Pure high-end vacuum tube audio is still going strong, as proven by Japanese company Zanden Audio, established in 1980, in Osaka, Japan, by amplifier design expert Kazutoshi Yamada. Zanden continues to surprise with beautiful products and, at CES 2017, the company introduced its new 3000mk2 preamplifier, part of its Classic series, replacing the input and output transformers of the original unit, and featuring a completely redesigned tube rectified power supply, among several other improvements.
The original Model 3000 – a most simple and innovative preamplifier – uses just a single vacuum tube as its amplifying element. In addition to a battery incorporated into its circuit, the Model 3000 employs a uniquely designed fixed-bias vacuum tube amplifying circuit unseen elsewhere. It also uses output transformers, which allows the ground loop to be isolated from the power amplifier and ensures powerful drive for the power amplifier. In today's digital audio age – where noise suppression is vital – this preamplifier is an effective answer to ensuring minimum sound quality degradation.
The model 3000mk2 replaces the current model 3000 preamplifier in the Classic Series and includes a number of crucial improvements. Input and output transformers have been replaced with amorphous cobalt ones. The tube rectified power supply has been completely redesigned. Zanden has also retained ALPS highest quality analog potentiometer while successfully implementing a unique motor drive system to achieve remote volume control. The model 3000mk2 includes a full function remote which controls power, volume, switching of sources, absolute or reverse polarity and a mute function.
At CES 201, the completely redesigned Zanden model 3000mk2 was demonstrated in combination with model 9600mk2 mono block amplifiers and a 1200mk3 phono stage, creating an all analog playback system, including Kharma dB-9S speakers and a Grand Prix Audio Monaco turntable.
www.zandenaudio.com
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Zanden Audio Launches New Reference 3000mk2 Preamplifier
January 9 2017, 05:00
Pure high-end vacuum tube audio is still going strong, as proven by Japanese company Zanden Audio, established in 1980, in Osaka, Japan, by amplifier design expert Kazutoshi Yamada. Zanden continues to surprise with beautiful products and, at CES 2017, the company introduced its new 3000mk2 preamplifier, part of its Classic series, replacing the input and output transformers of the original unit, and featuring a completely redesigned tube rectified power supply, among several other improvements.