DATE: March 12,1999

Perhaps I've littered your review page far too much. I don't think so. Until now I had thought I would need to spend over $5000 for a decent SET that would help bring out the color and life of the music I love to listen to. Well, I've done it again. I upgraded my audio equipment and listening room. Once again, the Zen84A has impressed and surprised me.

This is my current set up: Sony ES transport Entech 205.2 DAC Klipsch KLF20's Monster digital wiring Monster Retro speaker wires to mid's and highs DIY CAT5 quadruple wound to bass with solid silver/gold banana's KLJ Technologies 3 strand solid silver interconnects I added a DAC and some decent wires since I last wrote you, Steve. I now have a cavernous listening room of about 30X25X40. The difference is phenominal. Imaging, delineation, spacing, atmosphere, you name it - all are greatly improved. The sound stage is huge, with vocals having wonderous textures and presence. The new DAC has definitely freed up the Zen to do some real imaging. The system is now much more detailed, with better spacing between instruments and a more natural tone. Accoustic instruments sound incredible, with electric guitars sounding virtually the same as they do in the studio! I am thoroughly impressed. I am almost afraid of what to expect when I upgrade to a Zen84b and toss in a decent transport(Arcam? Parasound?). I have a bud at Monster Cable who, admittedly, lets me have some things fer a great price. Still, compared to his 25,000$ system, mine images better, does a far better job with voices and accoustic instruments, and is almost as accurate(the Zen comes in a close second during large dynamic transients).

All of this for a retail cost to me of less than $5,000. Keep in mind that half the costs of my system are in the wires. I felt, and have seen, that this is what it takes to really appreciate how good your amp is. Would I trade systems straight accross? Not a chance,

Steve. Again, thanks for letting someone who has way too many hobbies enjoy the magic of audio as though it were his only hobby!

Wes Y. Keller