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Post by gotmojo on Oct 25, 2010 6:28:11 GMT -7
Hey! Here's a dual thread! A new innovation I'm trialing here at Z World.
1) Can anybody tell a difference in the Speed and Comfort modes on his amp. I can't hear or feel a difference. I'm running the amp Braked down pretty hard at either the last or next to last Air Brake setting, so maybe it'll be more noticeable when not braked so hard.
2) What few reviews have been posted so far, everybody has liked the Wreck. Anybody not like it? Inquiring minds wanna know.
jj
asking the tough questions.
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Post by stratovarius on Oct 25, 2010 7:26:56 GMT -7
I can definitely tell the difference. There is a sweet spot on the volume knob at about 1 - 2 o'clock, and on the 'Speed' setting the amp exhibits extreme sensitivity to picking dynamics. On the 'Comfort' setting, the amp is less sensitive - in other words, the amp is more forgiving in this mode.
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Post by frankiestarr on Oct 25, 2010 8:08:58 GMT -7
That about sums it it up[ Stratovarious. More compression and sag in comfort, stiffer and more brilliant in speed. It's something you almost feel more then hear. It also is more obvious when altering your picking hand from softer to harder and in-between. And I think that with so much drive and brake-lite some of those nuances will be less pronounced. I like me volume at 12 or 1 O'Clock. A little cleaner....As far as part two of your question, I am real happy with it. It's really different compared to the other models. And I think the handful of people who have them are getting to know it better, and the other handful are waiting patiently for there's to arrive. Great amp !
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Post by ruger9 on Oct 25, 2010 11:22:03 GMT -7
Speed/comfort switch? That's not even listed on Z's product page. Wassup wit dat?
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 25, 2010 12:16:09 GMT -7
Speed/comfort switch? That's not even listed on Z's product page. Wassup wit dat? It's there - you just missed it. It says, "... Also on board is a newly designed power transformer which incorporates a multi tapped secondary that allows for 2 different plate voltage settings: Comfort and Speed. Speed yields a strong attack with increased clarity and dynamic headroom. Every note rings clear in the clean settings and they absolutely scream when the amp is pushed to its natural overdriven voice. The comfort setting drops the plate voltage down for more of a vintage feel. The softer response and overall sweetness of the comfort setting really make it difficult to put the guitar down. ..."
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Post by ruger9 on Oct 25, 2010 12:29:48 GMT -7
So the switch is on the back I take it?
Sound like a tube/SS rectifier switch (it's not, it just sounds like it acts like one.)
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 25, 2010 12:57:25 GMT -7
So the switch is on the back I take it? Sound like a tube/SS rectifier switch (it's not, it just sounds like it acts like one.) Yeah, if you look at the pics you can see it there.
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Post by MeZadude on Oct 25, 2010 15:51:15 GMT -7
Don't know yet. My Wreck's still in the box in the living room. Maybe I should go check it out! MeZadude
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Post by MeZadude on Oct 25, 2010 16:15:25 GMT -7
Just plugged it in and threw a few notes at it. Nice sound. Looks to be about the same size as my Ray. Should be a fun amp. Looking forward to gigging with it. MeZadude
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Post by markT on Oct 25, 2010 17:02:37 GMT -7
Congrats MeZa!! Looking forward to more comments..... The Speed/Comfort switch is subtle, but seems to do exactly what the Doc says it does. However, I am using this amp straight up...no AirBrake for this one. Volume about 10am... That's the sound I like. Clean with a bit of hair with GV up and pick attack strong. I've been using both Speed and Comfort settings...haven't found a fav...but seem to like the Speed since it's a hair cleaner... oh...and about the 2nd part... jj are you not gelling with your Wreck? To be honest....The first hour with the strat I was SO digging this bad boy...then with the Les Paul not as much... I was thinking...man, I could send this thing back and save a wad!! ...but not so fast...a few more hours and must give the speakers time attitude and this baby ain't goin' no where! ;D Sometime we need a little bonding time.
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Post by fatsound on Oct 25, 2010 18:22:32 GMT -7
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Post by gotmojo on Oct 25, 2010 20:23:19 GMT -7
MarkT, Please don't misunderstand! I love this amp!!!! Not so many folks had posted about it, which surprised me, and I was wondering if there were maybe some who were not gelling with it. As we've had no responses in the negative, I'm gonna assume everybody's happy. jj
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Post by markT on Oct 26, 2010 4:16:34 GMT -7
MarkT, Please don't misunderstand! I love this amp!!!! Not so many folks had posted about it, which surprised me, and I was wondering if there were maybe some who were not gelling with it. As we've had no responses in the negative, I'm gonna assume everybody's happy. jj ...I hope I didn't offend you, I just was reading between the lines...the wrong way, I guess.. I'm glad you are happy with your's..as I'm very happy with mine...getting happier all the time! Can't wait for my gig next weekend! Have you played with the switch un-attenuated yet?
