effluviography
|
I'm not great at audio descriptions but I have both a Budgie and a ZP3. The ZP3 is in my main system with a Mini-Torii (v1) and the Budgie is in my second system with a SE84CKC. Different tables, but both have Ortofon Bronze cartridges and the speakers are each Omega RS5 based models.
The budgie is nice and with NOS Amperex 6922 I think it does a good job of creating crisp highs, clear mids and strong, well defined bass. It is a good preamp. However, the ZP3 is a clear step up. All frequencies are better defined, while the sound is musical (not clinical, but with a lot of detail) and there is a noticeably more pronounced texture (hard to describe, but it feels to me like texture). This makes my digital sources sound tame in comparison. Vinyl on this setup is the best stuff I've heard in my little audio world.
If I could afford it, I'd upgrade the budgie. As it is my ZP3 has the standard caps and was purchased used. I will point out that I have rolled a bunch of stuff through the ZP3 and now have something that is absolutely incredible (in order from front to back: Amperex Bugle Boy 12ax7, Mullard Long Plate 12ax7, Telefunken 12au7, Raytheon 5u4 and RCA 0A3).
The budgie is good, but not great. Once you hear the ZP3, you'll hear the difference. If you find the right NOS tubes, it is quite magical.
If you'd like more info, I'll certainly try to answer.
|