Passiv preamp for ZEN V4

[Selfmade]

Is it a sonical advantage to replace my BZLS with a passiv preamp when using the ZEN V4?
I think with ZEN V4 it could be done more easily compared to the original ZEN version.

I have an active crossover (Thel, 24 db/oct) with op-amps. Is it necessary to use the BZLS? I think when using the BZLS there are more parts in the circuitry

regards

Günter

 

[Peter Daniel]

It's very easy to check it out. Just disconnect the active circuitry in your BOZ and use pot alone. Your ears should tell you what's better.

I tried to connect the output of my DAC directly to the original Zen, without even a pot, but the amp sounded better with a preamp. But it was Zen without a buffer.

 

[Nelson Pass]

Your source will have to have quite a bit of gain to
drive ZV4 with a passive. Quite a few CD players, like
the Wadia and Theta products do.

 

[jh6you]

Hi, The one and only

Are you referring to the output voltage of Vrms or Vpeak?
I mean in your comment above.

 

[arold19]

Can I drive an Zen V4 only with a pot between the CD player and the Power amplifier ??

My CD player is an ARCAM alpha 7 se .... 2.3 V rms and the output impedance is 50 Ohm

thank you !!!

 

[Tazzy]

Just try it out?

 

[miguel2]

My CDP from Marantz has a volume control incorporated, so I tried to use it directly on the ZenV4. The sound is listenable but I do prefer to put the tube pre in between. Either way I cannot drive the Zen up to clipping .

 

[stefanobilliani]

Your source will have to have quite a bit of gain to
drive ZV4 with a passive. Quite a few CD players, like
the Wadia and Theta products do.

My Sony with Passlabs D1 I/V converter also do.

 

[Pan]

Miquel2,

the volume control of Marantz is a very low quality solution reducing the resolution for every bit of attenuation.

I´m not surprised you find the tube a better way.

/Peter

 

[gtrmaker]

I used to have my preamp in between the DAC and the
tube crossover. Lately I have been listening with no preamp,
just straight from the DAC to the crossover and let the crossover
be like a preamp. What an improvement in transparency!

 

[Panelhead]

Passive with V4 Zen

I am building one now with the passive built in the box. An integrated V4!. But I am using a BUF634 in between the 25OK pots and the 49K series input resistors to put some drive into the amp.
The overall system gain will work in my system due to the efficicency of the speakers. With normal efficiency speakers more voltage into the V4 may be required than the CD standard.
What I am looking for now is some 1/4" shaft extenders to keep the wiring at the rear of the V4. Does anyone know a source on the net for these?

George

 

[frankv]

1/4" shaft extender

Here's one...

http://www.welbornelabs.com/pots.htm