Hello All,
Thanks for your suggestions! Ill try to provide answers, and then highlight the remaining questions that arise from consideral all the responses:
1. As for the preamp Ive run it with and without a Rogue 66. In both cases, I still get the same undesirable tonal balance.
2. As for digital sources, I dont think that is the problem, because I use the same sources through the other (pre-Berning) setups without ever having these problems.
3. As for impedance matching with the speakers: Ive tried this with three different speakers (Triangle Titus, Dynaudio Audience 72 and Proac 2.5s), and relative to the pre-existing amps on each speaker type, this same issue has arisen.
4. I have tried the three feedback settings. I get the best bass response, and an overall more controlled sound on the normal setting. I like the normal and the middle setting. The low setting is too loose for me, I perceive a slight distortion to the sound (maybe due to less driver control).
5. As for the tonal balance, I am pleased enough with the high end. A drummer friend of mine noticed that the cymbals and high-hat seemed a bit removed. We both thought that this is due to the psychoacoustics of the prominent midrange.
6. The amp is located at least 8 away from anything with steel in it. Sometimes on the carpet, other times on a wooden platform on the carpet, other times on a wooden bureau.
7. What about break-in time? How many of you who have purchased the ZH270 new had to break in? I take it few had similar problems as me? Anybody know how much break-in is required?
8. I will test all the tubes. I guess Ill need a tube tester, or maybe one of the (few) electronics shops in town (Flagstaff) has one. There are many for sale on ebay any suggestions on how to choose? How much would a decent one cost? Anybody wanna lend me one if I cover shipping (only half kidding!).
9. It sounds like changing tubes isnt going to be the key for tonal balance, and I should start with cables. Any suggestions for good neutral sounding cables to try? The Proacs are biwirable, and I would likely go that route (Ian, is that what you are doing?). I dont have a tremendously unlimited budget. So far, recommended cables include: Cardas ICs ($$$),TG Audio HSRs, Analysis Plus Oval 9s, and Luminous Tech Syn Sig. Any other suggestions, with a total cable update cost of maybe $500 (ICs and speaker cables) would be very much appreciated. Which Cardas to go for? Should I not biwire for now, to save money initially?
10. If I do make a tube change, it sounds like I should change the input tubes first (12AT7's) to see what happens. Or should I change the entire tube compliment at once. Again, Im trying to be cost conservative. It was already a huge enough stretch to purchase the amp.
Thanks again for everyones input and concern. This excellent amp must meet its potential! Please keep sharing your suggestions and ideas.
Thanks for your suggestions! Ill try to provide answers, and then highlight the remaining questions that arise from consideral all the responses:
1. As for the preamp Ive run it with and without a Rogue 66. In both cases, I still get the same undesirable tonal balance.
2. As for digital sources, I dont think that is the problem, because I use the same sources through the other (pre-Berning) setups without ever having these problems.
3. As for impedance matching with the speakers: Ive tried this with three different speakers (Triangle Titus, Dynaudio Audience 72 and Proac 2.5s), and relative to the pre-existing amps on each speaker type, this same issue has arisen.
4. I have tried the three feedback settings. I get the best bass response, and an overall more controlled sound on the normal setting. I like the normal and the middle setting. The low setting is too loose for me, I perceive a slight distortion to the sound (maybe due to less driver control).
5. As for the tonal balance, I am pleased enough with the high end. A drummer friend of mine noticed that the cymbals and high-hat seemed a bit removed. We both thought that this is due to the psychoacoustics of the prominent midrange.
6. The amp is located at least 8 away from anything with steel in it. Sometimes on the carpet, other times on a wooden platform on the carpet, other times on a wooden bureau.
7. What about break-in time? How many of you who have purchased the ZH270 new had to break in? I take it few had similar problems as me? Anybody know how much break-in is required?
8. I will test all the tubes. I guess Ill need a tube tester, or maybe one of the (few) electronics shops in town (Flagstaff) has one. There are many for sale on ebay any suggestions on how to choose? How much would a decent one cost? Anybody wanna lend me one if I cover shipping (only half kidding!).
9. It sounds like changing tubes isnt going to be the key for tonal balance, and I should start with cables. Any suggestions for good neutral sounding cables to try? The Proacs are biwirable, and I would likely go that route (Ian, is that what you are doing?). I dont have a tremendously unlimited budget. So far, recommended cables include: Cardas ICs ($$$),TG Audio HSRs, Analysis Plus Oval 9s, and Luminous Tech Syn Sig. Any other suggestions, with a total cable update cost of maybe $500 (ICs and speaker cables) would be very much appreciated. Which Cardas to go for? Should I not biwire for now, to save money initially?
10. If I do make a tube change, it sounds like I should change the input tubes first (12AT7's) to see what happens. Or should I change the entire tube compliment at once. Again, Im trying to be cost conservative. It was already a huge enough stretch to purchase the amp.
Thanks again for everyones input and concern. This excellent amp must meet its potential! Please keep sharing your suggestions and ideas.