Forums https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZROCK2 >> Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1571935319 Message started by Reptar on 10/24/19 at 17:41:59

Title: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Reptar on 10/24/19 at 17:41:59 I just received my new Zrock2 and it is still breaking in but so far all I can say is wow! I thought it would give more of a bass boost ( I have the base Zen Triode system) - I still need to learn more about how to use it by fiddling around with it but I suspect this is more of a function of the speakers that I have. The speakers seem to be fairly efficient at 94.5 db @ 8 Ohms but they only have a 6" single driver so perhaps I am expecting too much. But everything else is really wonderful. I listen near field in my office while I work so I listen at very low volume which is why I wanted more bass boost. But whatever the Zrock2 is doing - it is doing it magically! I bought some different tubes to roll to experiment but right now I am listening to it stock to get a feel for what it can do out of the box. I have the level II Caps and tube regulator as upgrades. Really love Decware - the only complaint I have is that the music sounds so amazing it is hard for me to work, as all I want to do now is listen to it! Highly recommend the Zrock2! Regards to all. Steve

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 10/24/19 at 18:30:14 Hi Steve, Welcome to the ZROCK2 club! Such an amazing device, especially with the full mods as yours is. It's going to get even better as it seasons in! Keep us posted about your adventures with it.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Showme on 10/25/19 at 21:38:16 They are an awesome piece of equipment. Mine is exactly like your’s with the type II beeswax caps and complete anniversary mods. Alas due to changes I’m making I am contemplating selling it. I’m sure I will regret it.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Vooraphile on 10/28/19 at 12:58:54 I can consider it.. if you are letting it go. You may PM me.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by GroovySauce on 04/17/20 at 16:09:30 I’ve been stuck at my sisters house during this event. She enjoys listening to music she just bought a pair if Caintuck F15 and 4 ASC Isothermal tube traps so she does care about high quality audio. Currently the system is audioquest dragonfly red -> zrock2 -> ZMA -> F15’s she also has a 10” svs sub. I got a fully loaded Zrock2 yesterday.  This morning i was playing with it.  After slowly going back and forth with the dial a few times i asked her what she thought about it.  She said “it sounds more full” she paused then said something that really made me laugh “not just more full, makes it sound like what we were listening to before was shit!” Yep i agree  ;D

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 05/11/20 at 13:19:11 That made me laugh! :)

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by KESM on 07/04/20 at 01:24:49 Just received my ZRock2.  I love the weighty tonal boost that it adds without being heavy handed.  It's subtle but notable...in a sonic way.  I appreciate the capability of being able to dial in the tone that I want on any recording.  Flipping the by-pass switch on & off provides immediately distinctive sound quality...removing all doubt from the subjective equation of A/B listening.  It's day one (albeit)...still....I'm highly impressed out of the box.   Note:  The unit's custom with Type I Cryo Beeswax signal capacitors and the tube regulation mod

