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Post by trojanhov on Jan 18, 2024 20:28:15 GMT -7
It’s been a while since I’ve had a Z amp or posted in this forum! I’ve owned a Z-28 mki, z-lux, m12, and now the z-28 mkii! My mki: And now my mkiii! Not sure if I’m entirely sold on the creamback, or I just need to break the thing in. Right now it seems a little brittle and tight. I have a well broken in cannabis Rex, an et65, and my Carr original mercury has a well broken in scumback j75. From what I’ve read, people are loving the creamback, alnico cream. Any other speaker success stories? In this 1x12 cab obviously
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Zed
Full Member
Posts: 183
Member is Online
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Post by Zed on Jan 18, 2024 21:35:41 GMT -7
I didn’t love it at first either but once the speaker broke in it was really nice. I wouldn’t change a thing on mine. Cheers!
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sanox
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by sanox on Jan 18, 2024 23:20:49 GMT -7
For me it took about a hundred hours at lower to medium volume for the creamback to break in. There was quite a metamorphosis during that time. Still mid focused but the harsh brittle turned to cream. I’ve run other speakers in the cab but nothing sounded as good as the creamback. I’m trying an Eminence GA SC64 in it tomorrow once it gets delivered. Looking for a more American sound for a change. I’ll post on results.
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 18, 2024 23:57:04 GMT -7
For me it took about a hundred hours at lower to medium volume for the creamback to break in. There was quite a metamorphosis during that time. Still mid focused but the harsh brittle turned to cream. I’ve run other speakers in the cab but nothing sounded as good as the creamback. I’m trying an Eminence GA SC64 in it tomorrow once it gets delivered. Looking for a more American sound for a change. I’ll post on results. I swapped in a wgs et65 and i far prefer it over the creamback. Like a blanket was lifted over the amp
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Post by djcakadave on Jan 19, 2024 0:03:39 GMT -7
in my humble opion the best amp on this planet!
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Post by perryr on Jan 19, 2024 0:33:36 GMT -7
Luv my Z28MKII and that creamback sounds great to me! So easy to dial in a great sound at club levels, all the way down to home levels. My #1 for sure.
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Post by helmi on Jan 19, 2024 2:30:11 GMT -7
I’m trying an Eminence GA SC64 in it tomorrow once it gets delivered. One of the best all-around speakers I have ever owned. hope it sounds good in the MKII. congrats.
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Post by Andy 67 on Jan 19, 2024 5:05:02 GMT -7
Just give the Creamback some time to break in, and you’ll experience heaven on earth! I think this amp sounds great right out of the box, but once yoy break it in, man, it’s something else! Enjoy your tonal trip. Tons of tone!!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 19, 2024 8:56:15 GMT -7
+1000 on the Creamback. It's broken in now and although it was good at first it just keeps getting better.
I absolutely love this amp, it's the GOAT.
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 19, 2024 10:49:05 GMT -7
I tend to set my amps on the cleaner to cleanish side and use drives for dirt personally. This amp is having me re-examine how I use pedals and how I set the amp. I did not like how my drives sounded through the creamback (personally). Not sure how much of that will change with break in, but I tend not to like the greenback thing much anyway.
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Post by gfreak on Jan 19, 2024 15:55:38 GMT -7
The Creamback needs time to break in. Give it time and it will sound great!
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Post by bubs42 on Jan 19, 2024 20:20:51 GMT -7
I vote for the ET65, incredible speaker. I have an original 1265 and the ET65 nails the tone. I personally love and used the Z12 in my Z28MKII. The Z28 can do both Vintage early 60’s American and British Tones an so does the Z12. A match made in Z Heaven.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 19, 2024 20:48:10 GMT -7
I tend to set my amps on the cleaner to cleanish side and use drives for dirt personally. This amp is having me re-examine how I use pedals and how I set the amp. I did not like how my drives sounded through the creamback (personally). Not sure how much of that will change with break in, but I tend not to like the greenback thing much anyway. This amp is so versatile; the Tone controls really have a huge affect on the drive, and the interaction with the Volume control is huge. Add in the Master, and I'm still finding new flavors of tone, compression, and drive in this amplifier. All of the above makes me rethink my drive pedals too. It's amazing.
