After a very entertaining phone conversation with Steve I bought one of these just a minute ago. I have a new pair of Omega super high output alnico monitors and really want to have a SET amp, or as I learned today, a "three beer amp".  The wait begins.

So sorry, I assumed Steve had used this analogy regularly. We were discussing whether or not two watts would sound loud enough, especially in the company of others. After one beer you crank it a bit, and it's loud enough until you get well into that second beer, and you crank it again. Once you finish the third beer you want still more volume, and if the amp is clipping, by then you just won't care. I was assured that my new Decware amp, paired with these speakers, was three beer territory. This was an eye (ear?) opening discussion, and I now believe all amps should have a beer measurement.

Ha! The "Deckert Scale."  That was the first I have heard of it.  Thanks for sharing that

Well, I have that amp and essentially the same speakers you have, just a larger cabinet.  I recently ran that amp on my Omegas (while my ZMA was being worked on) and found it got them plenty loud for me.  With the "Omega Effect," that amp rating needs to be adjusted to a "four beer amp."

Hey Jim-g, Your musical selection sounds exactly like much of what I listen to. And, sounds like you room is approx same as mine (11' x 16'). And set up near field as well. My SE84-CKC (2014') plays much louder than I need. I usually never get knob past 9 o'clock. And if I'm using the Zstage then it's 8 o'clock max. I believe you are in for a few 4 beer nites!

Jim-g,   When I bought my VPI Traveler it had a grado gold cart. I also bought a Pro-ject tube box S-Phono stage. The biggest improvement was replacing both with the ZP3 and finally the 2m black.....I mean a Wow improvement. ZP3 is so good I run it directly to my Phillips CD burner when I archive new LP's to Digital.  If you're looking to upgrade phono stage without having to also use SUT for a MC cart...Yes, the ZP3 is awesome. I bought the 2m black as Steve D suggested. In the last few years as I have improved my room treatments and recently added Monoliths I can say the ZP3 and 2m have kept up with the improvements as well. It keeps getting better!