We are now shipping ZROCK2 to all those with who had the original ZROCK on order.

I have also re-written the ZROCK web page to reflect the design changes.  

The ZROCK 2 has fully variable equalization that can be set as high or low as you want.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZROCK.html

ZROCK Tube Rolling

 I have about 50 hours on my ZROCK2 and it is hitting its stride with a wider and deeper soundstage (than when it was brand new (three days ago).

The tube Steve supplied is a red tip 5963 made in U.S.A. and Steve told me he found some special NOS tubes for the ZROCK.

I am curious what is the make of the tube that Steve supplied (it is a short plate gray with two long ribs and three cross ribs (like a double pane window). The "Window Pane" is flanked by two small rectangle holes aligned with the center cross rib.

Based on online photos It looks like an RCA.

Photos to follow

I have enjoyed tube rolling in the past, does anyone have any suggestions or should I just enjoy the tube Steve supplied for the 10,000 hours

Peter

Well my original ZROCK is in E. Peoria and will be delivered to Steve tomorrow.
It will be changed to the new version with silver RCA'S and copper caps.
I had made a few changes to my phono playback and the older version ZROCK was too bass heavy to use with it.
I am anxious to get it back.

Wow! that was fast.  Just got a usps tracking notification yesterday. The Zrock2 (ordered black Fri) is ready to ship! Xmas comes early.

My newly updated ZROCK2 should be here Friday just in time for Christmas break.

I am looking forward to spending some time with it over the upcoming week for sure.

Received my updated ZROCK to ZROCK2 last night, connected it and let it sit overnight.
I am only on my second album and all I can say is that I sure am happy I decided to update it and keep it in my system.
The new version does everything I originally stated about the first version but the way Steve set up the gain and EQ on this is much better.
Really is an amazing piece.
Now just need to get some hours on the new Capacitors.

Thanks Lon and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Yes these Caps are sounding great already and actually get better, which is amazing.
I am listening to Kind of blue right now and it sounds absolutely beautiful.

Funny how I thought some of my music couldn't sound or didn't need to sound any better.
Well with the Zrock2 and some tube rolling this week I have really dialed things in and I am glad to say I was wrong, my music could and did indeed need to sound better. I am amazed, nothing better than having great sound and making it quite noticeably better. I guess I didn't know what I was missing.

I'm using an Amperex 6085.



It's a big mother!

Any thoughts on a non Amperex 6085 tube?  I found a National NOS 6085 for $20.

The ZROCK2 is such a versatile component! Paired with the very versatile Torii Mk III I can get amazing sound from almost any tube complement. This morning I replaced a sextet of Sylvania ECC189 that I have been really enjoying in the ZTPRE with a sextet of "super cryo'd" Voshod 6N1P tubes from cryoset.com that I had in before, and also replaced the pair of Amperex ECC189 that I had in the Torii Mk III with a pair of the same 6N1P.

A bit of adjusting with the EQ of the ZROCK2 and great sound! The ZROCK2 actually may pay for itself with some of us over the years in savings we may make on expensive NOS tubes. . . because honest we may not need to spend the bucks on tubes to get the type of sound we crave.

I'm definitely getting the type of sound I've craved . . . I'm so happy with my system right now.

Yes, might be a Philips, Amperex, Tungsram, hard to say. Let us know what you think.

Yeah, I personally think some of these tube sellers charge ridiculous prices. 35 dollars is more like it. Give it a shot. I've only tried Amperex, at about 45 a pop, but I'm very happy with these tubes. As the ZROCK2 is serving as sort of a centerpiece in the system having a great tube there helps everything.

The lowest price Amperex on ebay that I am finding is $95 for a pair.  Not bad if you need two.

Just got my ZROCK2.  Had to work with the gain structure a bit and it is still a work in progress but despite that, and with only a couple of hours of playing... man is it good!

Then I just had to roll the tube, of course that’s not the best idea with so very few hours on it, but I too actually bought a couple of tubes prior to ordering the ZROCK2 - Siemens ECC82 NICKEL PLATE - and they just had to be tried.  My initial impressions are simply WOW!!!

My Omega S3HOXRS in addition to being super fast have nice, tight, articulate bass a plenty with benefits to the mids and highs as well.  

This is not meant to be a review just my initial take but the execution seems so obviously right.  Now the wait for it all to burn in...

JOMAN wrote on 12/30/17 at 04:02:05:

Awesome!   Won't take too long for it to burn in. Mine sounded very good at the end of a week.

