI Prime 21 that I couldn't resist. Im happy to hear that you like the SL with your ZP3 and can't wait to migrate it into my system by this weekend for a listen. Meanwhile, Im not having a problem enjoying the current set up at all. So to think it can get better than this gets me pretty excited.

Title: Re: ZP3 Arrived
Post by Ed on 07/22/25 at 18:07:11

Dominick,

Yeah I hear you about the upgraded table. I have spent years building my system and saved the vinyl front end for the end. Im still learning how each upgrade in that part of the chain can make such a large difference. I started with a slightly upgraded preowned older Rega P3, and a Rega Elyse Cart into my internal phono card in my primaluna integrated. Then made a half set upgrade to an off board Lehman Black Cube phono, then a Hana SL. Then I borrowed my current phono from a dealer and it never left my house. Then Upgraded the Table and now am amazed at what Im hearing. Knowing Steve's gear and the way it always delivers, I know Im in for a treat once it is burned in.

What cart are you running in your Rega P2?