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CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 (Read 7163 times)

Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 400	CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 05/22/16 at 00:24:36 This question might be best addressed by Steve, but I'll put it out here just in case. Let's say someone already has a pretty good CD Player-DAC, or even the Tascam CD-240. Would the addition of a ZBIT or ZSTAGE give one performace similar to the Decware-modded Zen 240 CD Player?
Back to top	Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods Rachael SE34I.5 Benchmark AHB2 ERRx ZStage, ZRock2 Tascam CD-240 Border Patrol DAC Benchmark DAC3 HGC Bluesound Node Zu Audio Mission speaker cables Decware I/Cs PI Audio MiniBUSS Zenhead, Grado 325e IP Logged

Steve Deckert Administrator If the 1st watt sucks why continue? Posts: 6246	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #1 - 05/22/16 at 04:00:23 Yes, the only difference would be that a ZCD240 would accomplish it with one less cable and 2 connectors. So that might be a plus, however I haven't heard a significant difference using good cables. The advantage of the ZBIT is that when the CD player wears out you can install the ZBIT on the new replacement. Steve
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Tommy Freefall

Seasoned Member

Posts: 400

Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Reply #2 - 05/24/16 at 20:47:40

Steve, thank you very much for your answer, which mirrors my thoughts exactly.
At some point, the ZCD240 will ultimately have to be retired and unfortunately, along with it, your modifications would be gone too.
However by procuring your mods in their own separate chassis, I can keep them forever and be able connect to any future media player or DAC.

So, if either solution can be implemented – which is superior – the ZBIT or the ZSTAGE?

Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods
Rachael SE34I.5
Benchmark AHB2
ERRx
ZStage, ZRock2
Tascam CD-240
Border Patrol DAC
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Bluesound Node
Zu Audio Mission speaker cables
Decware I/Cs
PI Audio MiniBUSS
Zenhead, Grado 325e

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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #3 - 05/25/16 at 16:22:42 Quote: So, if either solution can be implemented – which is superior – the ZBIT or the ZSTAGE? I am also interested in this idea. I have a CSP3 so would a ZBOX also work equally as well?
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Steve Deckert Administrator If the 1st watt sucks why continue? Posts: 6246	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #4 - 05/26/16 at 04:43:09 It's an easy answer... the ZSTAGE if your source is single-ended ie. non-balanced. ZBIT if your source is XLR balanced output.
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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #5 - 05/26/16 at 16:10:24 So, how/where does the ZBOX fit in?
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Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 400	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #6 - 05/27/16 at 20:45:38 If I’m understanding Steve’s comment - if a CD Player or DAC has both a set of XLR balanced analog outputs and a set of unbalanced RCA analog outputs, the better solution is to install a ZBIT - over a ZSTAGE – and connect via the XLR balanced analog outputs. Given that, I will order a ZBIT.
Back to top	Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods Rachael SE34I.5 Benchmark AHB2 ERRx ZStage, ZRock2 Tascam CD-240 Border Patrol DAC Benchmark DAC3 HGC Bluesound Node Zu Audio Mission speaker cables Decware I/Cs PI Audio MiniBUSS Zenhead, Grado 325e IP Logged

Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #7 - 05/28/16 at 18:21:15 Let's say I have only RCA outputs and I have a CSP3, do I need the ZSTAGE or would the ZBOX be the way to go?
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23458	Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240 Reply #8 - 05/28/16 at 23:04:03 IMO you don't need either, you're fantastic with the CSP3.
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Archie

Seasoned Member

Posts: 2731

Re: CD Player + ZSTAGE vs Zen CD 240
Reply #9 - 05/29/16 at 21:00:36

I'm trying to sort out what these various devices do. Does the CSP3 eliminate the need for a ZSTAGE or ZBOX? I can see where the ZBIT would be a different animal since it deals with blanced connections. I need to upgrade my CD player and I'd like to think I can get away without laying out what a ZCD240 costs. If I could do the same with my CSP3 and a stock 240 it would be great.

ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.

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