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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> Just how good is the ZP3?
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Message started by RedHotChilli on 01/15/12 at 17:42:04

Title: Just how good is the ZP3?
Post by RedHotChilli on 01/15/12 at 17:42:04

Okay - so I'll come clean: I ordered a ZP3 in November (still waiting for it) on the strength of how good the ZKIT1 I built was and some of the technical literature Steve has produced. A bit of a leap of faith I thought and I'm still wondering about it.
So could those of you with first hand experience let me know if it's as good as I hope? ;)
I use an Aesthetix Rhea at present but am getting frustrated with its noise and lack of involvement.

Title: Re: Just how good is the ZP3?
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/16/12 at 02:09:25

I understand that this unit is a top flight phono preamp for somebody who is heavily into vinyl. You don't hear much about it because I suspect that most everybody who has one is so satisfied with theirs.

Title: Re: Just how good is the ZP3?
Post by kingpin on 01/16/12 at 21:20:09

I've had one now for just over a month and I'm really enjoying it. Definitely prefer it to the RSA Nighthawk I had before. I definitely recommend upgrading the tubes, especially the rectifier. A Mullard GZ34 made a great improvement. I'm still working on what other smaller tubes work best for my taste.

If you prefer the sound of a tube phono stage with tube rectification (like I do) I don't know if you could find a better one anywhere near the price of a ZP3.

Title: Re: Just how good is the ZP3?
Post by marky on 08/06/12 at 01:42:43

Good question. I purchased a pair of Siemans triple mica 12ax7`s & a 1950`s GEC 5u4 in anticipation and put them straight in. 2 months in and what I`m hearing is my deck/arm/cartridge. If the ZP3/ZMC1 could talk to me it would say " You really like me dont you ? No buttons or dials to play with, just sit back and enjoy your vinyl." But in a while think about what I`ll sound like with a more expensive cartridge and a couple more pairs of Styx i/c`s" In a word I would say it`s neutrally vibrant ( my cartridge ?), and more revealing as components play in more. John Martyn and JJ Cale really show what fine atmospheric recordings they made. :) - syd

Title: Re: Just how good is the ZP3?
Post by marky on 08/07/12 at 16:00:49

Sorry, not Siemans but Sylvania nos.

Title: Re: Just how good is the ZP3?
Post by Lon on 09/05/12 at 13:44:12

I noticed today that Jeff of Tone Audio has ordered a ZP3. I hope that means well see another great Tone Audio review of a Decware product!

I'm so glad I ordered mine as I'm getting more and more into vinyl each day. I've discovered that early jazz from 1917 or so (the Original Dixieland Jazz Band recordings) through the swing era and the traditional jazz "revival" period seem in general to sound better on the best vinyl masterings than more than 90 percent of the cd masterings, and I'm concentrating on listening to those. They sound fantastic through my PS Audio GCPH phono preamp, and I expect them to sound even more wonderful through the ZP3. I may have an even bigger problem leaving the house. . . :)