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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZMA >> ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
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Message started by bloodlemons on 01/13/24 at 03:32:32

Title: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Post by bloodlemons on 01/13/24 at 03:32:32

Will someone here please explain to me why running a ZSTAGE into my ZMA to boost the input level isn't a more direct and cleaner way to boost the overall volume with as short a signal path as possible? If running the system with the ZSTAGE sounds good and gets loud enough, what about the CSP3 would be superior (other than the inputs/headphone out, etc.)?

It probably sounds like a stupid or crazy question, but I can't help thinking that having only one single tube between my source and the amp should result in a cleaner signal than running the same signal through all of the various components of the a CSP3 before hitting the amp.

Thoughts? It seems counterintuitive that I would be right about this.

Title: Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Post by bloodlemons on 01/13/24 at 03:47:37

The answer is clean headroom, isn't it?

Title: Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Post by JBzen on 01/13/24 at 12:33:56

Depends. I had a Zstage and it did not provide clean headroom. It left it's own signature. Muddled the sound. Since it was sold a CPS2+ was added and the SE84 volume pot was remove. The options with the CSP2+ outweighs any muddling it introduces.

John

Title: Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Post by Tony on 01/13/24 at 15:33:06

I have had both a ZStage and a CSP 2+ and liked them both. If I had to choose between them, I would go with the CSP 2+ as its contribution was superior in my system. I'm sure the CSP 3 must be similar, perhaps better but I have not had that unit. Someone mentioned earlier liking the simplicity of the ZStage, and that is a point to consider. I think one would need to listen to both, then decide. That is what I did, and for what it is worth, the preamp was preferred.

Title: Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Post by bloodlemons on 01/13/24 at 17:20:47

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I'm on the long waiting list for a CSP3, so I'll eventually find out either way. I suspect the advantage will be the ability to increase apparent volume without adding apparent "gain."

Title: Re: ZSTAGE instead of CSP3 into ZMA?
Post by Dominick on 01/13/24 at 21:09:06

The ZSTAGE was my first piece of Decware gear I bought over 10 years ago. Mine had the upgraded beeswax caps, and I have to say mine gave me clean gain. It worked great with my Torii and even with my Vinyl rig.

I just recently sold my ZSTAGE and upgraded to the CSP2+ with 25th Anniversay mods. The added gain of the CSP gave me more flexibility with my vinyl setup, in addition to more options with tube rolling. The ZSTAGE is definitely more of a purist and simplistic gain stage. Like a Tony said like them both, but after having my CSP I would never go back.

Dom