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ZP3 Anniversary Mods (Read 11270 times)
pursuitofnow
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Posts: 449
ZP3 Anniversary Mods
11/19/18 at 14:54:58
 
I know it might be to early, but wondering if anyone has experienced the ZP3 with anniversary mods and what your thoughts are compared to non-mod.
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VPI Classic Signature | Koetsu Urushi Black | Bob's Sky 20 | ZP3 | Swiss Digital Fuse Box
DirectStream DAC (APS nickel transformers, Vocm mod)
ZTPRE | ZBIT | ZROCK2 | SE84UFO3
Omega Super 3 HO XRS | Deep 8
Zenwave D4 | PCR-11 | PI Audio Uberbuss
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ZR 3
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Archie
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #1 - 11/27/18 at 23:07:04
 
I just shipped off my ZP3 and ZROCK2 for the full service anniversary overhaul!  I'll be limping along with my NAD PP2 stage (talk about the weakest link!) and no ZR2.  Honestly, I think I'll miss my ZR2 the most.
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
Seasoned Member
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"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23312
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #2 - 11/28/18 at 02:10:14
 
Awesome Archie! I hope you are not without those two components too long!
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #3 - 11/28/18 at 16:20:37
 
I'm really looking forward to having a full stable of Anniversary upgraded amps!
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
Seasoned Member
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"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23312
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #4 - 11/28/18 at 16:29:36
 
Me too, waiting on the Anniversary mods of the ZROCK2 to cement that. This is going to be a hard wait. . . I want the upgraded ZROCK2 and I want the ZLC. Will be great to have both and enjoy the sound.
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Archie
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #5 - 11/28/18 at 16:38:56
 
I won't swear to it but I think the upgrades are in a separate pile from the new orders so they come out faster.  I don't expect to see my ZLC for several months but hopefully the upgrades will me much sooner.
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23312
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #6 - 11/28/18 at 16:49:17
 
I agree, you'll see your ZROCK2 first. I will bear the wait. . . I couldn't bear taking my ZROCK2 out of the system to send in for the upgrade, so I ordered a new one.

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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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HockessinKid
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Posts: 1084
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #7 - 11/28/18 at 17:29:04
 
At Decfest Steve told me 25th Anniversary mods are usually turned around in 2-3 weeks. This may be longer now with so many Black Friday new equipment orders. Smiley

HK
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Nottingham Interspace TT w/ Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cart + Modwright PH 9.0XT phono OR Modwright modded Cambridge CNX V2 > CSP3-25th Ann. preamp > ZMA-25th Ann. amp > PI Audio UberBUSS > Caintuck Audio Lii15 Magnum speakers > Snake River Audio & ZenWave cables
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pursuitofnow
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 449
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #8 - 11/29/18 at 02:41:38
 
I can't wait to hear the mods. I will be sending in my ZP3 and zstage when my anniversary mono blocks go to bench status. I have real walnut bases being made and have one being made for the ZP3 as well. Like Lon, I couldn't imagine parting with the ZR2, so I ordered a new one and will put the current one in the office setup. Exciting times!
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VPI Classic Signature | Koetsu Urushi Black | Bob's Sky 20 | ZP3 | Swiss Digital Fuse Box
DirectStream DAC (APS nickel transformers, Vocm mod)
ZTPRE | ZBIT | ZROCK2 | SE84UFO3
Omega Super 3 HO XRS | Deep 8
Zenwave D4 | PCR-11 | PI Audio Uberbuss
---
ZR 3
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Archie
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #9 - 11/30/18 at 18:12:52
 
My ZP3 and ZR2 have reached the Mother Ship!  Now for the hard part -- the anticipation wait.   Tongue
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Archie
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #10 - 12/05/18 at 16:04:37
 
I've been hesitant to post this since I'm afraid it will just show what a dead eared guy I am but I haven't been missing my ZP3 and ZR2 like I thought I would.  I am using my old NAD PP2 phono stage along with my anniversary modified CSP3 and ZMA and things are sounding great.   Shocked    The only possible loss might be soundstage depth, but that's not a big deal for me.  I'm wondering if the PP2 doesn't "get in the way" like Steve suggested a standard ZP3 or ZR2 would when in front of the Anniversary amps?  This does make me wonder what I'm in for once I have the full complement of anniversary modifications.  (I'm assuming the ZMC1 wouldn't be eligible.)   Cool  
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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Lon
Seasoned Member
****


"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23312
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #11 - 12/05/18 at 16:09:48
 
Glad you can enjoy the sound in the interim; hope you get your items back soon.

