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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
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Message started by Tommy Freefall on 05/22/16 at 00:24:36

Title: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Tommy Freefall on 05/22/16 at 00:24:36

This question might be best addressed by Steve, but I'll put it out here just in case.
Let's say someone already has a pretty good CD Player-DAC, or even the Tascam CD-240.
Would the addition of a ZBIT or ZSTAGE give one performace similar to the Decware-modded Zen 240 CD Player?

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Steve Deckert on 05/22/16 at 04:00:23

Yes, the only difference would be that a ZCD240 would accomplish it with one less cable and 2 connectors. So that might be a plus, however I haven't heard a significant difference using good cables. The advantage of the ZBIT is that when the CD player wears out you can install the ZBIT on the new replacement.

Steve

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Tommy Freefall on 05/24/16 at 20:47:40

Steve, thank you very much for your answer, which mirrors my thoughts exactly.
At some point, the ZCD240 will ultimately have to be retired and unfortunately, along with it, your modifications would be gone too.
However by procuring your mods in their own separate chassis, I can keep them forever and be able connect to any future media player or DAC.

So, if either solution can be implemented – which is superior – the ZBIT or the ZSTAGE?

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Archie on 05/25/16 at 16:22:42

Quote:

So, if either solution can be implemented – which is superior – the ZBIT or the ZSTAGE?

I am also interested in this idea. I have a CSP3 so would a ZBOX also work equally as well?

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Steve Deckert on 05/26/16 at 04:43:09

It's an easy answer... the ZSTAGE if your source is single-ended ie. non-balanced. ZBIT if your source is XLR balanced output.

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Archie on 05/26/16 at 16:10:24

So, how/where does the ZBOX fit in?

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Tommy Freefall on 05/27/16 at 20:45:38

If I’m understanding Steve’s comment - if a CD Player or DAC has both a set of XLR balanced analog outputs and a set of unbalanced RCA analog outputs, the better solution is to install a ZBIT - over a ZSTAGE – and connect via the XLR balanced analog outputs.

Given that, I will order a ZBIT.

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Archie on 05/28/16 at 18:21:15

Let's say I have only RCA outputs and I have a CSP3, do I need the ZSTAGE or would the ZBOX be the way to go?

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Lon on 05/28/16 at 23:04:03

IMO you don't need either, you're fantastic with the CSP3.

Title: Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Post by Archie on 05/29/16 at 21:00:36

I'm trying to sort out what these various devices do. Does the CSP3 eliminate the need for a ZSTAGE or ZBOX? I can see where the ZBIT would be a different animal since it deals with blanced connections. I need to upgrade my CD player and I'd like to think I can get away without laying out what a ZCD240 costs. If I could do the same with my CSP3 and a stock 240 it would be great.