I know, it didn't happen unless there are pictures.

                           


             


     

....that is cool Donnie.

Well, I moved an now have a new Listening Room set up...I could not resist the cap gain....an the new digs are just as good!

I am not trying to sell anyone a CSP3, with Jupiter Bee's wax caps and adjustable voltage output, but..............?, I clearly did not need the pre with my SE84CS or Super Zen CKC. I also know some are using the XLR input option an if you have a front end with analog volume you MIGHT be okay... .

However, now with 80+ hours on my CSP3 with Jup Caps'........it takes the Mystery Amp to a whole other level in liquidity an definition. Premium RCA's IC's are a must too.....to obtain the last 5% you may be looking for.

Furthermore, consider, if the ZMA with CSP3 did not match the transparency with gobs of musicality, that my SE84CS with original Svetlana SV83's provides.....it would be sold already. .......the ZMA with CSP3 is my new reference. I use Kimber Silver Streak IC/RCA from DAC to CSP3...an Kimber Select 1030 IC/RCA from Pre to Mystery Amplifier. Obviously, this negates the need for XLR. XLR is only needed for long runs. Premium RCA IC is the best way to go...and is certainly not just my opinion. However, if you can't hear the difference of premium RCA IC....something in your chain IS lacking or you just can't hear to this next level.  

Yeah, I need to upgrade my Signature....my Polk SDA-1's in Stereo an my Anthony Gallo 3.1 Reference Speakers with Kimber 3035 are the new level...Organic realism with gobs of detail un-etched.

I set up a ZMA forum (finally).  I would have gotten to it sooner but I've had about  20 hours less per week to get things done because I can't stop listening to this amp on my tape machine...

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?board=ZMA



Steve  :)

IanO,  the Mystery Amp was a huge hit and those who have it have raved about it.  I personally have had a Torii MK IV for about two years and am pleased with it's performance.  I also have a pair of Zen Signature Monoblocks at 2.3 WPC that are magical.  But if I were starting from scratch, I'd probably consider the new Torii Junior which with the introductory offer and an additional 10% off for those who order before it's listed on the site, would cost $2245.50 for a 20 WPC Amp.  I would suggest reading the thread given below.  A lot would depend on what speakers you plan to use in the future...if they are 90dB or higher efficiency, you'd be good with 20 WPC.  I own 4 pairs of speakers ranging from 93 to 99dB efficiency and they all work well with the Torii.  The Mystery Amp is $5700 so at $2245 the Torii Junior seems to be the current bargain for highish powered Decware Amps.

Regarding this comment..."I really don't want one of these modern etched sounding amps"  I would be remiss if I did not mention that I have been working to tame the high end of my system since I owned it.  On some recordings, edgy and sharp is how I'd describe it.  I am definitely in the minority with this opinion/problem though. Let us know what you decide.  Mark.

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1429314879/85#85

I own the first ZMA - it's very, very consistent. Which IMHO is a wonderful thing. I just set it up and don't worry about it. It's fast and dynamic, but not etched like a modern transistor amp. It just "is" if you get my meaning.

That said, I agree with above - everything Steve says about the Torii Jr sounds amazing! If 20 watts will do for you, that sounds like an amazing option!

You have knobs on your bias balance posts? Damn, I feel jipped.

Wait, now that I have a wood lathe, I should just turn my own knobs!

~Eric~

Now in all seriousness, it arrived like that and I thought everyone got them on their ZMA? Then, I started seeing a few pic's of other fellow ZMA's......and none have them on the bias balance pegs.

I'm Special.  ::)

IANO, back to your OP.....did not mean to hijack the thread with my joking/rambling.

If you don't need the Power, the new Torii Junior is the way to go IMO.

However, I'm addicted to the Power of the ZMA, when I want and need to go there! It's ability to stomp Sand Amps.....I just enjoy my goose bumps and adrenaline rush when I'm in the upper SPL's with her!

I would own a Pass Labs XA-30.8 class-A stereo power amp if a Sand Amp could beat my ZMA / IMHO. I could pick the phone up and call Mark at Reno HI-FI right now and order the Demo one available (DEMO/New with full 3 year warranty). Don't get me wrong, PASS Amps are awesome. I prefer my ZMA!

Plus, signature change....I have a pair of Ediswan's on deck for Input for ZMA........... .

I bet it (T-Jr.) is going to surprise the heck out of me/you in the Power department though.
I will own one some time in 2016! At the current price, get in the Build Que now. It will probably take 3 months to get one, once he puts it on the Website. This will be an Signature affordable AMP from Steve that I will surely own too.

Just keep in mind on the Jr, this is an introductory price. The ZMA (as a bad example) has gone up something like $1000 since release. I doubt the Jr would go up that much, but I would expect it to go up a few hundred at least. Plus there is a 10% off discount right now.