Title: ZRock, ZStage, Betsys
Post by Bottlehead on 09/02/17 at 10:40:12
Good Morning, fellow Decwarians,
This review concerns products from two of our favorite guys – Steve Deckert, and Randall Rash, aka Randy from Caintuck.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the sound that I’m getting with my new system. Well, to be more accurate, the only new component is the ZRock2. Everything else is tried and true.
Before I get into my review, here’s a little bit of background: I have two complete systems that I’m very happy with – my main system, which was WAY more expensive than the system that I’m reviewing, and my bedroom system, which was quite a bit more expensive than the system that I’m reviewing. So I should be satisfied with what I’ve got, right? I know, but I don’t seem to have an “off” switch when it comes to audio (or tools, for that matter, but that’s another story).
So, for the last couple of years, I’ve been scheming about a dedicated R&R/R&B/MOTOWN(!) system. I already had most of the components – Cary Audio 303/300 cd player, Zstage, upgraded Cary Audio Six Pacs, and VMPS 626 monitor speakers, backed up by 15” open-baffle Hawthorne Audio Augies, amped by a Hsu Research sub amp. I was in the process of upgrading the VMPS speakers when Steve started talking about the Zrock. I was immediately intrigued, so I ordered one. When it came, I put all the pieces into place, and was TOTALLY underwhelmed. What the hell? I mean, the Zrock performed EXACTLY as advertised, but it was like a big muffler had been placed over the music. I had been listening to my main (open-baffle) system just prior to putting the pieces into place for my new system, so I suppose it wasn’t really a fair comparison. I played around with it for a while, and realized that the weak link was the speakers. I was bummed because my first successful audio pairing 10 years ago was the Six Pacs with the VMPS speakers. Evidently my audio tastes have progressed. So I put a pair of Betsys into the system. Holy Yowza! Anybody who thinks that the Betsys can’t rock needs to listen to Clarence Clemmons (RIP, Big Man), or Charlie Watts (may you never die, Stick Man). And if you don’t believe them, Joe Bonamassa and Eric Clapton would like a word with you.
Anyway, as you can see from the picture (I hope) everything is right in front of me, and I have to say – this is the most “tunable” system that I’ve ever had. Being able to adjust the “hit” on the left (Zrock), and the volume (uh, excuse me, Steve), the GAIN (Zstage) on the right, makes each track listenable, no matter how it was recorded. So if you don’t think that you need a Zrock, you might want to hear one in your system before you decide.
As for the Betsys, I have been convinced for a year or so now, about their ability to reproduce vocals, acoustic music, chamber music, etc, but I hadn’t really pushed them. Now I’m convinced of their ability to perform at whatever level you ask them to. And for a pittance, too.
So Happy Labor Day to all, and especially to our “Audio Enablers”, Steve and Randy. Thank you, we are not worthy!!
The Other Randy
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