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Archie on 07/04/20 at 01:39:05 KESM, glad you're digging the ZR2.  Here's something to try.  When you bypass, turn the knob fully counterclockwise and see if the sound is better than leaving the knob at the active setting and just flipping the bypass switch.  There are times when you may want it bypassed and in my experience turning the knob off removes a veil from the simply "bypassed" sound.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by KESM on 07/05/20 at 03:03:49 Aaaah...ok...now I see.  I had not tried it in that manner. My chain: PC>DAC (Border Patrol & Topping D90 MQA)>ZR2>LTA MZ3 Preamp/amp>Schiit Aegir amp>Omega Super 3 High Output monitors.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Archie on 07/05/20 at 18:02:56 Let us know if you hear a difference in bypass mode settings.  It's possible that it's just my system.  In my case, once I started turning the knob off in bypass, the sound quality wasn't as different as I thought.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/07/20 at 17:52:00 My third ZROCK2 is now in TESTING! It has the stock caps and no options except the tube regulation mode, will go into my headphone only system; the sources are DVR and Audiolab 6000CDT into a 2 input ZBOX with standard caps and no other options, then to a PS Audio NuWave DAC, the other input of the ZBOX is a Pioneer Elite Blu-ray player (which also does SACD) and the ZBOX will go into the ZROCK2, and then the ZROCK2 will connect to a PS Audio GCHA headphone amp. All are plugged into a PS Audio P10. I use ZMF Ori* headphones with this system, and it sounds nearly perfect right now, but the ZROCK2 will be an improvement I know. *The Ori never sound better than with this headphone amp!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 07/13/20 at 04:53:44 Hi Lon - congrats on another member of your Decware stable!  Why did you add on the tube regulation mode?  What benefit does it provide?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/13/20 at 06:59:27 Oh, I just wanted to see how that would be. I will have one ZROCK2 in each of three systems now, and they are each configured differently. In the two systems that have one now I have all components with Type 2 caps so I also have those caps in the ZROCK2s and one has no further mods, the other the 25th Anniversary mods and the tube regulation mod. In the system this is going into I only have one other tube component, a Decware ZBOX with two inputs and standard caps--which I have had for many years and which I hadn't been using again til recently. As there are no other tube components except the ZBOX and no components with tube regulation in the system I thought it would be nice to add it to this ZROCK2--I suspect it will add a bit of clarity and dynamic contrast to an otherwise stock unit, and this system could use just that.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 07/13/20 at 09:19:36 I plan to order a ZRock2 soon.  Just the basic version.  I’m not clear what the $75 tube adds.  Does it perform the same function as the first tube?  Does it make a 2 tube device?  Or does the second tube do some other thing?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/13/20 at 11:25:25 It's a voltage regulation tube. The way that Steve implements this small tube it will help to improve the quality of the electricity that powers the device, it will subtly alter the sound, it should give you a tiny bit more detail and a bit more clarity to the sound. A further refinement. This is a miniature version of a voltage regulation tube and will be inside the chassis, assembed to the eye the unit will look no different, one tube only visible.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 07/13/20 at 19:35:13 What about RCA cables for the ZR2?  I prefer copper in general and use AudioQuest.  I see Steve offers a Canare cable for $120 per meter.  Does he have a special design for those?  Or is it just normal Canare wire?  Ghent has Canare starting at $24 per meter.  Wondering if Steve’s is some different? https://www.ghentaudio.com/part/index.html

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/13/20 at 20:13:23 I'm sure that Steve's sound great, I haven't heard them; I used the Silver Reference for a long time, they are excellent cables. I spent a lot of money years back and equipted my entire system with VooDoo Cable Stradivarius interconnects, which are fabulous, but very expensive. There are many cables that will work wonderfully with the ZROCK2--I'm sure many here will be able to give recommendations or some may be able to speak to the copper Decware cables.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by GroovySauce on 07/14/20 at 13:06:01 I don’t have any experience with the cable Steve offers.   I was pleasantly surprised with analysis plus oval one rca cable $100 1m. Let it play with a strong signal for at least 24 hours before listening.  When I first hooked it up, it was a let down and I thought I wasted $100. At this price point it’s my #1 recommendation. Bluejeanscable offers LC-1 at 3 ft for $37. For a tight budget I don’t know how to beat this cable. Belden BAV 3ft for $160. I have not used this cable. I’m curious about it. What tubes did you pick up? let us know what you think.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/14/20 at 17:30:00 I've a pair of the Belden BAV on a shelf. They are quite neutral I suppose. . . I just found them. . . boring. I may have not let them season long enough, I expect I may get back to them again if I need a pair of interconnects.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by GroovySauce on 07/14/20 at 18:48:09 I just ordered a pair of Iconoclast 1x4 TPC RCAs.  Should have them in 3-4 days.   My goto cable has been the analysis plus solo crystal copper.  Looking forward to the shootout.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 07/15/20 at 03:06:12 GroovySauce, what conductive material is the Analysis Plus Oval One made of?  The Analysis Plus website is a bit dubious in that they offer no spec sheet declaring the materials used.  Is it copper?  With their Copper Oval line, which cost 3 times more than the Oval One, they spell out "oxygen free copper".  With their silver line they spell out that it's copper with a layer of silver.  For the Oval One they only say "quality materials".  Any idea?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by GroovySauce on 07/15/20 at 13:22:58 DancingSea, I don't know what it is for the oval one, I'm 95% confident that it is copper, I don't know the grade. The solo crystal is continuous cast copper, which is a lot more expensive than standard copper. Wish I knew more about it.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/27/20 at 20:36:06 Whoo hoo! My ZROCK2 (my third!) is in QUALITY CONTROL!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Rivieraranch on 07/28/20 at 02:22:45 Wait till its in SHIPPING!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 07/28/20 at 02:25:43 Yes, that's when it's hard to sleep! l) Luckily I'm pretty close to the mothership. . . it took whole days longer to reach me when I was in Texas!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/06/20 at 12:50:49 The ZROCK2 is shipped nd due to arrive Friday. Managed to reactivate my back pain somehow this week so I'm not sleeping much anyway, so this won't affect my sleeping pattern. . . . :( Can't wait to hear what it does for this headphone only system. (PS Audio P10 powering all: DVR or Audiolab 6000CDT to PS Audio NuWave DAC to ZBOX to ZROCK2 and also Pioneer Elite Blu-ray/SACD player to ZBOX to ZROCK2--my ZBOX is custom built with two inputs).

