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02/04/26 at 15:24:31

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Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3 (Read 382 times)

chromadream

Verified Member

Posts: 7

Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3
01/18/26 at 06:06:39

Curious if anyone has used a ZStage for their Preamp, then upgraded to the CSP3. Was it “worth it?” What kind of differences/changes did you hear?

I have a strictly Vinyl rig utilizing only headphones at the moment - Turntable - ZP3 - ZStage - Taboo MK IV

This system existed for a time without the ZStage in the chain - when I added it, it made the system a lot better. I have been pondering whether or not to substitute a CSP3 for the ZStage. The reason that I added a ZStage at the time was availability (used) and budget, but I am left wondering what I am missing, or if I would ultimately just be satisfied with the current ZStage setup.

Anyone take this route and have any insights as to the sonic benefits? Happy that you made that choice? I have to imagine that there are sonic differences, but would love to hear the opinion of anyone that has taken this route.

Thanks!

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Lon

Seasoned Member

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

Posts: 27419

Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3
Reply #1 - 01/18/26 at 10:53:54

About 12 to 11 years ago I had a ZSTAGE in use in a system I installed in my parents' home as I was spending most of my days there and my Dad loved music and appreciated the upgrade in sound.
'
In use a Calfifornia Audio cd player, the ZSTAGE and a Torii mk II. The sound was quite good. During that time I bought myself another CSP3 and moved a CSP3 I was using in my town house into this system in place of the ZSTAGE. I prefered the CSP2--the additional tubes and the rectifier and the gain tailoring allowed me to get a richer, denser sound.

If you are happy with the sound you have. . . I think you'll have a bit more density and dynamics with a CSP3, or in your shoes, because of my PERSONAL preferences for tonal balance, I would conisder a ZROCK3. The ZROCK tech really really helps headphone (and speaker) listneing for me. I think that component would complement the ZSTAGE well.

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1

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chromadream

Verified Member

Posts: 7

Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3
Reply #2 - 01/19/26 at 05:22:58

Thanks for the reply Lon, appreciate it!

The Zrock has been on my list as well - I have been going back and forth. I guess that I’m kind of looking for both of the results that you described. I do like my current sound - it is definitely the best sounding system I have ever had, by a long shot. I’m chasing something though. When I was younger I was definitely a fan of EQs, and the lower end is probably what I miss most from headphones and frankly “hi-fi” in general it seems. I also have a solid amount of Punk records, as well as some old Reggae & Dub that aren’t always the best recordings, or pressings. I have some very well recorded and pressed records that get me close, but I should probably try a ZRock first and go from there.

Thanks again!

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Natalie Verified Member Posts: 8	Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3 Reply #3 - 01/20/26 at 10:23:09 I’ve owned both, and moving from the ZStage to the CSP-3 was definitely worth it for me. The CSP-3 introduced a more open soundstage, enhanced detail, and a smoother, more natural presentation, while the ZStage remained a solid and satisfying piece in its own right. Geometry Dash
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Dominick

Seasoned Member

Still like that old
time Rock and Roll!!

Posts: 1503

Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3
Reply #4 - 02/01/26 at 03:01:05

I went from a ZSTAGE to a CSP and the improvement was amazing. Besides the increased gain that the CSP has over the ZSTAGE, you also get the flexibility of tube rolling various rectifiers, input and output tubes, and kick ass power supply.

It sounds great with vinyl and the extra headroom is a pleasant welcome. I own Lon’s old CSP2+, and absolutely love it.

Dom

Rasp. Pi 4 [Roon], Schiit Bifrost True Multibit DAC, ZBIT, ZROCK2, My Audio Cables Ultra Silver+, ZSB, CSP2+ 25th, DAG Cables, DHC1, Torii MKIV 25th /2 White Zen SE84C+ 25th mono’s, Rega P2 Turntable, White top ZP3, Velodyne Dual Firing Sub, ERR’s [Bubbinga Wood]

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JBzen Seasoned Member Posts: 1626	Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3 Reply #5 - 02/01/26 at 11:33:29 I agree with what Dom said. The ZStage gives a taste-CSP a whole meal.
Back to top	{LoopA[AMC CD8b>XO3>Stokes DAC>Carver C-9]LoopB[Ortofon 2M Black>Scout jr/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3]LoopC[Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>Zrock2]}CSP2+>SE8425th>All ICs silver clad OCC copper braid>lii Crystal 10". Isolation. AC filtering. Room Treatment. IP Logged

Dominick Seasoned Member Still like that old time Rock and Roll!! Posts: 1503	Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3 Reply #6 - 02/02/26 at 16:21:28 One more piece of information that I forgot to mention is the ability to enjoy music through headphones if paired properly.
Back to top	Rasp. Pi 4 [Roon], Schiit Bifrost True Multibit DAC, ZBIT, ZROCK2, My Audio Cables Ultra Silver+, ZSB, CSP2+ 25th, DAG Cables, DHC1, Torii MKIV 25th /2 White Zen SE84C+ 25th mono’s, Rega P2 Turntable, White top ZP3, Velodyne Dual Firing Sub, ERR’s [Bubbinga Wood] IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 27419	Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3 Reply #7 - 02/02/26 at 17:37:28 Yes, I love the sound of my modded CSP3 with my Sennheiser HD800S headphones (and there's a ZBIT and a ZROCK2 in between it and the NAD M51 I use).
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

JBzen Seasoned Member Posts: 1626	Re: Upgrading from ZStage as Preamp to CSP3 Reply #8 - Today at 09:18:42 The CSP2s also had a mono output jack that can be used for sub output. I use mine for subs. Worked out well.
Back to top	{LoopA[AMC CD8b>XO3>Stokes DAC>Carver C-9]LoopB[Ortofon 2M Black>Scout jr/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3]LoopC[Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>Zrock2]}CSP2+>SE8425th>All ICs silver clad OCC copper braid>lii Crystal 10". Isolation. AC filtering. Room Treatment. IP Logged

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