Since Steve doesn't label things ...  

Which is the input and which is the output on the ZROCK2 RCAs?

Thanks!  I'm trying to keep from posting, "My ZROCK2 doesn't work!!!" once I get it.  

Yes inside is in and outside is out.
I always receive my packages in the evening so the most I can do is connect them and wait till the next day to try them, it's painful at times Lon. Yes you did start something with that tube but that's a good thing.

Joman brings up a good point, the faster your speakers (and amp) are, the better the ZROCK2 will perform in your system.

I have a setting that works well for much of the material I play ad I just leave it at that setting a lot. But a certain recording will come in and I will begin to feel that I could get better sound with adjustment and I'll start adjusting.

And when I roll tubes which I have been doing and plan to do less. . . I'll start adjusting.

So for me it's periods of non-adjusting as well as periods of adjusting. My guess is it will be similar in your case.

I agree with Lon... set it and forget it most of the time, every now and then I have a recording where ZROCK is overkill and I tweak.

There are a few SACDs I've used with the Bypass on, but it's just as easy to dial back the EQ to the center position or close to it which I end up doing more often, that achieves the same thing.

This little box is so versatile that I don't mind the futzing as much as I thought I might or I might with other components. And really with the right tube in the ZROCK2 it just adds a great tone to the system that I don't think of bypassing.

Hope the 6085 works out for you. It should. I sent my pair to bottlehead to try in his preamp before I got my ZROCK2. . . I had tried it in my Taboo and really liked it there and felt it might be great for the ZROCK2. Randy (bottlehead) fell for the tube and bought his own pair so I felt I was on the right path. . . .

I too find no reason to remove it from the audio path via bypass switch as adjusting the knob does that for me. That being said I have not played anything yet that using the ZROCK to some degree isn't beneficial and usually very beneficial.

I have used both. . . I mainly use A but there are some recordings where a dash of B is just right and several where a bit more has helped a lot.

You'll find your way into the component's use easily and fast. It surprised me how intuitively the component works and how easily one gets a handle on it after just a little experimentation.

Actually no, I need that cutoff and though I have the bass and treble controls a bit less "cranked" (in the case of treble down, bass up) I don't think I'd be completely happy without these controls even with the ZROCK2.

I briefly tried the Taboo Mk IV as a speaker amplifier with the ZROCK2 when I first got the ZROCK2 and it didn't solve the issue I have with that amp driving speakers. . . but that was early on in my ZROCK2 experience and I want to try that again in the near future, as well as try the Eddie Vaughn modified Zen C amp I have with the ZROCK2 driving the HR-1s. (I don't have the treble cut circuit on these amps).

For the Torii I know I need the treble cut circuit and I would try to have it in any other amp I use primarily.

I'm pleased to see so much positive feedback on the ZROCK2.  Sales are strong on it, and I'm getting to that comfort zone now with all the feedback and a year of use in my own universe that if I were going to spend money promoting one of our products, this would be it.

For myself, I have used it with several DACs, Streamers, my vinyl rig, and my tape rigs. I have only used the bypass twice.  I find that at least over here it imparts a midrange presence with all the correct underpinnings, that I can't live without it. Adjusted just past half way on the brighter EQ, it simply makes everything sound better, regardless of equipment,  or speakers. This was my fantasy goal... that magic black box that you simply can't live without.  Didn't know it was going to go here, would have been perfectly satisfied if it just made streaming internet radio enjoyable which is what originally motivated it.

I find it interesting when comparing it to the ZSTAGE, it's closest relative, that the ZSTAGE transparently adds slam and presence, but the ZROCK2 adds ear candy tonality and tangible musicality that once you've had it, your pretty much unable to do without it.

Makes me realize that I could have built this into our amps and cheated my ass off, but I'm too much of a purist for that, plus I like a fair fight.  

I think about the guy who buys overpriced isolation feet, or the guy who way overspends on cables hoping for a big change, and I want to tell him, yea it will make a big change for the better no doubt, but for the same money or less we could transform your stereo from mediocre to superior with just a flip of switch. I mean after all, why buy a high performance sports car and run cheap gas in it?  Same thing.

Another interesting observation is that the ZROCK2 is proof that the source equipment and or recording is always the weakest link, meaning most have never heard how good their stereo can be, only glimpses from time to time. This seems to be a way to "make it happen" nearly 95% of the time instead of waiting for it to happen 15% of the time.

Enough rambling, time to listen.  Last night it made a grand piano sound far more real than I've ever heard one recorded and much more like I remember my own grand piano sounding like in years past.