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/07/20 at 18:50:46 The ZROCK2 arrived and Steve sent a very nice 6189 with it. I set it up and verified it works and am letting it simmer in and will do some serious listening in a bit. So glad it arrived at last! Ordered it May 1 or so. . . and figured I'd get it around my birthday. Shipping on my birthday was a cool thing!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Donnie on 08/07/20 at 21:27:29 Happy Birthday Lon

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/07/20 at 23:01:29 Congrats Lon and Happy Birthday! Out of curiosity, is the ZRock2 essentially a ZBox with an equalizer added?  If I bought a ZBox, does it have the same tube effect as the ZR2?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/08/20 at 03:36:30 Thanks, I had a nice birthday on Tuesday. As for the ZBOX. . . .Well, not really. The ZBOX is almost a unity gain, i.e. it does not offer any gain from the original signal. It gives you a nice impedance match and that nice tube "goodness," but neither EQ nor gain. The ZROCK2 gives you adjustable EQ in two "curves" that are partnered with gain (and a bypass, which makes it closer to a ZBOX when engaged.)

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/08/20 at 03:52:41 Thanks Donnie. I'm too old to have any more birthdays now, so good thing this was a good one on Tuesday, and tonight had a nice birthday dinner at my brother- and sister-in-law's where our nephew just moved back from NYC and it was good to be with family this way for the first time since March.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/08/20 at 04:18:46 Hi Lon, On the “tube goodness” front, is the ZBox essentially the same as the ZRock2?  I’d only need tube goodness from it.  The rest is handled elsewhere in my chain.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/08/20 at 11:48:09 Yes, I would say that if you don't need an eq adjustment (I always have!) then the ZBOX is quite impressive in what it does. I had one I used years and years ago and then put away for years. It has been modded by Steve to have two inputs to switch from. I put it back in use this year and am very impressed with what it added to a before-then all solid state system. It's a great little component.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/09/20 at 01:19:12 Yes, I also need an EQ.  But also have to impedance match and the ZRock didn’t do the impedance part.  The ZBox does.  For the EQ, I got a Schiit Loki. I just wonder how much tube goodness one wee tube can provide?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/09/20 at 12:17:18 In many cases one tube is better than many tubes, and this is the case in Decware designs imo. If you were to add the voltage regulation tube option you'd have two tubes in the ZBOX (one literally inside) and the voltage regulation tube has made a decided improvement in two ZROCK2 that I have.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/09/20 at 19:05:37 Thanks for the insight Lon!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/09/20 at 19:58:31 I just bought the used ZBox off the forum. I’m now officially a part of the Decware family  ;)

