The End Of A 35 Year Journey ---Zellaton -The Reference Ultra Final Frontier
- Thread starter Steve williams
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The ZELLATON Stage was the only speaker to replace my Quad 57’s with rare Gradient SW57 sub bases…, so I’m with you.
Oh boy, does that bring back so many wonderful memories in a galaxy far far away...
This is going back to 89/90 there abouts, had Quad ESL 63's placed on top of Gradient subs, plus out board X-over to fine tune. Driven with just one stereo tube power amp from CJ, which was the Premier 11A and partnered with a PV12, marvellous! Few years after that, CJ's ART preamp followed, along with the mighty Premier 8A monoblocks driving Apogee Diva's and the rest is history! Man, those were the glory days, and hifi gear was a whole lot more affordable compared to the looney prices now. Anyway, just a flash back down memory lane.
Do enjoy those finest tunes!
Woof! RJ
Not really sure why few of our members want Stevo to change his tube gear onto SS to drive Zellaton's...? Preconceived notions on better SS drive, control and dis & dat is what comes into play. The thing is, I can bet those who are recommending the change from tooobs to SS are the very ones who have not even heard Lamm's Class A amplifiers before, simple as that!
Only if they ever heard the Lamm's, especially the ML3's, which are top of the line, only then would those preconceived notions on "better SS dis&dat..." might change. Once you have actually audition a top line tube Class A designed amplifier, you'll actually begin to realise that nothing's lacking. It's the most natural type of sound one could ask for, and it brings top quality recordings to true life! It really does.
I'm not saying Tooobs are better than SS, no. And I wasn't the one who even started this debate about Steve should consider changing over to SS when his Z-Ultra Reference arrive... hell no. SS just sound different and some are truly SOTA and there are similar designs on top tube gear; Equally SOTA, so it's a very highly personal preference, that's all.
So, with all do respect, let's allow Stevo to just enjoy those Lamm's partnered with his Zellaton's. After all, the tooons are fine!
Woof! RJ
Only if they ever heard the Lamm's, especially the ML3's, which are top of the line, only then would those preconceived notions on "better SS dis&dat..." might change. Once you have actually audition a top line tube Class A designed amplifier, you'll actually begin to realise that nothing's lacking. It's the most natural type of sound one could ask for, and it brings top quality recordings to true life! It really does.
I'm not saying Tooobs are better than SS, no. And I wasn't the one who even started this debate about Steve should consider changing over to SS when his Z-Ultra Reference arrive... hell no. SS just sound different and some are truly SOTA and there are similar designs on top tube gear; Equally SOTA, so it's a very highly personal preference, that's all.
So, with all do respect, let's allow Stevo to just enjoy those Lamm's partnered with his Zellaton's. After all, the tooons are fine!
Woof! RJ
Jury is out on this one. I will add that on my recent trip to Canada, where I was able to properly listen to the Zellaton Reference speakers with both solid-state and tube gear, I listened to them connected to Engstrom's Eric amplifiers (70 wpc) and Alieno's 250 LTD Mk II. And, after extended listening sessions, I preferred the extra "oomph" courtesy of the Italians' "stallion
I am heading back up to Toronto first thing tomorrow morning. I will endeavour to listen with some lesser power tube gear, notably Engstrom's Arne integrated amplifier, weighing in at 30 wpc. If successful, I'll report back on my findings.
That's an interesting find indeed!Jury is out on this one. I will add that on my recent trip to Canada, where I was able to properly listen to the Zellaton Reference speakers with both solid-state and tube gear, I listened to them connected to Engstrom's Eric amplifiers (70 wpc) and Alieno's 250 LTD Mk II. And, after extended listening sessions, I preferred the extra "oomph" courtesy of the Italians' "stallion
I am heading back up to Toronto first thing tomorrow morning. I will endeavour to listen with some lesser power tube gear, notably Engstrom's Arne integrated amplifier, weighing in at 30 wpc. If successful, I'll report back on my findings.
Have not auditioned the Engstrom amplifiers, in fact, haven't even heard of this Swedish design. There are so many other fantastic gear out there, that we've never heard of nor even seen up close. It's pretty cool to experience these, especially with Zellaton's.
I have however auditioned the Alieno amplifiers, in fact that very one. Driving Wilson's Daws, it wasn't that great at all. This system was featured at our last Melb hifi show, and something was awfully off. After chatting with the set-up chief, turned out to be mediocre streaming...??? Why the heck would they use this kind of source on a top dollar system? Begs disbelief. Then again, these are hifi shows, and I generally don't abide by them other than the awareness and hype.
However on another note, I have auditioned the Alieno amplifiers in private demo settings, and can confirm that they're truly tops! Outstanding design.
Yes, do keep us posted on your next auditions. Always something new to learn.
Cheers, RJ
you should come listen to the ML3 Patrick . You might be pleasantly surprised if not somewhat astonished
so far there are 3 members who are planning on being here for the delivery and set up. Your more than welcome'
Ray dude
Kswanson
Doug schneider
Possibly pk-la
For those who are attending it would be my suggestion to hear the PE before it is removed.I still maintain that this little speaker is absolutely killer
that 'little speaker' is the one I am most curious about for the second system. it's going in a smallish room.
