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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 10:52:52 GMT -7
I had been planning for some time to make my next amp a Maz 18. Then the Maz 8 came along and I am now thinking this might suit my requirements better as it could be used in the home a lot for recording and writing etc, as well as for gigs.
While I am trying to decide the main question I am trying to answer is what does a Maz 18 do that a Maz 8 can't?
If I can get all the tone of a Maz 18 or 38 (but at lower volume) with a Maz 8 then I've probably hit the motherload.
I know it's early days with the Maz 8 as yet, but I know it won't be long before people on this forum start to try out and get Maz 8's. And I also know that a lot of people on here have a lot of Maz time. So I would like to hear anything that you have to say please.
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Post by Maddog on Oct 11, 2011 11:02:24 GMT -7
I am guessing here, so take this w / a grain of salt:
The 18 surely will be the louder amp. I played several big dance halls with my Maz Jr without mic'ing and the 18 Jr did great. I feel small clubs are probably gonna be the limit volume-wise for the Maz 8.
The 18 should also sound a bit fuller due to bigger cab ( bigger than the M 8's popular "studio cab"), and more grunt form the extra wattage.
I am planning on using my Maz 8 (oredered not received) for practices, home use, and small beer joint / restaurant gigs.....
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Post by digitalkettle on Oct 11, 2011 11:10:07 GMT -7
If I can get all the tone of a Maz 18 or 38 (but at lower volume) with a Maz 8 then I've probably hit the motherload. I owned a 38 and an 18, I've got a 18 NR and I spent fifteen minutes jamming on an 8. First impressions are that you would not be disappointed with the 8
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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 11:22:06 GMT -7
I am guessing here, so take this w / a grain of salt: The 18 surely will be the louder amp. I played several big dance halls with my Maz Jr without mic'ing and the 18 Jr did great. I feel small clubs are probably gonna be the limit volume-wise for the Maz 8. The 18 should also sound a bit fuller due to bigger cab ( bigger than the M 8's popular "studio cab"), and more grunt form the extra wattage. Thanks The volume issue as such won't be a problem as I always have my amps micked up at gigs, so it's all about tone. The fullness issue . . . I'm thinking of getting a Maz 8 head rather than a combo and then using a Dr Z 2 x 10 cab.
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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 11:22:46 GMT -7
If I can get all the tone of a Maz 18 or 38 (but at lower volume) with a Maz 8 then I've probably hit the motherload. I owned a 38 and an 18, I've got a 18 NR and I spent fifteen minutes jamming on an 8. First impressions are that you would not be disappointed with the 8 Excellent news!
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Post by crxsh on Oct 11, 2011 12:13:48 GMT -7
The EQ settings in the demo that's up are nowhere near how I set my Maz 18. Can't help but wonder how different the two are in that regard.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 11, 2011 13:39:23 GMT -7
The only other difference I see (besides that new power cord arrangement and the output power difference) is that the Maz 8 has that Pentode/Triode switch. You do not get that on the Maz 18.
Click the amp specs link in my signature - you can compare all of the technicals side by side.
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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 13:51:02 GMT -7
Thanks Steve, I did check out the specs link on your signature . . . very useful.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2011 14:18:53 GMT -7
As a long time MAZ 18 NR owner I'd say that the unscientific difference that you can run the MAZ 8 w the Master open in a lot more situations. I've had a MAZ 18 for almost 10 years and even playing big places and outdoor gigs I never got the master past noon w/o an attenuator.
The single EL84 really lets you hear the output section of the amp. You can really hear what the cut knob does. The amp is more open with it turned up, tighter when it is set lower.
The Maz 8 has really brought to my attention the more I play my Z's the more I feel that guys who don't really use their guitar volume as a major part of getting their sounds are really missing out on one of the most special things about these amps.
(IMHO of course)
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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 14:23:04 GMT -7
Good observation . . . and another piece of compelling information in the decision making process!
Does the Maz 8 studio combo you are currently using have an air brake? And if so have you had the need to use it?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2011 14:32:23 GMT -7
It does have a Brake Lite. I have used it on a couple gigs and I have used it playing at home. I think the Brake Lite is a great piece with this amp and speaker.