Quote:


Amen.  That statement you just made defines you and your brand and is the reason you have the "quality" of following you have today.  No wire, resistor, capacitor, tube, or genius schema can create this.  I commend you!

I am looking forward to the arrival of my ZROCK2.  Right now, I am wallowing in the beauty of my ZMA via Omega's.  Made some room modifications today and my ZMA/Ultra/Omega SAHO combo has never sounded better!  

And thank you AGAIN for the Ultra!  It is the Swiss Army Knife in my system and the reason I have not had to sacrifice.  I have a pretty complex thing going on here and it would simply not be possible without the Ultra.

Even though the by-pass switch will see little use...as Steve mentioned... . It will be good to have, for the initial reinforcement.

True Lon, glad you reinforced my opinion of great cabling. I plan to, see what the ZROCK2 can do when I put my 8TC Speaker cable and other Kimber IC's in. Then of course, back to my KS1030 x 2 & KS6063 Loom + Shunyata to ZDSD.

Though I have tried a few times to part with Kimber Select.....it has not happened yet.    

I know Lon, your top Voodoo Cable is very very good. You are also running great caps in your HR1's too. Mundorfs like me, if I recall correctly. I had KS3033 for 14 years (2001 till 2015), KS3035 (2013, 14 & 15)....then went to these KS6063's.....and cannot go back!

"Sonically the KS achieves a level of intimacy and low-level resolution that’s almost embarrassing in its nakedness."

I want to hate them....but, I can't.

I hear you my friend. I've found that to be the case with a few problem cds I've played. . . the ZROCK2 makes me forget about their shortcomings.

I just popped an Audio Magic Super Fuse into the ZROCK2. I have had a great experience with Audio Magic fuses in my ZTPRE (takes two for that component, an expense to risk but I really like the subtle improvement) so I wanted to try one in the ZROCK2. I think it's time, I've gotten a handle on the sound with the standard fuse and the component is pretty well seasoned in now.

Initial impressions are quite positive. The fuses in the ZTPRE (which were the longer size) took a week or so to "be all they can be" so I expect a little change with this one. Like the ZTPRE and the ZBIT (the other Z Amigos) the ZROCK2 lets me hear everything. I love its transparency and the enhancement it brings.

SS, L & SD, you're killing me!

Please, can you finish up my ZROCK2 today and ship?!

I know, I know.....all in due time.  

Hmm, yeah I noticed, yours has been packed status, for some time now, on the build sheet?

This might belong in the ZP3 section but we've been discussing the Amperex 6085 here so ...

Has anyone tried the Amperex 6085 in their ZP3 instead of the 12AU7?  If one sounds good there then it might make sense to by a pair for the ZP3 and ZROCK2.

When I got my ZTPRE this fall I took my vinyl playback out as the Taboo Mk IV and the ZTPRe are occupying the available rack space that my RP3 and ZP3 held before. I needed the headphone playback to extend listening possibilities and my digital playback is so strong (and my digital collection far bigger) that I haven't missed my vinyl spinning. So I can't put a 6085 into the ZP3 but I'm pretty sure they would sound quite nice indeed in the ZP3. . . for what that's worth.

I’ve had my ZROCK2 for just about two weeks.  The difference it has made is HUGE!  Strongly recommended.

By the way, I’m running the Siemens ECC82 Nickel Plate.  With this tube in complement with the others in my CSP3 and UFO2, amongst all the other benefits, the sound stage is truly 3D.  Width, depth and forward projection of the soundstage (not forward sounding) is exactly what I’ve been trying to achieve for a very long time.

So one would think I would stop there, as any sane person would.  Thanks to all of you buggers (term of endearment), and your comments about the 6085, I came across a Siemens 6085 and I just have to scratch that itch.

Hard for me to keep from wanting to comment on how happy I am with the ZROCK's ability to give what is needed dependent for each recording to my system. I am listening to the Rolling Stones Some Girls right now, this is the type of music that was difficult to listen to on my system before and now I can actually really enjoy listening to it.

I find what makes me want to comment is my poor recordings. My well recorded stuff always sounded great but even it is blowing me away now, you know when you are listening and you sit up because you hear even more into the recording and more is reveled, or you look around because you hear things in the room that weren't there before. It kind of startles me sometimes, funny.

I bet that is about the same as the Amperex.