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/09/20 at 21:29:40 Congrats!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/10/20 at 01:21:35 Lon - I have 2 each of these tubes left over from my Ah! Tjeob CD4000.  For some reason, the player is no longer reading discs even though the transport mechanism was replaced a few years ago.  The Sylvania’s have never been used in 20 years. In any case, do these tubes work with the ZBox? https://tubedepot.com/products/jan-sylvania-6922 https://www.thetubestore.com/jan-philips-6922-low-noise

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/10/20 at 02:09:09 No, afraid the ZBOX doesn't use the 6DJ8/6922 type of tube. It uses 12AU7 and variants. . . 12AU7, 5963, 6189 and others (and these have European names as well). Steve will send you a really nice, well-tested and balanced and matched in all sections tube with the ZBOX. (I've learned to treasure all the tubes that Steve sends with his components, they are truly "all that they can be" through his attention to testing detail and careful selection). Here's a good page with info about the different 12AU7 types: http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm I haven't bought tubes from Brent Jesse (I mostly buy from eBay) but there's interesting info here about the differing types.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/10/20 at 02:42:17 Thanks for saving me from blowing anything up!  It’s a used ZBox built in 2005.  I got it from the second owner from these forums.  The tube currently installed only has red lettering reading “ECC81”.  I also bought his never installed Genalex Gold Lion 12AU7 tube.  Any idea about the first one?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/10/20 at 02:46:56 You wouldn't harm anything using the 6922, I don't think but best not to try. The ECC81 is a 12AT7. You can use those with the ZBOX safely and you can also get great sound. It "pushes" the signal a little harder as this tube has a little more gain than a 12AU7 I believe. The Gold Lion should work quite well, it may be a bit brighter than other examples but there are many factors that may make that not true! I don't have any experience with your DAC or amp, so can only guess.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/10/20 at 03:00:53 It will be a worthy investigation to figure out which ECC81 it is.  The seller said almost no markings, and just the ECC81 in red letters.  I guess that rules out the JJ’s as those clearly say JJ on them, right?  Or did 2005 JJ’s not say “JJ” on them? The other link you sent gives lots in clues.  Once the unit arrives, I’ll investigate further.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/10/20 at 03:15:39 It's hard to say what that ECC81 is as far as brand. It could have had lettering that was wiped off or worn off. A long time ago I got a tube with my ZBOX from Steve that had 12AU7 written on it in black ink and I could just barely make out other lettering that said it was a Ruby, which is a Chinese tube. (The Gold Lion is likely a Chinese tube as well). I have bought a number of tubes that have faint lettering or just an "orange globe" symbol decipherable on them, it's quite common with even lightly used NOS tubes. Your ECC81 could be a new production Eastern European tube or a NOS tube that the lettering has rubbed off from or been removed. If so, it will take a lot of visual comparisons wtih other tubes as far as internal structure to identify it. . . .

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/10/20 at 03:25:50 On another note, Steve sent me a Sylvania 6189 with my ZROCK2 received this week and I popped it into my main system ZROCK2-25 and man, it's become my favorite tube in that component!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/12/20 at 04:47:16 That’s wonderful Lon, happy that you’re having so much fun with the new ZRock.  Are ZRock tube recommendations also true for the ZBox?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/12/20 at 05:14:10 Well, in general yes. As with most things audio it depends on the system. I only have recent experience with the ZBOX in one system and most of the tubes that work in the ZROCK2 that I have sound very good as well in the ZBOX. At the moment I have an Adzam 6085 in the ZBOX. That's working well as the first tube that the signal hits in this system.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/12/20 at 06:27:57 What’s your top 3 ZRock/ ZBox tube suggestions, for your system? And why?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/12/20 at 11:15:11 Maybe someone else can chime. in as well? I don't know whether what I recommend will act the same in your system as mine but my three favorites with the ZBOX are an Amperex 12AU7 (because it has a warm sound, but clarity), an Adzam or Amperex or Tesla 6085 (because they have a very big, open sound, with subtle tonal characteristics separating them--lots of gain in this tube) and an RCA 5814A (because it has a very detailed sound with subtle dynamics).