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Post by Dan F"i"fe on Oct 11, 2011 14:54:11 GMT -7
Eric, everything you post about this amp is why I wanted/ordered one. And it's especially true about the volume knob on your guitar. Other than the high gain folks - almost any amp opens up to so many sounds when you use it properly. IMHO
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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 14:58:46 GMT -7
It does have a Brake Lite. I have used it on a couple gigs and I have used it playing at home. I think the Brake Lite is a great piece with this amp and speaker. OK Eric . . . I'm sold. My next amp will be a Maz 8 and I plan to order one in time for Christmas. At this stage I am still aiming to get a head and 2 x 10 Dr Z cab, but I saw what you had to say about your studio combo and you gave it a glowing report, so I still have to make that final decision. I can get a Brake Lite factory fitted on a head if my final decision is a head can't I?
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Post by DRZ on Oct 11, 2011 15:45:46 GMT -7
The EQ settings in the demo that's up are nowhere near how I set my Maz 18. Can't help but wonder how different the two are in that regard. OK Crash there are some differences in the design, not alot but I'll list them: First the CUT control is a differ ant circuit. This has no Phase Inverter since it's single ended so the CUT filter is differant. I tried as close as I could to duplicate the sweep and Freq.response. It's close but not exact. Second the amp is true Class "A" operation so there are less Even Order Harmonics. This makes a less Symmetrical output wave, it adds more color to the tone and is less articulate then Class A/B. Nice singing sustain. The MAZ 8 has a stronger Filter supply which is needed for Single-End and more so for Triode operation. Think about Single coils and Humbuckers, humbuckers cancel hum just like a Bi Phase signal in a push pull amps Output Tranny. In a single ended amp no cancel of phased signal, so more filter to keep the amp quiet. The added filter tightens up the low end and decreases sag. And last but not least that is BRAND NEW Celestion Blue. A very tight speaker out of the box, a bit brighter till it breaks in and warms up. This low wattage amp will take longer to loosen up the Blue, but it will sound better with each playing. Dave's settings aren't that different from standard MAZ settings, his are T=10:00 M=11:00 B=12:00, it is the final filter CUT that makes the most difference in final tone. The speaker is new and very bright so less Treble, Mids are set flat, and Bass is a bit higher do to tighter Filters. You won't be switching mid song from Pent to Triode and I found the most tweaking of the EQ is needed between these settings. Listen again if you can to the demo with a good set of headphones you'll hear the harmonics pop, the tight bottom , and the full Class A response. DR.Z
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Post by gizmo on Oct 11, 2011 15:48:07 GMT -7
Thanks for the information Dr Z
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Post by Dan F"i"fe on Oct 11, 2011 16:17:44 GMT -7
Thanks for the explanation Dr Z on the design differences.
Just curious tho as I'm trying to understand differences in single end amp designs. Does the the Maz 8 a multitap OT?
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Post by DRZ on Oct 11, 2011 16:47:26 GMT -7
Thanks for the explanation Dr Z on the design differences. Just curious tho as I'm trying to understand differences in single end amp designs. Does the the Maz 8 a multitap OT? Yes it does. It has a single ended primary, and a multi tapped ( 4,8,16 ohm ) secondary. Z
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2011 17:14:33 GMT -7
As a long time MAZ 18 NR owner I'd say that the unscientific difference that you can run the MAZ 8 w the Master open in a lot more situations. I've had a MAZ 18 for almost 10 years and even playing big places and outdoor gigs I never got the master past noon w/o an attenuator. The single EL84 really lets you hear the output section of the amp. You can really hear what the cut knob does. The amp is more open with it turned up, tighter when it is set lower. The Maz 8 has really brought to my attention the more I play my Z's the more I feel that guys who don't really use their guitar volume as a major part of getting their sounds are really missing out on one of the most special things about these amps. (IMHO of course) Great opinion! I totally agree that is the underlining beauty of the Dr. Z amps using the amp as an instrument as well as your guitar they both work together in unison. Ride those guitar knobs baby! The tone is in your fingers.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Oct 11, 2011 17:58:25 GMT -7