My Audio Magic fuse has the recommended hours on it now and after some crucial listening I've found I prefer the RCA tube that Steve sent by a hair. It has a touch of midrange richness that compliments the sound of the system overall with the new fuse in place, and a slightly less forward presentation. Those who are detail hungry and like a bit more upfront presentation would prefer the 6085 here.

Excellent clear sound from the system now with just the right touch of warmth with just a little EQ A added to the good and great recordings, and more judicious EQ tuning to the others. The ZROCK2 really has helped my overall musical enjoyment.

Right. So much is system dependent! And with a different tube complement in my ZTPRE and or Torii Mk III the 6085 will no doubt be the best choice. Nice to have options!

Mine is in packing.....I think Decware ships on Monday's.....so I hope to have later next week.

Stone,  Your gonna love it. Took 3 - 4 days (20hrs approx.) for the Zrock to settle in. Riding the gain on my Zstage into the Zrock, then making fine adjustments on the Zrock helps greatly Lp to Lp and Cd to CD. Zrock is, no doubt, here to stay in the signal path!!
It's gonna be a long game...maybe two beers, Enjoy!

Thanks guys! You know I can't wait to get this implemented!

I have my other pair of KS1030's in wait.

LOL!  Who am I kidding, guys....peer pressure and all....plus the atmosphere in there and pregame outside....is going to be absolutely electric......2 or 3 beers will be in order!

Yeah, the dream is there....we don't like to talk about it....like when a pitcher is doing a no hitter..... .

PS-J of A....that new joint Stadium from the old Hollywood Park grounds for the Charger's/Rams (2020)...is going to be something.....and you know the Rams will contend next year as they did this year.....impressively.

Ace-Tone wrote on 01/13/18 at 15:30:38:

That's rocking good news! It will get better still I think in the next week or so. Mine really has become a new gateway into the sound of my system.

Bullitt to Chalmers:

"You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine."

Wow, ......NOT GOOD.... .

I have distortion...absolutely unlistenable!

In bypass it is fine.

When switched to use it....both in A and B modes/switch on the back....all distortion....as you raise the gain knob from 0 to the first audibility and higher.  
...................................can't even approach unity gain.... ....not that matters........ .


Not a good day to leave and have a stress test in two hours!    

The ROCK's input should handle up to ....I forget how many input volts Steve set it at....now.....the 2 version.

Should handle the ZDSD no problem.   I will try what you mentioned Lon.

I tried it at unity gain and then turning up my gain on my ZMA....total distortion.

I will check the seating of the tube....pretty damn sure it is in all the way.

I need to leave for now....head to Dr.

Don't sweat it, just be calm for the test. I think a call to Steve is the next step. . . not sure what else to suggest.

Did you try another tube?  if you have one.  Could have gotten damaged in transit if the box was rattled around enough.  

But does the signal go through the tube even in bias?  If so, can't be the tube.

I found this on the ZDSD page:   Quote:


This seems to say that the ZDSD puts out 4 to 10 volts.

The Tascam DA-3000 specs. show a "Maximum Output Level: 6 dBV"
At setting "Reference Level: -20", the maximum output, going through Steve's transformer coupled output jacks with a 5 times voltage output, could put it over the ZR2 input tolerance.  Not sure how to interpret this, but at the highest output level setting, -20, this is what the Tascam outputs:
Standard level: +4 dBu
Maximum level: +24dBu

Point being, it could be that with the highest setting, and Steve's output jacks, it could exceed the ZR2 tolerance.

There is an easy way to rule this out Stone.  Simply use the stock ZDSD outputs (which Steve kept intact) into the ZROCK2, rather than the Decware output jacks to see if you still get distortion.  If you do, then the output at Ref. -20 setting is too much for the ZR2 and you will just have to turn it down until there is no distortion even with ZR2 turned all the way up.  

If there is still distortion out of the stock ZDSD RCA output jacks, then probably a ZR2 issue.

Stress test went well. I got in early at 1:40pm....since it did not involve an IV.....I was in and out. I get the interpretation tomorrow.

I did not have time to change the output  of my ZDSD. So, soon as I got back.....I fired it all up and knocked my ZDSD down to -9, its lowest setting. It works....but, still a haze to it....not distortion per se'....haze.

When I try to go to -14 it distorts again/mildly, and completely unusable at: -16 , -18 or -20....where I keep it to run into ZMA direct from ZDSD.

Not sure if I like knocking it down and not that pleased with the haze still at -9...so burn in time will be allowed.

1) I want to know the voltage of my ZDSD at all five increments (-9, 14, 16, 18 & -20).
2) The voltage input max of the ZROCK2
.....Steve will chime in.

