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ZLC User Thread (Read 5413 times)
HockessinKid
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ZLC User Thread
03/28/19 at 18:20:56
 
I posted this thread so owners could share their impressions of the Decware Zen Line Conditioner (ZLC). It appears many early adopters have received one recently.

I am considering a purchase for my preamp and source equipment, coupled with a high quality 8-10g power cord. I would like to know your impressions, particularly if using a ZLC results in changes to your systems SQ - positive or negative. I'm particularly concerned with possible loss of dynamics, treble and/or bass roll off/softening, and loss of soundstage dimensionality.

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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Archie
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Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #1 - 03/28/19 at 19:43:35
 
I think I have more density and a solid "base" to the music.  I'm still using the stock power cord since Decware ran out of their fancy cords when mine was shipped.

I don't have any regrets and from what Steve says about increased dynamics (maybe that's what I'm calling density?) I'd make sure your amp also runs through it.
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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
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"Love without
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Posts: 23305
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #2 - 03/28/19 at 20:03:09
 
HK I hope you've seen the impressions on this thread?

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1553276395/29#29

Personally I haven't seen a huge leap in sound quality, a minor improvement, but no diminishment of any sound factors. In comparison to the power regenerators I've used. . . I prefer them.  But this is a very nice product and is useful in my most recent system, a headphone based audio/video bedroom 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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Archie
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Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #3 - 03/28/19 at 20:19:30
 
Lon, are your impression based on ZLC vs other power conditioners or ZLC vs direct to outlet?
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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
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"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 23305
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #4 - 03/28/19 at 20:22:55
 
Both. It's better as far as I'm concerned than components plugged into an outlet, not as good sound quality improvement wise in comparison to power regenerators in my systems.
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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: ZLC User Thread
Reply #5 - 03/28/19 at 20:40:36
 
Thanks Lon and Archie. I appreciate your insights and I have scanned the other comments. I am glad to hear no diminished SQ using the ZLC and can see a benefit to stabilizing voltage to the sources.  I'm looking for no/very little change in how my systems sounds.

Having just spent big $'s on 25th Anniversary modifications (with ZMA to come), I just want to make sure I will not lose any of the significant improvement I've realized in my system SQ.

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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ZZuZZaXX
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Posts: 37
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #6 - 03/28/19 at 20:51:40
 
Mr. Archie, I see that you have a complete Decware setup and yet, you say that the ZLC provides more density and a solid base.  Wow, how much more dense can anything possibly get? Your system is amazing.
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ScottNC
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Posts: 335
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #7 - 03/28/19 at 21:14:47
 
I would agree with the “dynamics/density” improvements and also add my entire system is still evolving with the Anniversary mods and upgrades, they are all coming together nicely. There is no question that the ZLC also cleans up you ac noise. Even with a dedicated 10g run from my breaker box and additional earth ground my dishwasher and ceiling light dimmers were still getting through, that noise is all but eliminated and there is nothing but beautiful black silence when the system is idling or there is a null in a passage. It is definitely a very useful piece in the DecWare assortment.
Best,
Scott
(How does anyone get along without a ZROCK2) Smiley
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TORII MKIV-25th,ZBIT,ZROCK2-25th,ZTPRE-25th,ZLC,DNA2's, REL S/3 SHO
MyTek Brooklyn DAC+,Sonore ultraRendu LinearPS,sonicTransport APi7 4TB
Woo WA6, Sennheiser HD660s
RoomTreatments,LineFeed,DHC1’s,DSR’s,ZENST,TriodeWireLabs,TimberNation Maple Plats
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Archie
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Posts: 2731
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #8 - 03/28/19 at 21:34:03
 
I have always been satisfied with my sound, even before Decware came into my life.  Nonetheless, each "upgrade" has been an improvement.  It's almost like contemplating Infinity.  More and more but it's still all infinity before and after!   Cool


Quote:
(How does anyone get along without a ZROCK2) Smiley

Hear, hear!   Cheesy
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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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HockessinKid
Seasoned Member
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Posts: 1084
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #9 - 03/28/19 at 22:00:27
 
Scott,

Glad to hear, you've got a great system. Thanks for sharing your ZLC observations.

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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busterfree
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Posts: 430
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #10 - 01/11/24 at 16:59:03
 
Hi.
What is the bolt size used on the feet of the ZLC? I am considering using some aftermarket feet with my unit.
Thanks
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busterfree
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Posts: 430
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #11 - 02/11/24 at 22:05:40
 
Hi all.
I have reconfigured by ZLC with some stuff that I had laying around instead of buying more stuff in the short term. I am happy with the results. I hope to try Stillpoints at some point when funds allow.

I added some older model Mapleshade Micropoint Heavyfeet. They are not version 4. I do not remember there being versions when I purchased them many years ago. Anyway, I put three under my ZLC. I also put them under my PS Audio P20 at the same time. I unplugged and reconfigured my system this morning in anticipation of watching the Super Bowl.

I am using the ZLC for my amps and subwoofer. I use the P20 for everything else.





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

Posts: 23305
Re: ZLC User Thread
Reply #12 - 02/11/24 at 23:45:49
 
Welcome back to posting J! Great system.
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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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