I should know tomorrow as to what an ETA is but we are still guessing as to whether the speakers shipped today
to all who want to come for the install I would encourage all of you to hear the Plural Evo. I keep scratching my head as to how good this little speaker really is
Patrick ,Gideon has 15 years experience with these speakers and amp pairing. I've had a short list of one for which I am mesmerized as to how good the speaker sounds but you can certainly discuss other great options with Gideon. I have yet to read any where about someone commenting that an an amp sounds bad with these speakers so it all comes down to preference and budget as these speakers aint cheap. I am more than happy with my decision but Gideon has paired these speakers with countless different amps...I suggest you pick his brain
Patrick ,Gideon has 15 years experience with these speakers and amp pairing. I've had a short list of one for which I am mesmerized as to how good the speaker sounds but you can certainly discuss other great options with Gideon. I have yet to read any where about someone commenting that an an amp sounds bad with these speakers so it all comes down to preference and budget as these speakers aint cheap. I am more than happy with my decision but Gideon has paired these speakers with countless different amps...I suggest you pick his brain
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Inspired by Steve's Journey, I am seriously considering a pair of Zellaton Stage Ultras as a final destination speaker. Ability to be driven by a medium powered amplifier is a must. Room size, medium [4m x 7m x 2.4m], but at some stage they will be moved to the main living room [85sqm] Other contenders included Rockport Lynx & Wilson The Watt/Puppy 50th. From what I heard in Munich 2025 Stage Ultras are at the top of my list.
Any ideas/thoughts on Stage vs Reference and Stage vs Plural Evos?
Any ideas/thoughts on Stage vs Reference and Stage vs Plural Evos?
Having experience with the last version of the less powerful 3211, it was a very refined combination with ZELLATON. More linear and resolving than other tube variants with incredible midrange layering and a natural unforced quality which speaks to ZELLATON purity. No thermionic over saturation which can slow down the super fast ZELLATON drivers. Not lacking in the power range at all with dynamic contrasts at all volume levels. I’ve matched much lower powered el34 based ATM 1’s with various ZELLATON models, and while consistently musical, lacks drive of the 3211 or Steve’s ML3 for instance. Not quite the equal to Jadis bloom and midrange weight, but more discerning, quiet and resolving.
A key to maximizing the 3211 with ZELLATON is partnering it with the ATC-7 pre with tone controls. It has a way of maintaining ZELLATON transparency and see through magic, while increasing tonal density and presence, which contours the 3211 very even and balanced presentation, substantively increasing musicality with incredible liveliness and excitement (a hallmark of ZELLATON listening).
Definitely a very special combination.
A key to maximizing the 3211 with ZELLATON is partnering it with the ATC-7 pre with tone controls. It has a way of maintaining ZELLATON transparency and see through magic, while increasing tonal density and presence, which contours the 3211 very even and balanced presentation, substantively increasing musicality with incredible liveliness and excitement (a hallmark of ZELLATON listening).
Definitely a very special combination.
Just to add 50cts worth (because I feel it's more than just 2cts...)
It's also a highly personal preference, there's no denying that!
With all the top gear available at various price points, the musical tastes and preferences amongst owners varies so drastically, it's like one prefers lemon ice cream over the regular choc-nut, or similar to one that loves vegemite compared to regular cheese toasties! I think a few years ago, B Obama actually tried vegemite where he was gifted a bottle by one of our Aussie polly's, he said not bad... whereas one of the other chaps nearly threw up!
Same goes with Stevo, who happens to just love the Lamm ML3's, not inclined to change at all. Similarly I prefer KT120 tubes compared to KT150's or KT170's, which to me sound forced. Then again all the top line tube amps coming from CJ, ARC and Jadis are now using either KT150's or KT170's, in push-pull ultra-linear config, and they all sound tops but totally different. And, I'm not inclined to change at all. Just saying
So, when recommending something to anyone who has never even heard the particular combination... they really need to have a listen in person, or better still home trials on their very own systems. That's the ultimate deciding factor.
So, What's the flavor of the week for ice cream? It all depends what YOU like! Simple as that.
Keep those tubes glowing! Oh, for the love of tooobs.
Woof! RJ
It's also a highly personal preference, there's no denying that!
With all the top gear available at various price points, the musical tastes and preferences amongst owners varies so drastically, it's like one prefers lemon ice cream over the regular choc-nut, or similar to one that loves vegemite compared to regular cheese toasties! I think a few years ago, B Obama actually tried vegemite where he was gifted a bottle by one of our Aussie polly's, he said not bad... whereas one of the other chaps nearly threw up!
Same goes with Stevo, who happens to just love the Lamm ML3's, not inclined to change at all. Similarly I prefer KT120 tubes compared to KT150's or KT170's, which to me sound forced. Then again all the top line tube amps coming from CJ, ARC and Jadis are now using either KT150's or KT170's, in push-pull ultra-linear config, and they all sound tops but totally different. And, I'm not inclined to change at all. Just saying
So, when recommending something to anyone who has never even heard the particular combination... they really need to have a listen in person, or better still home trials on their very own systems. That's the ultimate deciding factor.
So, What's the flavor of the week for ice cream? It all depends what YOU like! Simple as that.
Keep those tubes glowing! Oh, for the love of tooobs.
Woof! RJ
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