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/12/20 at 13:16:39 My new ZROCK2 in the headphone only system is just the "secret sauce" I hoped it would be. I've marveled at the synergy between my ZMF Ori (black limba) headphones and my PS Audio GCHA headphone amp. This with a ZBOX is the one headphone amp/combo that I thought really did not need a ZROCK2 to be wholly immersive, but adding the ZROCK2 has opened up a whole new level of listening joy. Just the right dollop of EQ A and the sound stage deepened and bloomed and there's that bass presence that I didn't think I needed but really do enjoy. Wow. I carefully selected the components for this system and it has paid off. . . I can watch DVR or Blu-ray or DVD and listen to cd and feel nothing is lacking. I have three great systems and confess that a ZROCK2 in each has helped them be all they can be.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/12/20 at 19:21:20 That’s wonderful, thanks!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 04:34:21 Is there any advantage and or risk to using a better power cable with the ZRock?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by will on 08/14/20 at 07:05:56 I have always found nicer power cords better, at least the ones that fit my tastes and needs. I have had a few that others think are really good that I have not liked though. I also prefer having a variety myself, giving me flexibility for matching really well with each component, especially as I introduce new components into the system blend. Sometimes a clearer and leaner one is better, and sometimes a warmer and richer one fits better, but all I like are pretty neutral seeming for the most part. Every time I move cables around, I do tend to find interesting results, always finding one or another better sounding for given components, and that, in turn, making the whole nicer. Never heard of any possible risk with any well made audio cables. They all  seem to deliver the basic power. It is just that they do it with various levels of finesse and emphasis, sounding different depending on ends, metals, gauges, dielectrics, geometry, shielding, damping, etc.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 11:06:58 Thanks Will for the detailed response.  Was just making sure the ZBox is happy with other power cables. The ZBox doesn’t have a power switch, is it supposed to remain on perpetually cooking the tube?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 12:44:13 I too have found power cords make a significant difference to the ZROCK2. And yes, it's designed to be left on at all times, the tube is long-lasting in this device.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 14:01:16 I absolutely love the ZBox, it was perfect for me. It helps to better impedance match the Border Patrol to my amp.  The Schiit Loki was terrible, suckEd the life out of everything, the Roon EQ is much better.   The Border Patrol SE-i, Hegel, and the ZBox with Dueland interconnects is a great triad.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Geno on 08/14/20 at 14:35:45 So, is the Border Patrol what you were looking for? I’ve been interested in it since I first read about it. I have the PS Audio JR, and would like your opinion about how the Border compares to the PS Audio. Thanks, Geno

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 15:54:41 Glad you are digging it! I figured the Schiit EQ would be subpar. . . from what I have read online. Roll a few tubes and keep having fun.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 18:21:26 Do you think something like this would be good?  I like the idea of it being from 1960’s England 😂 https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/brimar-cv4003-12au7

