Forums - SE84CS x 2 & ZStage

KellyB Senior Member If you can't enjoy the sound, it's just noise!!! Posts: 54	SE84CS x 2 & ZStage 10/19/11 at 15:37:47 What are the sonic benefits to adding a ZStage to the mono blocks? KellyB
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Lon

Seasoned Member

"Love without
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Re: SE84CS x 2 & ZStage
Reply #1 - 10/19/11 at 16:16:04

Hi Kelly!

If you go to the Decware ZSTAGE page https://www.decware.com/newsite/zstage.html you'll see some information. And if you download and open the Owner's Manual there is a very interesting and informative section describing the benefits of the gain stage and the "relaxing" of the sound caused by the use of the tube. (If you're only using a phono source, you may not need this?)

In general I'd say the benefits are: tailoring the dynamics, tonal signature and "weight" of the sound, improving on the sound of your source. I don't have one myself, but have the CSP2 and the ZBox, both of which share characteristics in how they influence the system sound.

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KellyB Senior Member If you can't enjoy the sound, it's just noise!!! Posts: 54	Re: SE84CS x 2 & ZStage Reply #2 - 10/20/11 at 00:12:35 Thanks Lon, I'm building a small listening room downstairs:8.5ft.W X 16ft.L X 7ft.H & was hoping the ZStage(I don't use regular headphones) might give me the extra weight without going to a Torii !!! I'm using a PC also.
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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2146	Re: SE84CS x 2 & ZStage Reply #3 - 10/20/11 at 00:52:05 I know it would add enough weight to the ZEN. I auditioned this combination up at DECFEST and can attest to the affect the ZSTAGE has on the ZEN. The 'STAGE makes the ZEN sound fuller without coloring the sound any further.
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Lon

Seasoned Member

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

Posts: 26759

Re: SE84CS x 2 & ZStage
Reply #4 - 10/20/11 at 00:58:01

That's a nice size room, and I bet that you would be happy with the results of the ZSTAGE. I do the "riding the gain" with my CSP2 (which with the right tube sets isn't "colored") and really get a benefit even with the Torii Mk. III. It really makes an impact on the Integrated and SE34 Monoblocks, and RR has vouched for its effects on the SE84C. I would definitely be in the market for one if I didn't have the CSP2. The ZSTAGE is like a preamp and a ZBOX in one. Looks to be a great product.

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KellyB Senior Member If you can't enjoy the sound, it's just noise!!! Posts: 54	Re: SE84CS x 2 & ZStage Reply #5 - 10/20/11 at 15:10:41 Thank you guys so much for the info!!! It will be my next Decware purchase!!! Would it be possible for Steve to put in a second RCA input? Which Forum would be the best to post questions about different ideas for building a dedicated listening room, such as (LEDE)live end / dead end theory, etc.?
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 26759	Re: SE84CS x 2 & ZStage Reply #6 - 10/20/11 at 15:18:34 I would call Steve and ask him directly. My guess is "no" but it's just my guess. Steve's answer would be the real deal. I think the "Room Treatment Forum" would be the best place to discuss a listening room develpment plan. https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?board=acoustics
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