I don't plan on using it with my Line Stage.

See, the whole idea behind the ZDSD's output stage and its voltage output...I like at max (-20)/FOR ME.....is its ability to drive the ZMA direct/no Pre......with balls/density weight and dynamics+Steve's output stage's extended highs....midrange/...killer of course...but keeping the tonal balance in check. It does. My Audio Research Line Stage goes in on occasion when you want to get kicked in the chest + continued definition.
YM WILL V......depending on Cables resolution/noise floor...Speaker Tweeters and Driver's to handle high SPL's with density and extension.

Well, I will burn her in .....see what I think.

PS-I deleted my post over in the development thread...did not belong there.

Thanks for your input guys, of course!

I did not think to try the output of my ZDSD first....I thought why would Steve design it not to handle its -20 capability? Plus, the ZR2 is to be at 15v input.  ...so, of course, I thought it to be something else....process of elimination............ensued.

I really want to know those values in my 1) and 2) questions above?!

Glad you got in and out and here's hoping for great results.

I don't know the answer to those questions. I do think that "haze" will dissipate in a few days and I too had to play around with the gain between my source and ZTPRE and ZBIT all being adjustable. . . I always have my Torii volume turned completely up, sounds most transparent and natural that way to me, so I'm dealing with lower gains on source, ZTPRE and ZBIT (and getting full-bodied dynamic sound, no distortion).

Hopefully Steve will weigh in, and hopefully with some experimentation you'll find the system singing with the ZROCK2.

Man, sorry to read of your problems with treble distortion. I haven't heard any distortion myself . . .I would definitely be concerned if I did.

I don't know enough about the DSD to be of any help. I've been so enthralled with my DirectStream DAC and its balanced output has been so compatible with ZTPRE and ZBIT that I get amazing transparency. When I first ordered and then canceled and re-ordered the ZROCK2 I was fearful of encountering just the situation you are experiencing. . . but instead I've had a transformative experience.

In your shoes I'd follow the plan you outline, and try to talk with Steve and seek his advice. . . . I'm certainly hoping that there's a way to get both the output stage benefit and the great benefit of the ZROCK2.

Mark should have his ZROCK2 today I believe, here's hoping he has no issues.

I spent four days listening to headphones and a straight from ZBIT to Taboo Mk IV pathway (no ZROCK2) for four days because my wife was off. Today the system is playing, ZROCK2 to Torii Mk III to HR-1 and boy does it sound great --I feel really blessed.

Hey Stone,

I had the same issue with my ZROCK2 when I got it.  I was running it between the ZDSD and the CSP3.  The ZDSD was set at -18.  Turning the gain down on the ZDSD helped eliminate a lot of the distortion but it was still there and the density that I was used to was no longer there.

I then changed the tube from the RCA to my Siemens ECC82 Nickel plate and the result was even worse so I put the RCA back in.

I then repositioned the ZROCK2.  Put it between the CSP3 and the SE84UFO2.  Problem virtually disappeared.  I then put the Siemens back in - WOW, GREAT OR WHAT!

Gave it a few hours of burn in and I bumped up the ZDSD to -18.  All was great.  However on some poorly recorded music that had electronic bass I still perceived the odd distortion and more so in the vocals oddly enough.  I remembered that when I first got my S3HOXRS I was getting some distortion or rattle from one of the speakers that appeared to be coming from a driver.  Turns out it was a mechanical rattle.  Tightening up the screws that held the driver in place with some burn in eliminated the problem.

So I took the grills off my speakers and - no more distortion.  Put the grills back on and started lightly tapping on the grill frame.  The grills are held in place with magnets.  Sure enough around the middle of the grill I could hear mechanical rattle.  I’m going to experiment with putting some thin cushion on the grill frame to eliminate the mechanical rattle because it really bugs me to see these miniature drivers, with the grills off, producing the scale of image and sound that they do.  It simply makes no sense and it makes me feel that these buggers are deliberately messing with my mind - so I cover them up by keeping the grills in place.

I talked to Steve about this and he did indicate that positioning the ZROCK2 between the ZDSD and CSP3 could cause the CSP3 to “magnify” (my words) what was being fed from the ZDSD.  Also I recalled that when I first got my ZDSD I perceived some “distortion” from some recordings.  Steve thought it could be in the recording itself or “digititus” being more discernible.  Turns out that was the case.  So I’ve got the ZDSD gain turned up and then that is further exsarbated by the gain settings of the CSP3.  My system is very transparent and fast so whatever is upstream becomes very evident very quickly.  That’s OK with me because it just makes me work at it until I get it to where I want it to be.

