TAD and Zesto preamp

johnthomas

johnthomas

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I've read some nice reports on the Zesto preamp with TAD speakers. I'm currently happy with what I'm hearing but I'm curious if the Zesto in my setup would enhance my listening experience and be to my liken. I'm currently running MSB S200 amplifier, MSB Diamond dac with their transport and the TAD R1. I'm using the dac's preamp as pre. Currently it's a fully balanced system. My amps input impedance is listed below. So I think it's a match, what do you think? I'm not sure what their true floating balance means compared to a fully balanced system. I think I need to fine one to demo in my system?

MSB S200 Inputs Imedance:
True Balanced (XLR)
Input Impedance 36kOhm
Single-Ended (RCA)
Input Impedance 18kOhm

ZESTO Output Impedance:
150 ohm output zesto
__________________
John
 
John,

Output impedance wise, I think you will be fine. I love what tubes do for my TADs. I think you might like it too.
 
Real nice tubey sounding gear like Zesto (and I'm sure CJ) was nice on the TAD's. Added some meat to the bones and softened the higher notes a bit. I thought the Zesto gear sounded better on the TAD's then the actual TAD gear. And the Zesto owners are the salt of the earth kind of people.
 
John, I'd be real curious to hear your impressions if you do. I still like the sound of SS over tubes in general, but Joe's recent posts and the feedback from RMAF really has me thinking.

Do you guys think starting with just a tube Pre would be a decent place to start?
 
Can't take advise from me cause I think tube everything. Lmao!!
But I've heard some real nice setups that had big ss amps and tube preamps and phonostages
And created a great mix almost everytime. Bob runs that absolare pre with the goldmund and it sounds awesome!!
 
socfan12 said:
John, I'd be real curious to hear your impressions if you do. I still like the sound of SS over tubes in general, but Joe's recent posts and the feedback from RMAF really has me thinking.

Do you guys think starting with just a tube Pre would be a decent place to start?
Click to expand...

Allen,

I have to tell you the past few days I've been running the EAR 868 tube pre into my Dartzeel amp and let me tell you it sounds frigging awesome! I am so torn about getting rid of these things (the TADs :)).

Petro85 said:
Can't take advise from me cause I think tube everything. Lmao!!
But I've heard some real nice setups that had big ss amps and tube preamps and phonostages
And created a great mix almost everytime. Bob runs that absolare pre with the goldmund and it sounds awesome!!
Click to expand...

Steve,

You are a smart man and know exactly what sounds great. And, YES! Bob's setup is stunning!!!!!
 
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socfan12 said:
John, I'd be real curious to hear your impressions if you do. I still like the sound of SS over tubes in general, but Joe's recent posts and the feedback from RMAF really has me thinking.

Do you guys think starting with just a tube Pre would be a decent place to start?
Click to expand...

Allen I personally would stay with a SS amp and tip toe into a tube pre. Seems Zesto has done a few shows with SS amps, their preamp and TAD speakers. As usually the problem is finding a dealer to do in house audition.

John
 
joeinid said:
Allen,

I have to tell you the past few days I've been running the EAR 868 tube pre into my Dartzeel amp and let me tell you it sounds frigging awesome! I am so torn about getting rid of these things (the TADs :)).
...
Click to expand...

Joe, totally trust your ears, that's why I'm even considering tubes!

I say keep the TADs until you hear something that totally blows it away. I think at these levels, you aren't necessarily trading up, just trading for different.


johnthomas said:
Allen I personally would stay with a SS amp and tip toe into a tube pre. Seems Zesto has done a few shows with SS amps, their preamp and TAD speakers. As usually the problem is finding a dealer to do in house audition.

John
Click to expand...
Agreed. There's not a lot of dealers that carry this stuff any more. I miss Soundex in PA. They had EVERYTHING!

Keep us posted, John. Very interested in your journey...
 
Good question, not sure. I should ping Sanjay. But I still need to sell some gear to fund the speakers, so I'm in no rush.:rolleyes:
 
Allen, what amp are you running these days? Is it the Rowland or do I remember you saying something about having Krells now?


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John, I agree with Joe. I think adding tubes in the chain will be a great sounding combination with the TAD's !!
 
dlb2 said:
Allen, what amp are you running these days? Is it the Rowland or do I remember you saying something about having Krells now?


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Click to expand...

Haha, good memory, Doug. I still have the Rowland. I did flirt with a Krell recently, but I need to sell it to help fund the speakers. It's a great amp, wish I could keep it, but I can't have both.:(
 
socfan12 said:
Haha, good memory, Doug. I still have the Rowland. I did flirt with a Krell recently, but I need to sell it to help fund the speakers. It's a great amp, wish I could keep it, but I can't have both.:(
Click to expand...

Add the Job and thank me later. :)
 
If you can not get your hands on one, I may have another one available from the first batch for you to try :)
 
Allen, it might worthwhile to listen to a Rowland Corus. I'm sure you've already thought of that. :)


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dlb2 said:
Allen, it might worthwhile to listen to a Rowland Corus. I'm sure you've already thought of that. :)


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Click to expand...

The Rowland gear was used in a lot of rooms. Super black backgrounds and musical.
 
dlb2 said:
Allen, it might worthwhile to listen to a Rowland Corus. I'm sure you've already thought of that. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I'm trying to see if I can get my hands on a used Coherence II or a Criterion, both battery powered. I missed my chance two or three times on Agon.:( They are supposed to be fabulous!


Mike said:
The Rowland gear was used in a lot of rooms. Super black backgrounds and musical.
Click to expand...
No Rowland dealers near me to hear their new stuff. Did you hear the Aeris DAC, Mike?


joeinid said:
If you can not get your hands on one, I may have another one available from the first batch for you to try :)
Click to expand...
Thanks, Joe! May take you up on it. But if I'm using on the TADs even just for fun, I may wait for the DC protected one!:P
 
I demoed zesto pre and impedance wise it worked fine driving my Tad Cr-1. Sonically it was not as impressive as Vac or aesthetix or even first sound. I agree the zesto people r lovely and I think their phono stage has garnered many critical reviews. Personally after I got after the unique look further inspection reveal a mediocre construction that to my eye and use lacked a true stable thick walked construction. Plus the remote is really cheap looking. For 7500 I would rather have EAR Joe raves about. I also demoed Rowland Aeris(very impressive) and both 525 and 625. I would stick with any of their non class D amps. Aeris does not have USB. Good luck.

Nick
 
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