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 18:23:51 Yes, probably. I've tried a Brimar in my ZROCK2 and though it's not one that "synergizes" best with my system it's a good tube.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 18:29:17 I wasn’t able to find any of your top 3. Where do you get them? I’m an Upscale customer so they’re convenient.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 18:32:48 I generally buy off eBay. I just keep looking and see what shows up. I have had very very good luck on eBay with tubes--nothing to complain about. You may wish to inquire what tubes Decware would offer in the 12AU7 replacement category. The Sylvania that he recently shipped me is one of the bet of its types I've ever had. And his selecting, testing and matching are thorough and can be trusted--when you get one of his tubes it's fully operational and balanced.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 19:03:49 Cool. What’s the name and number of the Sylvania?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 19:41:50 What he sent this time was a Sylvania 8691 which is a 12AU7 variant, often listed as a 12AU7W--generally a military (JAN) tube. It's a bit on the warm/bassy side, which works well in my systems.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 19:44:34 Yes, warm bassy works for men too. Was the Brimar not that?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 19:49:54 No, the Brimar was more neutral and a bit dry in my system.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 20:26:03 Hi Geno - yes, I really like the Border Patrol SE-i and have sold my DirectStream Junior.  The DSJ is a great DAC, but I’m liking the easy breezy ways of the Border Patrol.  It’s difficult to declare one as being better, they’re just different.  The BP is far more forgiving.  Gary Dews offers free shipping and a 14 day trial.  I asked him to break mine in prior to shipment so I’d be ready to go out if the gate instead of spending the 14 days on breaking in.  It’s worth giving it an audition, the value proposition is great.  By selling my entire DSJ/Matrix rig I was able to buy all sorts of stuff, the BP and the used ZBox, upgraded my amp and new Duelund interconnects. As I’ve mentioned here, and at length on the PSA forums, while I enjoyed the DSJ, I have soured on the whole upsample to the moon approach.  The BP feels more natural.  Does is color the sound?  It does. But I’m not a purist and I find it’s coloration very pleasing. Is the BP my forever DAC?  Not likely as I like to switch things up after a number of years.  But I am thrilled with the BP SE-i/ ZBox/ Hegel triad.  It was the right move for me, no question.   And I figure this is a good time to sell DSJ’s before PSA offers its replacement.  Mine sold in less than 24 hours.  I got $2600 for the DSJ, Matrix and Mocha I2S.  Fair enough.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 20:41:09 Geno, also pay attention to your amp/ preamps input impedance.  Border Patrol recommends at least 20K.  My Hegel was only 10K, and while it sounded good, inserting the ZBox (100K) certainly elevated the sound.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Geno on 08/14/20 at 21:13:47 Thanks Man. I appreciate the reply. May have to try one to satisfy my curiosity. Definitely more economical, even with the extras.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 22:24:49 Lon - is this the one you’re talking about? “ 12AU7WA/6189 Sylvania Military/Commercial Grade”

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/14/20 at 22:59:00 Yes. That's the one. There are a lot of GE out there too, and they are probably pretty good, but the Sylvania Steve sent surprised me in a very good way.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/14/20 at 23:23:18 That AudioTubes website has them for $20, as well as some other similar ones.  The website you sent with all,the detailed descriptions.  Poorly done website for finding stuff, no search, have to read through the whole thing!

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/15/20 at 02:55:43 Aloha Lon - do you use the 12AT7’s or just the 12AU7’s?

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/15/20 at 03:15:02 I'm using 12AU7 since I put the ZBOX back into service in the headphone system. When I was using the ZBOX in the past I had a pair of Decware SE34 Monoblocks (no longer offered) and was using the ZBOX as a sort of preamp for these and the greater gain from the 12AT7 was welcome.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/15/20 at 03:16:50 Regarding Brent Jesse's site: as I mentioned above I haven't bought tubes from him. But I find things easily enough, what he has in stock is below the descriptions and I use a "Find" search to find the tube types on the admittedly long page.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/15/20 at 04:45:15 Yes, it’s a very new old stock website design, circa 1995, lovely tone 😂

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by Lon on 08/15/20 at 05:05:16 Hey old designs don't bother me. At least there's not videos everywhere-- that annoys the heck out of me! There is some very useful information on his pages.

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/15/20 at 06:01:45 Agreed, the info is great.  Have you tried to order anything?  That’s where it really gets back to the mid 1990’s 😂😂😂

Title: Re: Just received my new Zrock2 - WOW! Post by DancingSea on 08/16/20 at 03:32:47 When shopping for tubes, do you guys buy the “buffer” or “line” grade for the ZBox/ ZRock?  Is there a meaningful disadvantage to saving the money vs the higher grades?

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