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ZSTAGE ? (Read 5265 times)

SonicSeeker

Seasoned Member

Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 403

ZSTAGE ?
01/02/17 at 20:00:56

Does anyone have any feedback on using a ZSTAGE with a ZP3?
I would like to add a little body to my vinyl and I spoke with Steve earlier and we decided a Zstage would be best for me so I ordered one with the cap upgrade.
I was just hoping for some real world feedback here from others that may be using it in there vinyl playback.
I will be putting this between my ZP3 and my Torii Jr.

Line Magnetic 219ia
Manley Chinook
Klipsch LaScala
VPI Signature Classic Rosewood

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Steve Deckert

Administrator

If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 5895

Re: ZSTAGE ?
Reply #1 - 01/10/17 at 21:04:06

When you get yours, please give us a full report. My guess is most people here on the forum are using a preamp. To them I would say pay attention - because if the output of your cartridge through the ZP3 is less than the output of your DAC you would likely get similar results to what's about to be posted here, despite having a preamp.

The ZSTAGE simply raises the output level of the ZP3 (or any source) and is therefor thought of more in the context of being part of the source. In the case of the ZP3, a Zstage is a nice transparent way to add slam and get things animated irregardless of if you use a preamp or not.

Steve

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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: ZSTAGE ? Reply #2 - 01/10/17 at 22:00:34 The CSP3 is not doing the same thing as a ZSTAGE only more so?
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Brian Seasoned Member Posts: 870	Re: ZSTAGE ? Reply #3 - 01/10/17 at 22:25:47 Archie, I think so, but this will be more, more. It's additive; well actually multiplicative.
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Jeff of Arabica

Seasoned Member

Name the greatest of
all inventors...
Accident.

Posts: 968

Re: ZSTAGE ?
Reply #4 - 01/10/17 at 22:37:15

I am using my ZSTAGE in a similar fashion. I have a TEAC X-2000M R2R that I wired the playback head (2-Track) directly to a set of RCA jacks to bypass the SS electronics. From those jacks it will run to my ZP3, then to my ZSTAGE and finally onto my ZMA.

While I enjoyed my Teac directly into my Torii Jr., I knew I could achieve a higher SQ if I wired it for direct output to RCA's. So, I purchased a ZP3. However, when installed, the sound was accurate, but rather anemic. I decided to purchase the ZSTAGE to address this issue. I had to send my ZP3 back for repair (yesterday), but when it returns, I will connect it up with the ZP3, ZSTAGE and ZMA (which will take the place of the Torii Jr.). I will report back with my results.

I have an Ultra pre-amp and while I could have routed the TEAC to my Ultra then to my amp for additional gain, I decided to keep this setup completely independent and separate. Don't ask me why. Well, you can ask, and my unscientific explanation will be this: For some reason I felt the urge to simply increase the gain without adding any other pre-amp "flavor" to my tape sound. There you go.

Steve can chime in and provide some input as to why my decision was brilliant or asinine.

Canary Audio Grand Reference Monos//ZMA//Zen Ultra//Taboo MKIII//Waversa DAC3//ModWright Oppo UDP-205// PS Audio P20//Canary Audio MC-10//Van den Hul Colibri "Stradivarius"//FFYX T1803 TT//SonoruS Reel-to-Reel & tube playback preamp//Tannoy Westminster Speakers

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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: ZSTAGE ? Reply #5 - 01/10/17 at 22:38:00 So, ZP3 into ZSTAGE into CSP3 is the way to go? Or in my case, put a ZMC1 in front of the ZP3. And my ZMA already goes to 11! I can't keep up.
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Matchstikman Seasoned Member Posts: 711	Re: ZSTAGE ? Reply #6 - 01/11/17 at 01:15:27 Archie, you'll have to add a hitter soon.
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SonicSeeker

Seasoned Member

Listening to the
music not the
equipment

Posts: 403

Re: ZSTAGE ?
Reply #7 - 01/14/17 at 22:55:45

My comments on this unit will have to wait until I receive my new VPI.
http://www.soundstagedirect.com/vpi-classic-3-rosewood-turntable.shtml
I did listen to it for a few albums but my turntable is in need of repair for a serious vibration issue that just appeared right after I got the ZSTAGE and I thought I was done Sad

I was wrong, so on to a new turntable, it is 30+ years old anyway so it was about time.
I will say what I heard with the Zstage in the mix was quite excellent, it really filled in the sound and I was very very pleased.
Thank you Steve for your help and for producing another excellent product.

Line Magnetic 219ia
Manley Chinook
Klipsch LaScala
VPI Signature Classic Rosewood

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