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Post by gotmojo on Oct 26, 2010 5:50:02 GMT -7
Dude, not offended in the least! Seems like you and Frankie and I are the only ones posting about the amp's sound and usability. I'd have thought there'd be a bunch more by now, but that's fine. Not everbody runs on at the mouth like me. (Recognizing you have the problem is the first step....). And, no, haven't tried the unattenuated switch thang yet. Too loud. If I never find that switch to be a useful option on this amp I will still be happy as a clam. I've never really played any of theses amps without the Brake, even on the coupla gigs we've done with 'em. Being able to use the Brake on these amps is part of the reason I am so pumped about these Z's. Head + cab = easy on back. Great tone at any volume = most excellent. It's a killer combination, one I've been searching for my whole life. Search over. I'm now in the process of adding some Brake Lites into some of my vintage amps to make them more useable, too. Dr. Z has been the answer to all my gear problems. Except selling off all the stuff I'm no longer gonna use. jj
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Post by hollywood88 on Nov 6, 2010 8:10:53 GMT -7
Just picked mine up yesterday after the long wait and after about 6 hours straight of playing with it (I'm glad the neighbors didn't call the 5-0 haha) I like it. The speed adds just a taste more drive and touch sensitivity and almost a mid presence boost it seems like to me. The comfort setting sounds great but I doubt I'll ever switch that little toggle off of speed very often.
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Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2010 8:13:38 GMT -7
Congrats. Great amp, isn't it. I haven't even moved that switch from Speed. Unfortunately, I started getting some bad sonic junk that may be a bad tube. Have to start troubleshooting.
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Post by markT on Nov 6, 2010 8:35:44 GMT -7
Congrats hollywood88!....the fun has only begun! It gets better!~ I have played with the switch a good bit and I've found, like stated above, that in the speed setting, the sound is a little more strong...or hard...in your face, and with the comfort, it's a tad softer and a little warmer and the db drops just a slice. I can almost use IT as a slight attenuator. It's subtle but very useful. I started with liking the speed more....now I've been using the comfort more....I'm all about comfort, you know...
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Post by DRZ on Nov 6, 2010 8:42:03 GMT -7
Congrats. Great amp, isn't it. I haven't even moved that switch from Speed. Unfortunately, I started getting some bad sonic junk that may be a bad tube. Have to start troubleshooting. Dang sorry to hear that Mike. Tubes are tubes but I did hand select and test each tube that went into each Z-Wreck. The first thing I would suggest is to remove back metal panel, and with power unplugged, pull out and re-seat each tube one at a time. Make sure they are nice and snug in there sockets, shipping and heat cycling can cause a tube to loosen in the socket and cause "Sonic Junk". E-Mail me direct drz@drzamps.com if that doesn't help. Z
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Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2010 10:20:26 GMT -7
Thanks, DR Z.
I did check that the tubes were properly seated. I got a "purple lightning" problem.
Email on its way.
Mike (doctorice)
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 6, 2010 10:25:54 GMT -7
Thanks, DR Z. I did check that the tubes were properly seated. I got a "purple lightning" problem. Email on its way. Mike (doctorice) Hm... purple lighting? Sounds like a great new name for an amp model, or maybe one specific amp. Yeah, I like that.
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Post by hollywood88 on Nov 6, 2010 11:28:52 GMT -7
I took a video on my Iphone last night of us playing it but I was a tad bit too close and the audio just distorted out for the most part. I'm really disappointed because I was planning on putting it up. We had my tele and a barrage of Duesenberg guitars running it through the paces last night. Could not get a bad sound out of it at all. IMHO it is one of the top most versitile amps to cover a wide range of tones. My hats off to you Doc...everyone that has played my Zwreck has salivated and not one ill word except for the infamous......"it's loud"...which I don't see as bad but that's just me.
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Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2010 14:44:27 GMT -7
Thanks, DR Z. I did check that the tubes were properly seated. I got a "purple lightning" problem. Email on its way. Mike (doctorice) Hm... purple lighting? Sounds like a great new name for an amp model, or maybe one specific amp. Yeah, I like that. ;D Maybe we can get numbers 1 and 2? Following Z's instructions (in an email), I confirmed that the tube is bad. As you would guess knowing the strength of Z customer support, he's sending a new set of output tubes. Just shows what finicky beasties those little glass bottles are since Z had tested all the tubes for the Z Wreck run.
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