hi all,
very excited to finally be getting this AMP. I've been saving fund$ in a glass milk jar with the cap super glued on for over a year, and the Mrs finally gave me the blessing

I searched the forum and didn't find my answers so I figured I'd start a new post , say hello, and get some good feedback.

I read I do not need a preamp but I will probably land up using my existing Integra Pre so the boys can watch movies on occasion.

question1
If I hook my Integra preamp to the amp what has proven to be the best for the amp? Turn amp up half way, MAX? and adjust volume using preamp? As with everyone else here I'm chasing the ultimate sound quality.

question2
I have Paradigm Studio 100 main speakers. I've always thought they should only be set connected to an 8ohm connection. If I read correctly, I can/should compare the 8 and 4 OHM settings on the amp to find the best sound. In other words the speakers will be fine.

question3
My turntable currently  feeds into a Vincent PHO 700 phono stage preamp then into a standard input on my preamp. If I decide to connect the turntable directly to one of the inputs on the ZEN amp, The vincent phono stage output would connect to the ZEN amps inputs, in other words the Turntable to Zen WILL need the phono stage to provide the correct output voltage to the amp.
Thanks so much for the feedback. #Excited  :)

Ray

Thanks again for the info (appreciated) Received an email that my amp is now "on the bench". CAN'T wait!

I DID I've had it about 2 weeks now. Everything I've read in the forums and elsewhere are spot on.
There is a break in period,so 1st thing I do when I get home from work is head to the listening room and power it up, THEN its time for dinner and the like I've made it a point of listening to at least one album side per night and honestly LOVE that glow of the tubes

I've noticed more and more opening up of the music as the hours progress. Music I'm very familiar with revealing things I've never heard before. The other things I'm noticing is the sound stage is deeper, bass is smoother, and the sound is airy. Its true to the recording, great recordings sound GREAT, and some not so much.
Its exciting to know it will improve as the equipment settles in, considering I've had more than a few goose bump moments already I'm THRILLED. Thanks for asking
Ray