There was one other niggle that I discovered with my ZROCK.  The white wires on the by-pass switch weren’t correctly attached.  No biggie for me.  Things go wrong at times, and that can’t be helped.  It’s that after sales service that counts and I’ve had great service from Decware.  I’m handy with a soldering iron and these are easily accessible so I’m not sending the ZROCK back for this work to be done because I don’t want to be with out it!  I’m doing the work myself, no complaints from me espaecially after all the time that Steve has spent addressing all my questions and concerns.  

I don’t know if this is a contributing factor because the “distortion” problem seems to have disappeared.  I’m going to put some more hours on it and see what happens, but I am one very happy camper with it in place where it is between the CSP3 and the UFO2.

I don’t know if this will be of help to you, but I thought I would post my experience with the ZROCK2.  Hope you can work this out because, man, does it make a difference.

Sorry it has turned out this way Stone. I hadn't anticipated this sort of problem with the DSD. And I'd be in your shoes about not wanting to use a preamp. . . if I had not encountered the ZTPRE, the most unique preamp I've ever heard. It really works so well at improving the sound of my system both with and without the ZROCK2. I'm lucky!

Cool. I'm not going to judge your ARC without hearing it, and I'll just say the ZTPRE is an innovative design and I'll excuse you judging it without hearing it but if I could do without it I would welcome that but. . .  it just does do what Steve says, it's not there but it makes things better. Would be interesting if you get to hear one one day. . . I'd welcome your opinion.

Sorry the ZROCK2 didn't work out for you. Glad you are happy with what you have, that's what counts as you say.

By the way Lon,  thanks to your comments about the ZTPRE I’m considering replacing the CSP3.  I’m also in for the A-Amp, this is getting really close to alimony territory.

You know - sometimes ignorance is bliss and advisable, please keep that in mind when you comment about the ZTPRE.

Yes, well... in my case the partner in crime isn’t going to be the ZBIT.  Somehow I don’t think that “Lon made me do it” is going to cut it.

NO I don't think that excuse will work. I have faith in your imagination. . . you'll come up with a good one.

Point well taken on the ZTPRE Lon. Your three amigo's I have enjoyed your posts as well.

Joman, yes, once captivated by the ZDSD direct with its output to drive the ZMA with density....I can't go without its purity. Why, I sold my CSP3 with Jup' Caps.

The Audio Research is special, even being the hybrid that it is....with single tube....which does provide sonic difference via Mullard E188CC/7308 vs. horrific stock tube's one could put in. AR has a signature that is uncanny and I need (often) driving thru the Class A to AB1 output of the ZMA.....no Class A/B Amps need apply.... .

Having said that and having owned an CSP3 for over two years....I wish I never sold it!  Incredible Pre....but I don't have to tell you guys!

Alimony? Don't lose her JOMAN! Find the balance.  8-)

I am divorced. Fortunately, she would have PAID ME Spousal Maintenance.

However, in lieu of alimony to me/for LIFE.....I had her agree to, in addition to the college fund we grew substantially over our 21 year marriage...she would also pay significant amounts of the balance to their education when the fund ran out.....3 of them now in College.   ....and at 42k a year for each of them ....she is doing as agreed.

Yes, my children's future was top priority and the least disruption to them. It has paid off.

Since I'm returning/(won't have one) my ZR2, I won't comment on it anymore.

However, I wanted to say in closing on it.....with a Preamplifier the ZR2 is good. I don't want anyone to take my scenario on it, negative in any way.
Plus, my regard for using 91, 92 or 93db @1 watt/1 meter Speaker's (my modified single cap Acoustic Zen Adagio's), no lower for me....and you can go lower with an ZMA and use JanZens.

Also,  the HR1's are 92.5db @1 watt/1 meter.

I'm just not part of the 95db+ @ 1 watt/1 meter crowd. Personal taste. I have had them in here and have been to Decware twice and even have heard the HR1's.    .....end of story.

I only kid around about “close to alimony”  and count myself fortunate - 43yrs, 2 kids and 2 grandkids.  In reality, I’d let my system go before I’d let any of that go - and that is saying a lot.

Lon, sent a PM but I'll ask here.  Which RCAs go to the preamp and which to the amp?  Unpacked my ZROCK II this morning.
Mark

Answered your PM Mark. Closest to the power cord will connect from the CSP3, the ones furthest from the power cord will go to the amplifier.