Well.... There are a few things in the pipeline. One, I can reveal, but it's already been hinted at. The other is held up due to ... well ... me. I'll tell more when there is more to tell.
We did not want to discourage / encourage anyone in either direction, but the next version of the Iron Pre that will be sold in the store is the... Super Mega Deluxe version.
It's well known that the Toshiba transistors in the current iterations are limited in supply. We want something that can stay around for a little longer. So... ZM has graciously put together a new layout with SMD replacements. We're going to properly put it through the paces before it's offered, and that will take some time.
So... grab 'em while they're hot.
A limited run of parts kits for more easily completing your Iron Pre builds without so many orders to various suppliers are also coming...
Those are the priority at the moment.
We did not want to discourage / encourage anyone in either direction, but the next version of the Iron Pre that will be sold in the store is the... Super Mega Deluxe version.
It's well known that the Toshiba transistors in the current iterations are limited in supply. We want something that can stay around for a little longer. So... ZM has graciously put together a new layout with SMD replacements. We're going to properly put it through the paces before it's offered, and that will take some time.
So... grab 'em while they're hot.
A limited run of parts kits for more easily completing your Iron Pre builds without so many orders to various suppliers are also coming...

^ I fully agree, and I took the question (I hope) the way you intended.
Heck, I'm a known Greedy Boy... I get excited for new projects, and I always have something on the bench.
No worries at all on my side. I love people's excitement. It would be a drag to put all this work toward a project and have people not love it as much as I do.
There's always that next pretty, shiny thing off on the horizon though.
As far as amps... any of them. 🙂
Heck, I'm a known Greedy Boy... I get excited for new projects, and I always have something on the bench.
No worries at all on my side. I love people's excitement. It would be a drag to put all this work toward a project and have people not love it as much as I do.
There's always that next pretty, shiny thing off on the horizon though.

As far as amps... any of them. 🙂
Exactly my problem - I have to pick one 🤷♂️As far as amps... any of them
From my perspective... and depending on what you've already got in your stable... along with your speakers...
The Babel J2 is the ZM amp I probably shout the loudest about... However, there are still a number of His Mightiness's amps I haven't built yet. It makes beautiful music with the Iron Pre. Heck, they're all amazing, but if pressed to only recommend one ... I don't think you can go wrong. It's just neato.
One person's POV...
The Babel J2 is the ZM amp I probably shout the loudest about... However, there are still a number of His Mightiness's amps I haven't built yet. It makes beautiful music with the Iron Pre. Heck, they're all amazing, but if pressed to only recommend one ... I don't think you can go wrong. It's just neato.
One person's POV...
I find it better to build more than one amp at once that way when you forget to buy a 10c part you can load up the shopping cart with next projects parts - being eligible for free shipping it a lot of cases rather than paying $15 for that same part. Most will say there is no such thing as building just one amp - why fight it?
Wondering if the SMD JFETs could be pre-installed…some may not be comfortable soldering these in. I know my skills with SMDs are questionable.So... ZM has graciously put together a new layout with SMD replacements.
That is absolutely being discussed.
and decided, as I concluded
🙂
That being said, myself and several of my greedy boy henchmen are more than happy to solder in the SMD critters... 😉 🤓^ That is absolutely being discussed.
Best,
Anand.
as always with arrangements, it's either this or that
by default - (pre)soldered
then, for sending not-soldered, Arranger need to match critters anyway, then would need to pack them grouped, securely
too much variations are recipe for ookups, unnecessary
by default - (pre)soldered
then, for sending not-soldered, Arranger need to match critters anyway, then would need to pack them grouped, securely
too much variations are recipe for ookups, unnecessary
Hello Iron Pre Fans,
My apologies if this has been covered recently in the thread. (I did a couple of searches and came up short).
Has anyone priced the chassis for the SE version from Modushop? I recently received my E-Mail and am planning my next steps. Thank you in advance.
My apologies if this has been covered recently in the thread. (I did a couple of searches and came up short).
Has anyone priced the chassis for the SE version from Modushop? I recently received my E-Mail and am planning my next steps. Thank you in advance.
3d time's a charm. Mine is on the way here! But I don't know why. I'm very happy with my B1R2G. I guess I just like building things.
You can never have too many amps, preamps, cigars, bottles of wine, blocks of stinky cheese in the back of the fridge, books, records.... etc...
3d time's a charm. Mine is on the way here! But I don't know why. I'm very happy with my B1R2G. I guess I just like building things.
That one Papa's preamp was just prelude for this one Papa's preamp

I’m assuming that’s a B1 Rev 2, but what’s the G for? I don’t know Steve, I’ve always found I prefer gain at line level. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and glad your doing this build.I'm very happy with my B1R2G
@KevinHeem The 'G' is my board of a B1R2 with an added 12 dB LM4562 gain stage before the FET buffer.
I also like some gain in the pre stage. I will AB the G with the Iron for sure when done!
I also like some gain in the pre stage. I will AB the G with the Iron for sure when done!
I forgot to ask... or may I forgot I asked and was given an answer.
What is the maximum voltage swing for this preamp? both in balanced and single ended?
I wonder if it will drive a single F4? I do have those Encor 6:1 transformers laying around. I could build a small adapter box for them.
What is the maximum voltage swing for this preamp? both in balanced and single ended?
I wonder if it will drive a single F4? I do have those Encor 6:1 transformers laying around. I could build a small adapter box for them.
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