This is a quiet area in the forum.
The ZSAGE kicks ass big time for those like me who like a more minimal type of set up with a passive pre.
I run this ZSTAGE into a passive pre to my McIntosh amps. Unreal good.
If I were to speak to a person thinking of buying... I would highly advise this thing. But, Spend some $$ on a good 12AU7. I got a CJ (Conrad Johnson) grade Mullard CV4003 from
www.upscaleaudio.com. A strong solid Mullard with balanced triodes is key. If you pay for this ZSTAGE the $$ to get a solid and balanced NOS is a must. This is the first stage and is pretty key in the whole system IMHO. I have this ZSTAGE and then the McIntosh MC75s.. I think for the sound impact this ZSTAGE tube has the most noticeable impact.
I have
++12AU7 - Mullard A little forward. Audiophile clean and punchy. I like it big time... Bass is big! dynamic.. Not as relaxed as a RCA Clear top)
++RCA 5star clear top 12AU7 - (Best sounding... But tomorrow I may pick the mullard
++GE Clear top-Brent Jesse got me these. Nice
++Raytheon black plate - (Big Dynamic sound. Excellent!)
++Motorolla - I'd guess early 80s? good stuff
5965 tubes rule in this thing
++5965 GE Five Star NOS balanced triode is a tube you can get pretty cheap. Get one or two.
++5965 Hewlet Packard clear top. I got one
++Some JAN 5965 from Brent Jesse-Dynamite value I'd do
7062
-- Amperex 7062. 7062 are not too well known. They are built like tanks and sound amazing
12AT7.. They sound great.. A little too forward. But at times sticking a good old NOS 12AT7 and turning the thing up is ridiculous good! Get a 12AT7 / E81CC Siemens - triple mica, dual post getter. Do this and play some AC/DC really loud... It will never sound better. No particular album by AC/DC... Any will work excellent.
The 12AU7 that came with the ZSTAGE sounds good.
Get a ZSTAGE and shop around for a NOS tube or 3 to roll. This thing is a blast to tube roll!
Happy holidays and go Decware!