Hello all,
Got a new ZP3 in house, and a new table and arm, so I thought I'd post some very early impressions.
Old table that was replaced ( and soon on the chopping block ) was a Feickert Blackbird. Great table. I used it with the 12 inch Jelco that came with it, and my Fidelity Research FR66s. While we all know aural memory is nothing to rely on, this set-up did things I don't ever recall my VPI Aries MK1 doing. Really great analog set-up. Was completely happy, with no thought of ever changing anything.
Then a great deal on a really upper crust table fell into my lap that I could not turn down. I've got the new Amazon Grand Referenz table here, and I mounted a Moerch DP8 on it. Right now, since I'm using the ZP3, I'm using an Audio Technica AT150MLX, as it's the only high output cartridge I have. I've got some microphone input transformers in house that I'll eventually wire up so I can put my Midas bodied Denon DL103r and Koetsu Rosewood into play.
Until then, all I can say is that my vinyl rig is sounding sublime, and I know I'm no where near optimal set-up. I aligned the cartridge with my
MF Geodisc, and while its close, I know there's room for improvement. I ordered a Mint protractor, but Yip sent me the protractor for the 9 inch wand, and I've got the 12 inch version here. A new one shipped out today. After that arrives I'll attempt to really dial in the set-up.
The point of all this rambling is two-fold.
First, The Amazon Grand Referenz/Moerch DP8 combo is a significant step up from the Feickert/ Fidelity Research combo. I'm going to have to make an arm board to mount the Fidelity Research on the Amazon to compare to the Moerch. Should prove interesting.
Second, while I've got some hum in the ZP3 I've got to track down, there is something going on here that is hard to describe. I guess the best way to put it is that I get totally lost in the music. I put a record on, lower the arm, and the next thing I know is the side is done, I'm lifting the arm, and I've got a smile on my face and no recollection of the details of the music. Just lost.
Will have to compare the ZP3 to my Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 w/ SE+ upgrades and see what gives. But based upon my memories of the SF, and what I hear from the ZP3, I don't expect the SF will stay in the mix long.
More to follow,
Cheers, Crazy Bill