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Post by steveinconcord on Nov 4, 2020 7:03:23 GMT -7
I’m a newbie to Z-Talk and I need a low power amp: looking at the Z-Plus and the Maz8. Wanting as much versatility as possible, the pentode-triode switch on the Maz8 seems to give more variation in sound than the half-power switch on the Z-Plus, and I’m tilting to a Maz8 (there are still some brand new ones out there). On the other hand, my PRIMARY concern is the noise floor. In the Doc’s Z-Plus video, he stresses how robust the transformers and filter caps are and how quiet the Z-Plus is. Can I expect the Maz8 to be just as quiet – I’m talking about the white noise/hiss that you hear in the speaker with the volume turned up and nothing plugged in at the input. I’m posting this to both the Maz8 and Z-Plus discussions hoping to get some wisdom from people who have thought about this stuff.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Nov 4, 2020 9:01:18 GMT -7
With the options the Doc has built into his amps after the Maz 8 the Z Plus may be the way to go for you. But I have an early Maz 8, V1, and it is extremely quiet. The options with the 8 is the pentode/triode switch, but even at 3 watts on triode the 8 can be plenty loud if needed. Add the fact you may be using OD pedals and the tonal options become even greater. With my Maz 8 or the Cure I am able cover an outdoor gig or small room playing (though the 20 year old side of me would love an EMS or CAZ).
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Post by gfreak on Nov 4, 2020 14:55:45 GMT -7
I have both. Both use the same Dr Z speaker(great speaker and great in both amps.) Both are combos. The only difference is the cabinets. The Maz 8 has the studio cab. The Plus uses the Ultra light cab. The noise floor on both amps is quite similar, they are both very quite. The Plus is more Fenderish. The Maz 8 has more chime. I would agree with you about the power switch. I feel the Maz's pentode/triode switch does change the character of the amp more then the half power switch on the Plus. When you flip the switch form pentode to triode you go from bold sound to a more vintage sound. On the Plus in half power it is easier to drive the amp and it sounds a little more compressed. Hope this helps.
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