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 20, 2024 1:40:03 GMT -7
I think I’m just having a tough time dialing in a sound I like. I feel like it’s speaker related. Maybe tube related? I’m finding the tone to be a touch middly almost in a muffled way? If it’s part of a break in process for a speaker or something I’ll stick it out. I plugged the z28 into my Carr mercury cab with a j75 and wasn’t too thrilled with that speaker option either, and that one’s had a lot of playing time.
Also, Does anyone’s volume knob have a dead zone from completely off to about 8-9am on the dial? Is this part of the design?
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Post by bubs42 on Jan 20, 2024 5:10:37 GMT -7
I think I’m just having a tough time dialing in a sound I like. I feel like it’s speaker related. Maybe tube related? I’m finding the tone to be a touch middly almost in a muffled way? If it’s part of a break in process for a speaker or something I’ll stick it out. I plugged the z28 into my Carr mercury cab with a j75 and wasn’t too thrilled with that speaker option either, and that one’s had a lot of playing time. Also, Does anyone’s volume knob have a dead zone from completely off to about 8-9am on the dial? Is this part of the design? No dead zones to speak of, the amp is so simple to set up. The Z28 naturally has a slight mid bump to it. I set my volume to between 9 0’clock for cleanish tones and 1 0’clock for dirtier tones. Bass around 10:30/11, HIghs around 1 0’clock, and master to whatever is needed.
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Post by DRZ on Jan 20, 2024 6:41:08 GMT -7
I think I’m just having a tough time dialing in a sound I like. I feel like it’s speaker related. Maybe tube related? I’m finding the tone to be a touch middly almost in a muffled way? If it’s part of a break in process for a speaker or something I’ll stick it out. I plugged the z28 into my Carr mercury cab with a j75 and wasn’t too thrilled with that speaker option either, and that one’s had a lot of playing time. Also, Does anyone’s volume knob have a dead zone from completely off to about 8-9am on the dial? Is this part of the design? Let me jump in here as we have sold over 250 Z 28 MKII's and your complaint hasn't been aired before to my knowledge. As you can read most are enjoying the Z 28 MKII combo and speaker combination. You state that a j75 speaker you weren't too thrilled with either , so I think it may not be the speaker. Earlier you posted that you felt the speaker was too shrill , boy that is not what the Creamback reproduces it is mostly subtle in the high end, and now it's muffled in the midrange . Yes all Celestion speakers are rich in Mid response , that is their sound. So, did you buy the amp new ? If so where did you buy it from? If it was new was it an "Open Box " unit ? What is the serial number ? Did you register it yet ? If it is a new purchase you have a warranty so just send in the chassis only, and I will personally go over the amp loaded in a stock cab and evaluate it for any issues and repair if needed. And if it's not new I would suggest sending in the chassis for evaluation so you can enjoy the amps true sounds error free if issues are corrected, but of course not a warranty claim if bought used or at a discounted price. The Z 28 MKII as been one of most well received amps to date loved by most so your thread did catch my attention . Z
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Post by Ridgeback on Jan 20, 2024 8:08:41 GMT -7
This is one of the reasons why Z amps enjoy the following and brand loyalty that they do.
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 20, 2024 19:02:12 GMT -7
I think I’m just having a tough time dialing in a sound I like. I feel like it’s speaker related. Maybe tube related? I’m finding the tone to be a touch middly almost in a muffled way? If it’s part of a break in process for a speaker or something I’ll stick it out. I plugged the z28 into my Carr mercury cab with a j75 and wasn’t too thrilled with that speaker option either, and that one’s had a lot of playing time. Also, Does anyone’s volume knob have a dead zone from completely off to about 8-9am on the dial? Is this part of the design? Let me jump in here as we have sold over 250 Z 28 MKII's and your complaint hasn't been aired before to my knowledge. As you can read most are enjoying the Z 28 MKII combo and speaker combination. You state that a j75 speaker you weren't too thrilled with either , so I think it may not be the speaker. Earlier you posted that you felt the speaker was too shrill , boy that is not what the Creamback reproduces it is mostly subtle in the high end, and now it's muffled in the midrange . Yes all Celestion speakers are rich in Mid response , that is their sound. So, did you buy the amp new ? If so where did you buy it from? If it was new was it an "Open Box " unit ? What is the serial number ? Did you register it yet ? If it is a new purchase you have a warranty so just send in the chassis