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Post by fishbeiner on Apr 2, 2019 15:29:20 GMT -7
Just about to take the plunge on the Z-Master, but I’m curious to know the similarities between it and the NOVA. They seem very similar in many ways even though I know that even similar circuits can be made to sound differently.
So how do they compare?
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Post by Faze on Apr 2, 2019 16:36:57 GMT -7
Im not sure about the Nova because I never played one. The Z-Master is very simple in its design its pretty much a set it and forget it amp. I play single coils so I just run the Volume 1 a little bit higher then the Vol 2. The tone stack is so good you could run it straight up. I run my treble at 1 and my bass and presence at 12. The Z-Master has a big full 3D like sound and the three 10's are what makes it different. Its 30 watt's and when you crank up the volume it breaks up into a warm lush sounding overdrive. It's also linear in the way it projects itself. It's a big warm sounding tone. Its thick but also clear at the same time. It's very complex. It has beautiful piano like cleans. It also has that tweed crunch and character its real juicy sounding. The Nova with its master volume can probably get you the faster break up and crunch at lower volumes better than the Z-Master. The one thing about the Z-master that to me is really cool is you can bring both volumes down and still play at bedroom level. But to get that overdrive and crunch at that lower level you will need a pedal. They are both awesome amps. I got the Z-Master for its simplicity and also the three 10 inch speakers trust me Joe was right there is Mojo in them.
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Post by markT on May 12, 2019 17:48:25 GMT -7
Just about to take the plunge on the Z-Master, but I’m curious to know the similarities between it and the NOVA. They seem very similar in many ways even though I know that even similar circuits can be made to sound differently. So how do they compare? Comparison by LT: "I've had some requests to compare the Nova to the ZM. Since I didn't have them both at the gig I can't do a direct comparison in the same environment. That being said, here are some thoughts. They are both firmly in the same "American/Tweed" camp as has been discussed here. The Nova has the fabulous OD circuit which for me means I really don't need the BD-2. Just keep the OD on most of the time and control the dirt from the GV. The ZM stayed clean at the settings above and took both OD pedals well. I kept the BD-2 on for most of the gig, basically replicating the Nova's OD. The ZM preamp is very flexible with the 2 V controls. For example, last night I found the amp a little bright, so instead of rolling back the T or P controls, I just upped V2 a little. The ZM also brings the great 3-10 swirl which pushes a lot of air, more so than the 1-12 I use with the Nova. Bottom line, I'm glad I have both. If you are on the fence on either or both of these, buy em. They are fantastic amps. Thank you Doc!" Read more: ztalk.proboards.com/thread/82149/gigged-master-last-night#ixzz5nlFzWSyw
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Post by markT on May 27, 2019 12:14:31 GMT -7
No other thoughts from those who own or played both??
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Post by Faze on Jun 30, 2019 17:42:01 GMT -7
I played a Nova last week at Pit Bull audio in National City Ca.Comparing it to the Z-Master the Nova to me sounded brighter. It also has more gain then the Z-Master. As LT stated they are very similar in the tweed territory. I can see why everyone loves the Nova. With the master volume and the Nova’s other features it’s a worthy gig ready tone machine. No need for a overdrive or distortion pedal. With the Z-Master on it own you have to crank it to get those overdrive tones just plugging straight in. The Nova is more versatile. I just use my pedals with the Z-Master and I really love the 3 speaker Set up. It’s a more 3D like tone. It’s full sounding. But in all honesty if Doc didn’t make the Z-Master I more then likely would have got me a Nova. It’s a fantastic sounding well thought out amp. If you are thinking about either of these amps you really can’t go wrong with either one. And if you have both like LT you are all set.
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Post by LT on Jul 2, 2019 8:06:26 GMT -7
I played a Nova last week at Pit Bull audio in National City Ca.Comparing it to the Z-Master the Nova to me sounded brighter. It also has more gain then the Z-Master. As LT stated they are very similar in the tweed territory. I can see why everyone loves the Nova. With the master volume and the Nova’s other features it’s a worthy gig ready tone machine. No need for a overdrive or distortion pedal. With the Z-Master on it own you have to crank it to get those overdrive tones just plugging straight in. The Nova is more versatile. I just use my pedals with the Z-Master and I really love the 3 speaker Set up. It’s a more 3D like tone. It’s full sounding. But in all honesty if Doc didn’t make the Z-Master I more then likely would have got me a Nova. It’s a fantastic sounding well thought out amp. If you are thinking about either of these amps you really can’t go wrong with either one. And if you have both like LT you are all set. Well said Randy. Both are great amps.
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