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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> ZP3 Considerations
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Message started by Artie on 02/10/16 at 21:22:23

Title: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Artie on 02/10/16 at 21:22:23

I'm considering purchasing the ZP3 to replace my existing phono preamp and to complement my SE84UFO.
Question: Is the upgrade to the bees wax capacitors worth the extra $100?

Thanks in advance for your feedback

Tal

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Lon on 02/10/16 at 21:24:47

Tal, I can say that it is not essential as my ZP3 does not have the beeswax caps and it's the best sounding phono preamp I've ever heard and amazes me every tine I play a record.

BUT. . . I have beeswax caps in the preamp and amp that I use in my main system and they WERE an improvement (sounded fantastic before hand, just a bit more fantastic afterwards). So in your shoes I'd order them. One day I want to have them added to my ZP3. But I don't want to be without it for a day let alone a month!

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Tripwr1964 on 02/12/16 at 02:23:01

2x on the beeswax. i've had mine for almost a year and love it.

currently missing my zp3 because i am running a MC and waiting for my zmc. i didn't realize how much i liked it till i've had to live without it for last month!

moral to the story, if you're even thinking MC just go ahead and order a ZMC with your ZP3... them you wont have to wait later.

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Tal on 02/12/16 at 16:58:58

Your input really helps. Will definitely add the beeswax caps to cart.

Thanks

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by hdrider on 02/12/16 at 20:55:22

3X on the beeswax caps. Just from what I had read on this forum I decided to add them on when I ordered my amp and ZP3 in Sept 2014. I purchased a ZMC1 from a forum member to use with my ARC SP-11 before I sold it and ordered my Decware gear. I decided that if Steve is offering an up-grade, he has spent enough time listening to say it's a worthwhile investment. I LOVE all my Decware gear and cannot see parting with any of it. Happy listening, Chris.

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Tal on 02/13/16 at 21:41:47

Pulled the trigger today with Beeswax caps. Thanks again for your input! ;)

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by jorgen on 02/25/16 at 16:17:06

About to take the plunge and one. I will have the Beeswax upgrade, will just irritate me if I don't. But I'm currently using a 2m black cart. A ZMC is a bit more money, and a proper MC pickup swell, do you think I will be happy with an MM for the next decade, or is MC sooo much better?

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Lon on 02/25/16 at 16:21:21

Congrats!

To be honest, I am very happy with my turntable with Rega MM and the ZP3 makes it sound fantastic! Break in the ZP3, then roll some tubes, and I bet you will be too tired picking your jaw off the floor and wiping away all the drool to worry about whether an MC sounds better. . . at least for a long spell. ;)

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Archie on 02/25/16 at 16:33:11

While I agree with Lon that you should go with what you have for a while (maybe a long while!) I recently switched to MC with a ZMC1 and I wont go back. I was using the Ortofon STY40 which is supposed to be on par with the 2M Black -- which I considered but I wanted a bigger change. I can't give a detailed description of the differences that I hear but there seems to be some kind of refinement with the MC that I wasn't getting with the MM. MCs are impractical and expensive but there is a positive difference, in my opinion.

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by Syd on 02/25/16 at 21:05:52

......then theres the Music Man and London Decca Carts which wont need an SUT. I looked long and hard at them but continued with an MC. Such a range of MC`s. I tend to change about every 5 years when I can hear wear, and just switch manufacturers, increasing the price from the last one.Now I think I`m in the realms of re-tips and not replacements. Another milestone. Tough at the top :)

....unlike the sweet treble.

Title: Re: ZP3 Considerations
Post by doukhobar on 06/15/17 at 03:06:30

Archie, can I ask what MC cartridge you used with the ZP3 and which ZMC you had? What was your MC voltage? I am trying to get a 0.5mV cartridge to play nice with my ZP3. Bob's Devices has a 1:30 SUT...