I'm about to place my order for the ZMA with the balanced inputs, but I am not sure about the benefits of the stepped attenuator since there is a single volume control  I don't see adjusting the volume on the amp much once I fire it up and if I read the manual correctly, the gain control will probably be in the max position most of the time anyway..  I will be using a Marantz AV8801 as a pre/pro and listening to downloaded 24-bit recordings, LP's and 24-bit converted LP's, BluRays, Pandora and infrequently movies.   Thoughts?

Hi,

Just my experience, I have modified my ZMA by taking out stepped attenuator. It provides much more clarity, subtle details, timbre, dynamic contrast and better 3D imaging.

You do not want the stepped attenuator....as vyokyong stated.






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Personally I think that if you bypass the volume control altogether as it seems V has done then you have the best fidelity when controlling volume from another source.

In my experience the stepped attenuator sounds better than the "infinite volume" one by a hair. I bet if they were both at maximum the sound is likely nearly identical.

Quote:


LOL, that closer to where I ended up despite him suggesting the full volume on the ZMA.  He may have been trying to simplify things for me since the CSP3 has so many knobs!

I'd be tempted to bypass my volume pot if I had skills.

Norm, my thought process was the same in regards to the type of volume control. I eventually went with not stepped but reading about your current equipment and the numerous sources you use I think you made a good choice. I use my ZMA full gain. I have not noticed any sound quality differences with using a lower level on the ZMA. I use my source component for volume and only turn down the amp for power up and power down.

Norm i figure you have your amp by now so what did you come up with in your use of the volume on the map and or sources? How is it so far?

Good to hear. After experimenting I am finding that about 3/4 on the amp gain is my preference as well.