Ok Crash there are some differances in the design, not alot but I'll list them: First the CUT control is a differant circuit. This has no Phase Inverter since it's single ended so the CUT filter is differant. I tryed as close as I could to duplicate the sweep and Freq.responce. It's close but not exact. Second the amp is true Class "A" operation so there are less Even Order Harmonics. This makes a less Symetrical output wave, it adds more color to the tone and is less articulate then Class A/B. Nice singing sustain. The MAZ 8 has a stronger Filter supply which is needed for Single-End and more so for Triode operation. Think about Single coils and Humbuckers, humbuckers cancel hum just like a Bi Phase signal in a push pull amps Output Tranny. In a single ended amp no cancel of phased signal, so more filter to keep the amp quiet. The added filter tightens up the low end and decreases sag. And last but not least that is BRAND NEW Celestion Blue. A very tight speaker out of the box, a bit brighter till it breaks in and warms up. This low wattage amp will take longer to loosen up the Blue, but it will sound better with each playing. Dave's settings aren't that differant from standard MAZ settings, his are T=10:00 M=11:00 B=12:00, it is the final filter CUT that makes the most differance in final tone. The speaker is new and very bright so less Treble, Mids are set flat, and Bass is a bit higher do to tighter Filters. You won't be switching mid song from Pent to Triode and I found the most tweaking of the EQ is needed between this settings. Listen again if you can to the demo with a good set of headphones you'll hear the harmonics pop, the tight bottom , and the full Class A reponce. DR.Z I LOVE this guy.........See can U get Jim Marshall(or any of the rest of 'em) to give U this kind of (personalized) detail, on a public forum...within a reasonable time frame. THX, Bruthr.....
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Oct 11, 2011 18:11:39 GMT -7
As a long time MAZ 18 NR owner I'd say that the unscientific difference that you can run the MAZ 8 w the Master open in a lot more situations. I've had a MAZ 18 for almost 10 years and even playing big places and outdoor gigs I never got the master past noon w/o an attenuator. The single EL84 really lets you hear the output section of the amp. You can really hear what the cut knob does. The amp is more open with it turned up, tighter when it is set lower. The Maz 8 has really brought to my attention the more I play my Z's the more I feel that guys who don't really use their guitar volume as a major part of getting their sounds are really missing out on one of the most special things about these amps. (IMHO of course) +......... a LOT.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2011 18:13:25 GMT -7
The Doc Rocks! Thats why we support him ;D Thanks Doc for taking the time out of your busy schedule. I got a 8 on order. That demo was all I needed to see and hear Im sold. Keep building and we will keep buying. ;D
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 11, 2011 19:15:23 GMT -7
Dang.. I'm about to start scheming for one of these.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2011 19:38:16 GMT -7
Dang.. I'm about to start scheming for one of these. Steve you know its only matter of time. Don't fight the feeling baby. ;D
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Oct 12, 2011 0:01:57 GMT -7
Dang.. I'm about to start scheming for one of these. LOL!! I suspect you ain't the only one!! I think I can hear the gears of scheming whirring away from over here ;D
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Post by crxsh on Oct 12, 2011 6:34:39 GMT -7
Thanks for the info, Doc! Much appreciated!
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Post by iluvpunz on Oct 12, 2011 13:29:16 GMT -7
I want one. Or two. (head and studio combo)
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Post by internetuser on Oct 15, 2011 6:17:11 GMT -7
Second the amp is true Class "A" operation so there are less Even Order Harmonics. This makes a less Symmetrical output wave, it adds more color to the tone and is less articulate then Class A/B. Nice singing sustain. Doc, I thought it was the other way around, i.e., true class A amps have more even order harmonics where as PP amps have more odd order harmonics, I've heard this more times than I can count
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billy
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Post by billy on Oct 17, 2011 19:17:08 GMT -7
im really liking the reviews on this amp
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Post by bluzman on Oct 17, 2011 22:29:42 GMT -7
Well I used it at a gig the other night and tonight we had a rehearsal.
I'm having a great time beating the C-Blue into shape!
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Post by DRZ on Oct 18, 2011 5:41:08 GMT -7
Doc, I thought it was the other way around, i.e., true class A amps have more even order harmonics where as PP amps have more odd order harmonics, I've heard this more times than I can count[/quote]
Well analyzing my signal tracer the asymmetric clipped output from the MAZ 8 is much richer in 3 rd and 5 rd order harmonics. Not sure were you read/heard a different result, I guess I'll need to blow the dust off some old text books and check.
DR.Z
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