only, and I will personally go over the amp loaded in a stock cab and evaluate it for any issues and repair if needed. And if it's not new I would suggest sending in the chassis for evaluation so you can enjoy the amps true sounds error free if issues are corrected, but of course not a warranty claim if bought used or at a discounted price. The Z 28 MKII as been one of most well received amps to date loved by most so your thread did catch my attention . Z Doc thanks so much for chiming in! What’s crazy to me is that this afternoon I was putting a set list together and finalizing keys and was using the z-28 Mkii. The ET65 is still in there. I was able to dial in a ton of cool sounds. I didn’t have to be too careful with volume or my pick attack and the amp was able to breathe a bit more and I was able to experience first had the impressive dynamic range this amp has to offer. A pleasant reminder of my beloved z28 mki i moved long ago. As far as the amp, I did get it used, but the person I bought it from got it from sweet water in July 2023 and had about an hours playing time on it (per his report). I was unfortunately unable to play it before I bought it, so that’s all on me and I understand that voids warranty. I only buy amps from a select group of builders and Dr. Z is one of them. I’ve had nothing but great customer service from you guys and I know that if anything needed to be done I can always send it to you guys and have the amp in top shape. That said, I do have an amp tech who’s great locally who’s gonna take a look at the volume taper thing and do a once over in case the previous owner messed with it. If there is anything glaringly wrong (which I don’t expect to be the case), I will definitely reach out to repairs and have the chassis shipped over your way. Thanks again doc for chiming in and i look forward to putting this amp through its paces. My plan is to put the creamback back in and break the speaker in as you and many others recommended.
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 22, 2024 15:02:55 GMT -7
Just as an update. My amp tech discovered one of the 12ax7’s had gone bad and needed replacing. Also discovered that one of the power tubes was going bad and not matched with the other (working at half it’s capacity or something). Ef86 was the tube that was perfect go figure.
He also changed the volume pot which resulted in a slight improvement in the taper (volume used to start right at around 9am on the dial). This is not as much of a concern to me as I have no plans on setting my amp volume at like 8am or so anyway.
He did mention a massive improvement in the sound of the amp as you would obviously expect.
Moral of the story? Bad glass happens? I’ll report more after picking up my amp
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 22, 2024 20:42:25 GMT -7
I think I’m just having a tough time dialing in a sound I like. I feel like it’s speaker related. Maybe tube related? I’m finding the tone to be a touch middly almost in a muffled way? If it’s part of a break in process for a speaker or something I’ll stick it out. I plugged the z28 into my Carr mercury cab with a j75 and wasn’t too thrilled with that speaker option either, and that one’s had a lot of playing time. Also, Does anyone’s volume knob have a dead zone from completely off to about 8-9am on the dial? Is this part of the design? Let me jump in here as we have sold over 250 Z 28 MKII's and your complaint hasn't been aired before to my knowledge. As you can read most are enjoying the Z 28 MKII combo and speaker combination. You state that a j75 speaker you weren't too thrilled with either , so I think it may not be the speaker. Earlier you posted that you felt the speaker was too shrill , boy that is not what the Creamback reproduces it is mostly subtle in the high end, and now it's muffled in the midrange . Yes all Celestion speakers are rich in Mid response , that is their sound. So, did you buy the amp new ? If so where did you buy it from? If it was new was it an "Open Box " unit ? What is the serial number ? Did you register it yet ? If it is a new purchase you have a warranty so just send in the chassis only, and I will personally go over the amp loaded in a stock cab and evaluate it for any issues and repair if needed. And if it's not new I would suggest sending in the chassis for evaluation so you can enjoy the amps true sounds error free if issues are corrected, but of course not a warranty claim if bought used or at a discounted price. The Z 28 MKII as been one of most well received amps to date loved by most so your thread did catch my attention . Z Hi Doc! Where can i get the 5881 tubes you prefer (the short bottle psvane 5881?). The ones I find online don’t seem to be the short one. My amp tech put in a matched pair of jj 6L6’s. My understanding is that 5881’s are essentially 6L6’s but I know you designed the amp around the psvane and would prefer to use that. Will the 6L6 cause any problems in the amp beside not being the sound you intended?