I always find a way to enjoy the sound when my Decware components aren't in, but in the long haul I'm less satisfied and I bet you will be very happy when yours come back home.

On the Decware Fans Facebook page there's a report of a ZROCK2 with the Anniversary mods that has hit a new owner, who is very happy with the resulting sounds! He didn't have a ZROCK2 before though so there's no telling from his descriptions how the mods have transformed the sound. We'll be waiting on your reports Archie. . . . .
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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NormD
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Posts: 243
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #12 - 12/05/18 at 16:23:59
 
I guess I am looking at it with the mindset of improving the weakest links one at a time. I’m focused on the power aspect now with better power cables (AC12)and the ZLC feeding my PS5, ZMA and ZTPRE. My DAC has already been upgraded, so that leaves the ZP3 upgrade for next year.

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OPPO Sonica DAC
Technics SL-1200M3D Turntable
SoundSmith The Voice cartridge
JRMedia Center running on a MacMini
Panasonic DP-UB820
Marantz AV8802a Pre/Rotel RMB-1585 Surround
ZTPre & ZMA Stereo
Focal Sopra No. 2 speakers (91 db)
2 Hsu ULS-ULS-15 MK2 Subs
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Archie
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #13 - 12/05/18 at 17:15:13
 
NormD,

I'd ask Steve his opinion on upgrade order but I would think you might want to start with the ZMA.  When I entered the Decware odyssey 4 or 5 years ago, I intended on starting with a ZP3 but Steve told me that my weak link was my amp.  Since I am currently getting great sound with an inferior phono stage (PP2) but a superior amp (A mod ZMA) I think starting with the amp still makes sense.  My first component to get upgraded was my CSP3.  While I noticed some incremental improvement, my ZMA mods really shined, even with stock ZP3 and ZR2.  Once my ZP3 and ZR2 are back I'll need to evaluate my speakers.

And then it will start all over when Steve releases his 35 Year Anniversary upgrades!   Grin
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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NormD
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Posts: 243
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #14 - 12/05/18 at 18:39:16
 
Archie :

I received my 25th Anniversary upgraded ZMA just before Decfest. Love it. Now I’m working the other weak links.
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OPPO Sonica DAC
Technics SL-1200M3D Turntable
SoundSmith The Voice cartridge
JRMedia Center running on a MacMini
Panasonic DP-UB820
Marantz AV8802a Pre/Rotel RMB-1585 Surround
ZTPre & ZMA Stereo
Focal Sopra No. 2 speakers (91 db)
2 Hsu ULS-ULS-15 MK2 Subs
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Archie
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #15 - 12/05/18 at 19:55:48
 
Oh, I didn't realize.  I'm preaching to the choir!   Grin
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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pursuitofnow
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 449
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #16 - 01/05/19 at 16:16:10
 
Archie, how are you liking the mods after some seasoning? What would do you hear the differences to be with the mods?
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VPI Classic Signature | Koetsu Urushi Black | Bob's Sky 20 | ZP3 | Swiss Digital Fuse Box
DirectStream DAC (APS nickel transformers, Vocm mod)
ZTPRE | ZBIT | ZROCK2 | SE84UFO3
Omega Super 3 HO XRS | Deep 8
Zenwave D4 | PCR-11 | PI Audio Uberbuss
---
ZR 3
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Archie
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #17 - 01/05/19 at 17:31:43
 
I wish I could answer specifically but given the Anniversary modified chain after the ZP3 I can't pick out just the ZP3.  I think the biggest improvement was from the ZMA mods.  The ZP3 and other mods just help those come through.  I hear an overall richness that wasn't there before.  Tones sound more right, real.
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ZLC
Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart
ZMC1
ZP3 (25th A Mods)
ZR2 (25th A Mods)
CSP3 (25th A mods)
ZMA (25th A mods)
Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s)
Silver Cabling
DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT.
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pursuitofnow
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 449
Re: ZP3 Anniversary Mods
Reply #18 - 01/05/19 at 19:33:54
 
Cool, thanks. I'm anxiously waiting for anniversary mod mono blocks and ZR2. I plan to send in my ZP3 and Zstage but will listen to mono blocks with pre mod ZP3 and Zstage first.
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VPI Classic Signature | Koetsu Urushi Black | Bob's Sky 20 | ZP3 | Swiss Digital Fuse Box
DirectStream DAC (APS nickel transformers, Vocm mod)
ZTPRE | ZBIT | ZROCK2 | SE84UFO3
Omega Super 3 HO XRS | Deep 8
Zenwave D4 | PCR-11 | PI Audio Uberbuss
---
ZR 3
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