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ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop (Read 260 times)
Glenn
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ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop
05/04/23 at 17:00:21
 
I just installed my Zrock. I have two questions for those who already use this device.

First, my original intention was to install in between my pre-amp and UFO25. My pre-amp is a zero gain pre-amp from Denafrips so i did not anticipate any problems. However, in this position there was a very loud 'buzz' when in the active position. No buzz when the bypass was engaged. The output from the pre-amp is only 2.0Vrms. The only other variable might be that my DAC is connected to the pre-amp via XLR cables. Solving this problem takes me to my second questions.

I next installed the Zrock2 between my DAC (denafrips Pontus II) and my pre-amp. In this position the buzz was gone. However, when engaged at all but full position there is now a very noticeable drop in volume of at least 25%. Equally interesting, when i used the dial to set the level of the EQ the instructions suggested starting with the EQ fully engaged, then dialing back to increase volume to the maximum point (ie. as the highs become more engaged), and to stop when the volume starts reducing again. In my set up, volume was maximum when the EQ was fully engaged and only got quieter until I hit the noon position. The problem is, with the EQ fully engaged for reasonable volume, the sound is far far too bassy unless i have my amp set for very quiet listening. which means the ZROCK is only useful for extremely quiet listening, and not for beefing out the sound at regular volume.

Sigh. Anyone have any insights?


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Niagara 1200, Sonos Port streamer, Denafrips Pontus II DAC, Denafrips Athena pre-amp, Decware UFO25 amplifier, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers
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Lon
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Re: ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop
Reply #1 - 05/04/23 at 17:14:06
 
In regards to the volume drop . . . I don't have that issue to the same extreme but I am using much more gain with the balanced out of my amp and the ZTPRE. Have you tried the EQ curve with the switch down in the back?
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SE84UFO3-25thx2, CSP3-25th.Taboo Mk IV;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
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Glenn
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Re: ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop
Reply #2 - 05/04/23 at 17:50:27
 
thanks Lon. I have tried the switch in the back in both positions. Same result, although the problem is worse in the down B position as it has a greater reduction in highs.
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Niagara 1200, Sonos Port streamer, Denafrips Pontus II DAC, Denafrips Athena pre-amp, Decware UFO25 amplifier, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers
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Lon
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Re: ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop
Reply #3 - 05/04/23 at 18:57:18
 
Interesting . . . because on my ZROCK2s the up position has a significantly larger reduction in highs.

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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SE84UFO3-25thx2, CSP3-25th.Taboo Mk IV;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
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Tony
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Re: ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop
Reply #4 - 05/05/23 at 02:55:27
 
Hi Glenn,

Like you, I have my ZRock between my Pontus and my preamp. As you said, twisting the knob clockwise to about 5:00 would be too loud and too much bass. Going back to about 1:00 works best for me for bass, and then I add volume from either the preamp or amp.

I reread your post and cannot tell if, once you find your ZRock sweet spot, can't you then increase volume from the amp or preamp?
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SE84UFO25 | CSP 2+ | ZRock2 w 25th Ann | ZBIT | Cambr. CXNv2 | Denafrips Pontus II | Denafrips Gaia | Media Converter | Decware I/Cs | Decware Pwr Cbls | ZWIRE Speaker Cbls | Omega SAHOM & Bass Baffle | Sennheiser 650 | Furman Conditioning l Room Trmt. GIK Acousti
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Glenn
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Re: ZROCK Buzz and Volume Drop
Reply #5 - 05/05/23 at 22:56:45
 
Hi Tony - you are right i can increase the volume - but my pre-amp is a zero gain amp and my main amp is the UFO25 which, as you know has limited watts. So long as nothing in my system causes me to to lose gain the UFO25 has plenty of power. But with the loss i am experiencing with the ZRock2 i pretty well have to run the pre-amp and amp at 100% to get the volume i want in my room when i am looking to feel the sound.

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Niagara 1200, Sonos Port streamer, Denafrips Pontus II DAC, Denafrips Athena pre-amp, Decware UFO25 amplifier, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers
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