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Post by DRZ on Jan 23, 2024 2:20:19 GMT -7
First JJ 6L6's are fine although they do alter the designed response of the Z 28 MKII slightly. As with all tubes these days you can get good batches and not so good batches . Amplified Parts does carry the Psvane small bottled 5881 . But one caveat I have had a large failure rate with them right out of box. So now all new Z 28 MKII are loaded with reliable Tung Sol 5881 reissue, which are readily available . The Tung Sol seem to give a smooth break up a bit sooner than the cleaner Psvane 5881, which to most is a good thing. I use the Tung Sol 5881 in the Joe Walsh Z Master and they have preformed excellently both sonically and super reliable.
Z
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Post by trojanhov on Jan 23, 2024 15:32:24 GMT -7
First JJ 6L6's are fine although they do alter the designed response of the Z 28 MKII slightly. As with all tubes these days you can get good batches and not so good batches . Amplified Parts does carry the Psvane small bottled 5881 . But one caveat I have had a large failure rate with them right out of box. So now all new Z 28 MKII are loaded with reliable Tung Sol 5881 reissue, which are readily available . The Tung Sol seem to give a smooth break up a bit sooner than the cleaner Psvane 5881, which to most is a good thing. I use the Tung Sol 5881 in the Joe Walsh Z Master and they have preformed excellently both sonically and super reliable. Z Doc! Besides the glass, I found that the issue I was having was pedalboard related. Once I took care of the power issue everything resolved. The amp is phenomenal, the creamback phenomenal. Just wanted to thank you and repairs for being accessible and helping. I am absolutely floored by this amp! I’ll be picking up a set of the tubes you recommended and likely keep the 6l6 as back up (they do sound great btw!)
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Post by DRZ on Jan 23, 2024 16:36:37 GMT -7
Good. Enjoy.
Z
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Post by John on Jan 23, 2024 18:17:41 GMT -7
First JJ 6L6's are fine although they do alter the designed response of the Z 28 MKII slightly. As with all tubes these days you can get good batches and not so good batches . Amplified Parts does carry the Psvane small bottled 5881 . But one caveat I have had a large failure rate with them right out of box. So now all new Z 28 MKII are loaded with reliable Tung Sol 5881 reissue, which are readily available . The Tung Sol seem to give a smooth break up a bit sooner than the cleaner Psvane 5881, which to most is a good thing. I use the Tung Sol 5881 in the Joe Walsh Z Master and they have preformed excellently both sonically and super reliable. Z Doc! Besides the glass, I found that the issue I was having was pedalboard related. Once I took care of the power issue everything resolved. The amp is phenomenal, the creamback phenomenal. Just wanted to thank you and repairs for being accessible and helping. I am absolutely floored by this amp! I’ll be picking up a set of the tubes you recommended and likely keep the 6l6 as back up (they do sound great btw!)
Once again folks...if you're having problems....immediately unplug from the pedalboard and plug directly into the amp..and see if the problem still exists.
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Post by tumeniamps (Tom) on Jan 24, 2024 4:25:45 GMT -7
I've yet to have a single problem with any of my 27 Z's, that wasn't a tube.
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Post by scottyc13 on Jan 24, 2024 4:51:22 GMT -7
I've yet to have a single problem with any of my 27 Z's, that wasn't a tube. “Hello. My name is Tom and I have 27 Dr Z amps” 😄 Zalolics Anonymous Member I have a feeling that if I lived near a Dr Z dealer, I would have more than two. Agree that tubes and inputs are the first things to look at.
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Post by tumeniamps (Tom) on Jan 24, 2024 5:54:28 GMT -7
I've yet to have a single problem with any of my 27 Z's, that wasn't a tube. “Hello. My name is Tom and I have 27 Dr Z amps” 😄 Zalolics Anonymous Member I have a feeling that if I lived near a Dr Z dealer, I would have more than two. Agree that tubes and inputs are the first things to look at. I admit it, I have a problem! 🤣🤣🤣
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 24, 2024 10:11:15 GMT -7
“Hello. My name is Tom and I have 27 Dr Z amps” 😄 Zalolics Anonymous Member I have a feeling that if I lived near a Dr Z dealer, I would have more than two. Agree that tubes and inputs are the first things to look at. I admit it, I have a problem! 🤣🤣🤣 I wouldn't say problem...At least for me it's gotta be more like ENLIGHTENED.
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Post by bubs42 on Jan 24, 2024 20:33:32 GMT -7
I admit it, I have a problem! 🤣🤣🤣 I wouldn't say problem...At least for me it's gotta be more like ENLIGHTENED. I caught the bug.
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