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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 27, 2019 4:00:00 GMT -7
Is there a general, definitive consensus on MK2's sonic superiority vs. MK1? Especially the master volume & the voicing the amp?
Only on the grounds of the Dr Z AMA video I hear the MK1 sounding slightly more open, airy (in a good way) & articulate. Any truth in that? Anybody likes the old version sonically better?
In the video the gain is cranked in the way I wouldn't do. I guess I'd run the amp mostly clean and get most of the grit from pedals. So I guess I would not benefit from the stronger sustain of MK2.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Jan 27, 2019 5:11:29 GMT -7
I owned a Mk1 2x10 combo for 14 years. I really loved the sound. I had a real desire to try a Z-Plus. As we were planning our move cross country, I decided to trade some gear to CME to obtain a Z-Plus. I had 3 amps Maz combo, Ghia, and Antidote, and 4 Z cabinets. Two cabinets left. The Maz combo was chosen because it would garner the most in trade-in values, and it was on the weightier side. Before I left with the Z-Plus I tried a floor sample of the Mk2. I did not like it as much as the Mk1I was trading. I felt I heard much of what you describe. Having said that there is a caveat to my statement. I don't believe I gave the Mk2 a fair shot. My mind was focused on obtaining a Z-Plus. The Mk2 was fresh out of a box, and it was the studio size cab. I spent little time dialing it in. I was in a hurry and really wanted to consummate my deal and get back to packing for our move.
I really was attached to my Maz, but I justified my sacrifice as the Z-Plus would get me all the tone I would require at very reasonable home studio volumes. (plus small gigs). The Ghia could fill almost the same volume or more and give me El 84 goodness, and the Antidote would handle higher power needs and it sounds so good. Hindsight, if I could have put that Maz in a head cabinet and sold off the combo cab, I would have. That Maz sounded special. If I find myself in another band in our new locale, I may search for a used Mk1 head. Having said that, I will give a Mk2 an honest test drive.
I probably gave you more info than necessary, but it all makes up my experience. Long winded answer supporting your assertion. Others' opinions I am sure will vary.
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Post by zpilot on Jan 27, 2019 6:35:07 GMT -7
Things to consider. Tonal differences are just that. One is not necessarily better than the other. If a player has gotten used to a MK1 and the rest of his rig is dialed in for that, a change to a MK2 might not be warranted. The MK1 has been a GREAT amp for many years and, just because there is a new version, it doesn't mean it no longer is.
A player is used to hearing his amp with a speaker that is broken in. When you try out an amp in the store that speaker will not be.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 27, 2019 8:01:37 GMT -7
Well said. To my ear the MKII (no reverb model) has slightly more gain than the original, and the Master vol is vastly improved. I can get great tone at any level with the MKII, whereas before I needed to get the MV up around noon before the amp really opened up. I don't use the effects loop much, but it worked very well the one time I did put a delay in it. I really like the change. The difference may be more evident in the reverb equipped model, since I've got the Maz 18NR I can't say.
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Post by mickey on Jan 27, 2019 16:03:09 GMT -7
As a regular user of my Maz 18 Mk1, I use that amp because I like it. I like it's tone, it's response, and the way it helps each of my guitars sound how they should. I have no doubt, from the comments here and the videos I've seen, that the Mk2 is excellent, but so is my Mk1, so even if the upgrade is available in the UK, which it may or may not be at present, I will not be rushing to get it done just yet. I'm sure I'd really like the reverb and master volume improvements in particular, but I'm sticking with what I have for now.
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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 30, 2019 11:39:01 GMT -7
Made my Maz 18 NR Mark2 order yesterday and get it next week. Let you know how we get along. Thanks everybody for your views! To be continued.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Jan 30, 2019 13:33:11 GMT -7
You’re gonna love it!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 30, 2019 13:57:39 GMT -7
I think it's a great choice. One of my favorites for sure, it checks off so many boxes. Killer amplifier, it really responds to your input. There's no hiding with a Z amp, what you play is what you hear!
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Post by Stephen on Jan 30, 2019 16:48:32 GMT -7
My 2012 Maz 18 NR was great. I had no issue with the sound or reliability. It was just too heavy! I sold it and bought a Maz 18 Reverb MKII Studio Combo. I have not been disappointed.
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Post by telejas on Jan 30, 2019 19:53:32 GMT -7
To my ears.....
This is all opinion here:
The Mk.I is slightly more "Voxy" and a little more percussive, with a little more bite on the top end (like an angry AC15), even playing the "edge of breakup" we all like.
The Mk.II is fuller sounding, slightly rolled off on the top end (but can still sound very Voxy), not as percussive, feels like it blooms more when playing notes.
Both have good headroom, a GREAT clean tone, and take pedals well..... but the Mk.II has more drive when cranked all the way. I can play old school Ozzy with my Wolfgang on the Mk.II.... Wasn't quite there on the Mk.I.
This is all fact: The MV is amazing! The Reverb (if you have a reverb model) is equally amazing.... It's like a completely different amp in those two aspects. The voicing, is as I described above... It's opinion.
If there wasn't a Mk.II, I'd be 110% happy with any Maz I had.... But, I'm currently 112% happy with my Mk.II. I've never really liked reverb on amps before, but I find this to be very musical and not in the way (but can get "surfy", if needed).
It's a different amp, but at the end of the day - it's still a Maz.
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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 31, 2019 2:29:42 GMT -7
An interesting comparison. Too bad I haven't got a chance to verify it myself but still happy finally to meet MkII.
It's a class A amp, right? Actually didn't find that piece of information on Dr Z site. But on Humbucker Music pages it's said Maz's a class A amplifier.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 31, 2019 12:01:33 GMT -7
I know that the Maz 8 (discontinued) is a true Class A amp, but I'm not aware that any of the other Maz models are. I think they are class A/B. The current line includes the Z-Plus which is Class A, but I don't know of any others that are true Class A configuration.
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Post by DRZ on Feb 3, 2019 14:43:03 GMT -7
I know that the Maz 8 (discontinued) is a true Class A amp, but I'm not aware that any of the other Maz models are. I think they are class A/B. The current line includes the Z-Plus which is Class A, but I don't know of any others that are true Class A configuration. +100 Z
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