think there are a couple of you guys running 2m blk's with your zp3.... what do you think?
thinking of upgrading from a blue to a black.  is the blk a good match for the zp3? i like my blue a bunch and don't want to "upgrade" for the sake of upgrading... then not be thrilled with it.
lpgear has them for $629 which is about as low as i've seen them.
thks

Tripwr,

I considered the 2M Black too.  (I was using an Ortofon Concord with an OM 40 stylus which some even consider superior to the Black.)  Instead I went with a MC cart.  I decided on the Ortofon Kontrapunkt b which has now been replaced by the Cadenza Blue.  The Kbs are still available at good prices.

I have a ZMC1 on order but I have been using my Kb through my ZP3, CSPS and ZMA with the gain turned way up.  Although the normally slight ZP3 hum has been greatly enhanced, the sound is still head and shoulders above the MM cart.  (The hum should go back to "normal" with the ZMC1.)  The resolution and detail are unbelievable.  I will never go back.  I am starting to hear what Steve's amps are capable of.

If you're interested in more information just let me know.  It's a lot of money to jump to the MC but still a relatively small price compared to the rest of the system, not to mention the vinyl itself.

JD,

The great thing is that your current vinyl will sound so good that you wont need to buy more.

Ha ha ha ha ha ...  That's a lie.  You'll want to buy a lot more!  

Still, I was thinking about upgrading my digital front end but I realized that vinyl is 99% of what I listen to so I decided to make that my priority.  From what I could gather, I'd kind of hit the wall with MM carts.  Next year I can see getting one of Steve's ZDC-240s though.  Good thing my daughter is done with college!    :P

Tripwr,

My TT is a KAB modified Technics.  Don't laugh, when Kevin gets done with one it's a different beast.  Mine has everything he offers.  I did the math and with the stock tonearm (rewired) it's about 9.5 Hz with the Kb.  So far I haven't found anything it wont track.  The fluid damped tonearm might also contribute to that.

I really love the simplicity of the direct drive of the Technics.  I can clean LPs on the platter and I never worry about disc speed.  Since I change LPs so much, it's nice not to have to finesse anything or be overly delicate.  The built in dust cover is great too.  My understanding is that Technics put a million dollars into R&D at a time when that was real money.  The out-board power supply and strobe cancellation gets rid of RF interference and the fluid dampening takes care of a lot of micro interference not to mention the occasional record warp.  The spin on clamp is an added bonus.  All in all I highly recommend these TTs.  But since I don't have anything else, I can't A/B.  However, for me the subtle differences between quality TTs probably wouldn't be a factor.

BTW, I had a VPI Scout on order back in 2007 when I ran into Kevin at KAB on line.  After I talked to him I never looked back.  He's very convincing -- like Steve D.  

Isn't the ZP3 just an astonishingly good preamp?

Yes, it's crazy good. I have had mine for years now and I still find it improving (as I find how to improve implementing it in the system, tube roll, etc.) It's here to stay!

I'm not sure that you will need a SUT at all with .38mV.  Until my ZMC1 arrives I've been using my .048mV cart with just my ZP3, CSP3 into my ZMA.  I can go well into clipping.  However, I have everything turned way up and the slight amplifier hums get pretty bad.  In my case the SUT will be needed.  My MM cart put out .4mV and was more than fine.

I'd say to give it a try before buying any more equipment.

I think Archie maybe in uncharted headroom territory trip  [smiley=10.gif].
His ZMC will be ....well, a surprise I'm sure.
Merry Xmas from bonny Scotland to all !

Part Scotch-Irish here as well, with a Gaelic first name and a Scotch last name, although I'm about 3/4 German. Merry Christmas all!