I have had the pleasure of auditioning the ZR-1600 amplifier for the last two weeks. Associated equipment was an IRD-Audio LLC-Purist preamplifier, a Cayin Audio CD-15 SS Cd player (Modified by Parts Connection), Energy Connoisseur C-5 and C-9 Speakers, and cables from cobaltcables.com. The cables were terminated specifically for this amplifier-RCA to 1/4 XLR and Speakon to spade speaker connections. My first impression about the ZR-1600 is how clean and emotionally involving this amp is. Details explode in front of you with a speed and impact that draws you in. The amp has the uncanny ability to stop dead silent and resume without missing a step. Bass is tight and very well definded without bloating. Midrange is right on. Natural, clean, and emotional. The highs extend with a shimmering ring. Everything comes together very well balanced from top to bottom. My friend and I were in awe of the perfomance of this amplifier and it continues to improve. When an amplifier has the ability to portray cleaness, speed, definition, balance, finesse, and a magic brew of emotional involvement, its a special product at an unbelievable price.
