[David A Silva]

Which version do you have David? AKM or ESS?

ESS

 

[George Hincapie]

ESS

I'm told there isn't a difference between them in practice. I'm pleased it works well with MZ3. Now I just need someone who owns Qutest to respond so I can be even more confused about which temporary DAC to buy

 

[cats4cans]

Out of curiosity, has anyone used either a Chord Qutest or RME ADI DAC with MZ3? How was the synergy?

That’s my primary setup. I think it’s fantastic, but I haven’t tried nearly as many different setups as others. I like detail and quickness, but also tube sparkle and magic. So it’s a balance. Pretty much everything the MZ3 is about. I still use it as a pre or integrated as much as with headphones.

 

[cats4cans]

I should have made it clear I’m talking about the Qutest. There are some direct comparisons in YouTube reviews. If you’re not going to use the many extra features of the RME like EQ or headphone output then there’s a slight edge to the Qutest. If I had already been into headphones at the time I would have been tempted.

 

[jonathan c]

OK, ladies & gentlemen, if music from a digital source is what you want: feed MZ3 signal from a R2R DAC which is non-over-sampling. [‘LTA music chow’ ]

 

[dpump]

I have a NOS pair of Hitachi 12SN7GT. Anyone have a pair of Hitachi 6SN7GT they would like to trade?

 

[David A Silva]

I have a NOS pair of Hitachi 12SN7GT. Anyone have a pair of Hitachi 6SN7GT they would like to trade?

I wish I did!!!

 

[judomaniak57]

You will love the MZ3! The dynamics, subtle detail, naturalness will captive you in the present and future…I have been a happy owner for a little over a year…

which head band cover is this?

 

[jonathan c]

which head band cover is this?

Geekria for Audio Technica ATH-M50x. It fits Clear OG. [Amazon]

 

[David A Silva]

Well it has been a while since I received the MZ3 and my latest tube roll. Since then I've added a Keses BP1200 balanced transformer ( thx @LeMoviedave ). I like lots of 70-80s albums, and as I listen to Stevie Wonders Innervision on the MZ3 I am in heaven. Did not expect such good production from a 50 yo album! Using either the Verite Closed or the Auteur Classic with the MZ3, can't ask for more! No amp is everything for everyone, but this one is just right for me...

 

[LeMoviedave]

Well it has been a while since I received the MZ3 and my latest tube roll. Since then I've added a Keses BP1200 balanced transformer ( thx @LeMoviedave ). I like lots of 70-80s albums, and as I listen to Stevie Wonders Innervision on the MZ3 I am in heaven. Did not expect such good production from a 50 yo album! Using either the Verite Closed or the Auteur Classic with the MZ3, can't ask for more! No amp is everything for everyone, but this one is just right for me...

Can you hear a difference with the Keses?

 

[David A Silva]

Can you hear a difference with the Keses?

Definitely - bass is tighter, and I thought it was quiet before!!! Biggest concern is occasional local power fritz, and we will be installing an electric heat pump this year on the same electric panel. Sound improvement is a bonus!

 

[George Hincapie]

For you ZMF owners, which models have you found to perfectly synergise with MZ3 and which are perhaps better with solid state?

I've read that Caldera perhaps doesn't shine with OTL, but I haven't had the opportunity to try myself.

Curious to read your experiences.

Think I'll add Auteur Classic, Verite Open and Atrium Open in the November sale.

 

[jonathan c]

For you ZMF owners, which models have you found to perfectly synergise with MZ3 and which are perhaps better with solid state?

I've read that Caldera perhaps doesn't shine with OTL, but I haven't had the opportunity to try myself.**

Curious to read your experiences.

Think I'll add Auteur Classic, Verite Open and Atrium Open in the November sale.

** LTA MZ3 output impedance is 2 ohms - low for an OTL / OTL variant. The input impedance for ZMF Caldera is 60 ohms: this should not be an issue in pairing with MZ3. Also, Caldera sensitivity at 95 dB/mw (==> 107 dB/v) should not pose a problem for MZ3.

EDIT: My only ‘wish’ about LTA MZ3 is for a low-high output impedance switch (as on the Beyerdynamic A2 headphone amplifier). I sense a greater degree of sonic ‘blossoming’ via the dynamic ZMFs (300 ohms) when driven by a higher output impedance OTL tube headphone amplifier.

EDIT II: The ZMF dynamics sound wonderful with LTA MZ3 … don’t misunderstand … it’s the nth degree of sonic ‘release’ that I’m seeking …

 

[David A Silva]

@George Hincapie I have an Auteur Classic as well as a Verite Closed. Also have a DCA Aeon Closed X. All three sound great on the MZ3.