Thanks Archie,

I always figured the CSP3 could adjust output volts from 1-30 not withstanding what the amount of input volts but I guess that's completely wrong  :o.  I guess this thread has gotten off the ZR2 theme and has morphed into a CSP3 thread.

I rarely spin vinyl so having the ZR2 between DAC and CSP3 probably makes the most sense.  On those rare occasions I want to play records I can always do the same Archie and swap cables. Not a huge deal since I can get to the back of the equipment pretty easily.

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I don't remember off hand but some recordings that were recorded at lower levels needed more boost from the CSP3 and seemed to approach some distortion.  Rather than mess with settings between the CSP3 and ZMA pots, I found it easier to swap positions.  I think I like the sound better overall as well.  Certainly the ZR2 settings changed.

Hi Johnny, yes, I ordered mine a week before the Black Friday sale. Long wait ahead, but I'm eager to hear the unit. Glad you are in the queue!

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Nope

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Don't think there's an easy answer to that question.  Probably partly implementation and partly haughty audiophile attitude.  I thought Steve addressed somewhere on the forum the how's and why's of the extinct tone controls and EQ's.  On the 2nd part, what audiophile wants to explain to friends that the sound coming from their expensive $100,000 (probably undershot that figure) TOTL source/preamp/amp/speakers need to be altered to sound good?!  I may be completely off base but I feel the same way about my not so expensive rig  ;D .  I guess since the ZR2 is a separate piece of audiophile equipment it makes it OK .  I'm hoping it takes my rig to the next level once in my system which I think it will judging by others positive reviews!!

Tone controls in the old days WERE bad in that they messed with the signal. A little dab was okay, but hardly was a little dab needed. They disappeared in the "audiophile" market because it was difficult to make them transparent and they got many to believe they weren't needed. I tuned my system for a long time with tubes and cabling etc. until Steve put his treble cut circuit and bass controls on the Torii Mk III which really helped.

Bear in mind that the ZROCK2 is far more than a "tone control." It has two specific EQ curves each for a specific purpose. And there's a gain stage that is incorporated to work with the EQ stages. Does a lot more than "tone controls" and does it with transparency and grace.

I can't speak for everyone, but in my case my room eats up bass frequencies and I live with a very visually oriented wife who won't allow me room treatments, and I love my speakers, quite capable of putting out mega bass. I refuse to go back to listening near field in a small room, I did that for so long. . . no more if I can help it. A sub wouldn't really help with my bass needs.  The ZROCK2 has allowed me to get the bass frequencies I need, while attenuating treble to form a better balance, and enhance my system in so many subtle ways. I can't wait to get mine with the bypass mods in (though I know it will be a long wait).

It should. It does enhance lower volume listening.

Oh yea. It's just money right? LOL