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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZLC >> My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
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Message started by ervikingo on 05/02/23 at 14:47:31

Title: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by ervikingo on 05/02/23 at 14:47:31

I sent my ZLC back to Steve for a checkup since I hear a bit of hum.

So today I plugged all 4 amps and Servo Controller straight to the outlets and started listening to Beethoven’s Emperor on SACD. Tonal balance was way off. Is it my ears?

So I went to my go to track Neil Lofgren’s Keith Don’t Go acoustic live. Full stop, where is the solid bass I’m so used to?

I had to add 5dB of more bass on the Servo to get back to what I’m used to listening.

I was honestly not expecting such an impact since my bass amps are the very large Threshold Stasis 12e.

So after that, I decided to shutoff the bass amps and just listen to my mid/hi towers (powered by Manley Snappers). Well what do you think, I feel like the very high frequencies are not as crisp.

Are my ears playing games or does this make sense circuit wise?

Have a great day!

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by Lon on 05/02/23 at 15:12:10

The ZLC is a very good component and once you get used to clean power via ZLC or other means. . . it's very hard to go back.

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by 4krow on 05/02/23 at 16:42:52

I understand what you saying. I'm not so sure that any line conditioner would make a drastic difference as what you are describing though, unless there was a problem with the AC line that you are using in the first place. Sometimes when I change out equipment, something changes one way or another without reasonable explanation.
In your case, it may be that you have to raise the bass level for example to hear the clarity of the bass line. I am shooting in the dark here. 5 db is a lot. I cannot deny though what I stated above though. One last thing. Is the system connected exactly the way it was before?

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by ervikingo on 05/02/23 at 20:30:38

I have to agree with you thus my comments.

Only change is plugging directly to the wall outlets.

Nothing else changed.

When it comes back, let’s see if I have to bring down the bass levels by 5dB again. That’s a ton.

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by 4krow on 05/02/23 at 23:09:35

Not to worry. I constantly have some sort of mysterious issue with my system! If it's not one thing it's another. Funny though, in my case right now I have way too much bass. Didn't think that would ever be an issue.

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by ervikingo on 05/03/23 at 16:15:16

I sometimes wonder if its my ears. Couple of days ago, the system was sounding awesome, some recordings that never sound good were brilliant. I made a small adjustment on the position of the woofer towers, magic.

Next day I go back and play the same track. WTH sounds awful, magic is gone.

Is it our ears?

I have to figure out how to do REW (have the microphone and software) and do a before and after ZLC. Suggestions on how to REW are appreciated

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by 4krow on 05/03/23 at 16:29:28

Boy oh boy can I relate to that! My problem is that I have always made more than one adjustment at a time. Not good. Anyway, yes we are not machines and our equipment changes from time to time, especially when we expect something, and then other times for no reason at all.
I think that some are blissfully unaware of this and enjoy the same equipment for decades.

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by JBzen on 05/05/23 at 10:43:59

IMO, it is not ears. Ears are very consistent with interpretation of sound wave pressure. The problem is with the power. You must be aware of that with your insistence of plugging the system straight into the wall.

Get some sort of power conditioning to enjoy day to day consistent system performance.

John

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by Mannytheseacow on 05/05/23 at 14:55:08

Temperature and humidity have an effect on wood products, too. I live in the high desert and we are getting our spring rains now, and already some days in the upper 80’s. My baffles that are used to the 60’s and zero humidity are sounding rather dull since the weather turned and I attribute it to that.

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by JBzen on 05/07/23 at 10:49:10

Manny,
Your comment makes me wonder how you mounted the F15s in the baffles?
The frame of the F15 is stamped steel. Pressure from expanding unrestricted wood can easily twist/distort the driver frame creating a condition you describe.

Title: Re: My (unintended) Review of the ZLC
Post by Mannytheseacow on 05/07/23 at 14:09:56

Yes, that is exactly what happens. The wood doesn’t move much but it does move, which consequently will make small changes to the speaker.
Mine are just front mounted with screws. I suppose rear mounting to take advantage of the foam ring would help. It’s something I’ve been putting off because I’m in the middle of moving. After I move I plan to make some new baffles. I’m meantime the drivers are out and I will give the baffles some time to condition in my new home before mounting again.