The Zanden Audio Model 1200S

Audio Connoisseurs already know of the tremendous musicality and awesome build quality of the Zanden 5000 MK IV DAC. Now the last word in vinyl playback is here. The all new Zanden 1200S phono stage is a remarkable achievement in the world of analog reproduction. Not only is the Model 1200S a world class performer in impact and musicality, but it also offers the serious vinyl music lover the choice of proper equalization for recordings from the 50's clear on through to the 80s. The Zanden model 1200S features separate correction curves for RIAA, Columbia and Decca recordings. The curves are selectable, on the fly, through a precision mercury switch so you can really hear the difference between the curves and for the first time, hear the music the way it was originally intended to be heard - with proper equalization.

The extinction of vinyl records has been predicted many times, and yet the technology remains with us. In the face of digital formats, which are so convenient and user-friendly, it might seem difficult to explain the survival of vinyl.

That is until you listen to both. Digital music has never equaled analog recordings in the quality or beauty of musical reproduction. Sonically there really is no comparison between the CD format and vinyl. Even the new high-resolution formats, such as DVD-Audio and SACD, use vinyl records as the benchmark for comparison. For those audiophiles who take the path less traveled in pursuit of musical perfection, Zanden proudly offers the Model 1000, 1100 and now the 1200 phono stages.

The Zanden Audio Model 1200S

The model 1200S is Zanden's stereo phono stage. It is designed for use with moving coil cartridges and contains two separate step-up transformers for both high and low impedance cartridges. While most phono playback equalization circuits in preamplifiers are CR (capacitor & resistor) or NF (negative feedback), Zanden has chosen another method.

The model 1200S uses a fixed impedance circuit called a bridged T. It is constructed from a capacitor, resistors and an inductor. This has been the method of choice in professional playback systems for years and the most accurate. The amplifier section has our original NO-NFB (no negative feedback) vacuum tube circuit. The power supply is constructed from a tube rectifier and an input choke to avoid the switching noise of diodes. The tube heater has current regulated circuits to prevent a rush of current from causing damage and guarantees the stable release of thermo-electrons from the tube's cathode. High quality polypropylene film capacitors are used in the signal lines. The coils are manufactured on an automatic winding machine at our manufacturing facility. The base, front and rear panels are constructed of 16 mm thick aluminum to keep vibrations to a minimum.The unit is then covered with beautiful stainless steel polished to a mirror finish.

Although many people believe the recording curves of all LP records were unified with the RIAA curve, this is not true. The RIAA curve did not become the standard until the fifties, and many recording labels used different recording curves during this period and earlier. To achieve the optimum playback of all stereo LPs the model 1200 allows the user to choose between the RIAA, Columbia and DECCA equalization curves by the simple turn of a mercury rotary switch. The input and phono equalization curve selection sections contain extremely reliable miniature relays, which maintain long-lasting, stable performance. The Zanden model 1200S stereo phono stage offers uncompromising playback of all your stereo LPs.

Excerpts from Michael Fremer, Analog Corner; June 02 Vol.25 No.6
I don't know if the MC version of Zanden's ultrasleek 1200 (originally called the MC1000) is the best moving coil phono stage in the world, but it's certainly among the top few, with an absolutely mesmerizing presentation from the midrange to the high frequencies....

The Zanden exuded liquidity, delicacy, air, and transparency while delivering convincingly sharp and fast transients free of mechanical residue- a balancing act few, if any of the phono sections I've auditioned pull of quite as well. Despite using tubes and transformers, the Zanden sounded like neither. It was dead quiet, super-dynamic, just plain not there. It sounded equally convincing on the hardest rock and the most delicate violin solos allowing musical lines to flow with an unforced, harmonically complex grace that set it apart from the musical presentations of all the other top-shelf phono sections I've auditioned - and I've heard some great ones recently.

The Zanden 1200S is considered by many to be the best sounding phono stage avaialable. If you have heard the Zanden digital products then you know how natual and 'real' the Zanden sound is. This same sound can now be had in your phono playback.

Let's suppose that every audiophile is granted one birthday gift wish this year. If your birthday was this week, what audiophile gift would be at the top of your list? - Submitted by Stereophile Staff, Aug 14 2005

A new phono preamp: a Zanden 1200, if someone wealthy enough cares to make me happy, or a Jolida JD9 if no one does.—Beto

Specifications

Equalization curve positions	RIAA, COLUMBIA, DECCA
Inputs :	Low/High impedance M/C cartridge x 1 (selected by rotary switch on the front panel)
Input impedance:	low: 4 ohm hi: 40 ohm
Output impedance:	3Kohm
Gain:	Low MC: 68dB (1kHz, RIAA) High MC: 56dB (1kHz, RIAA)
Frequency deflection:	0.5dB (20Hz～20kHz)
Total harmonic distortion:	0.1% @ 300mv RMS output, 1kHz
Signal to Noise:	-70dB (IHF-A, 5.0mv RMS)
Using vacuum Tubes:	6922 4 pieces, 6CA4 1 piece
Channel Balance :	0.5dB maximum
Dimensions:	398 (W)/103 (H)/405 (D)
Weight:	9kg
Specifications subject to change without notice.

OUR OPINON

One for the true connoisseur of vintage vinyl who owns a wide selection of monophonic LPs pressed before the PIAA curve was adapted worldwide in the mid-1950s, with three EQ curves to choose from Pick your curve and away you go!

Of the original model 1000 mm Michael Fremer said: "Fabulous and quiet," said MF, with the "midband transparency and purity the single-ended crowd craves." The top end was sweet, smooth, and ultra-extended, "with just the right amount of bite and detail." "Dream-like, liquid, detailed sound," he sums up. New improved tuve complement said to make it even better. (Vol.23 No.10)

it's probably no coincidence that the analog Zanden 1200 Phono Stage is a Stereophile Class 'A' component. It does for analog exactly what the Model 5000 now does for digital.

The Model 1200 is MC and has improved upon the already fantastic performance of the Model 1000

DPS 3 Main difference between the dps 2 and dps 3 is in the upgraded motor/power supply. To answer the question, yes it is worth the extra outlay in funds. If you havn't heard it then you could happily go through life secure in the knowledge that you have an excellent turntable, in fact one of the very best. However hear the difference the dps 3 makes and you just have to have it, much closer to the master tape than it has any right to be at anything near this price.

My Sonic Lab The EminentMy Sonic Lab ? clear stereo separation, wide bandwidth, crisp incision and a galloping dynamic range - alongside the less easily described attributes of 'musicality'. The reviewer's glossary can be tossed out of the window when you find a cartridge this good, which just sounds 'right' !

Lyra Titan i Hi FI News Awards 2005
In the category of cartridges over £1000 the Lyra Titan i took the award for best cartridge.

Hi Fi News said:
‘Flagship model from Lyra replaces the flagship Parnassus DCt and comprises a one-piece titanium body and diamond-coated boron cantilever, tipped with the original Lyra line-contact stylus. A world reference pick-up cartridge.'

Zanden 1200S Phono stage The all new Zanden 1200S phono stage is a remarkable achievement in the world of analog reproduction. Not only is the Model 1200S a world class performer in impact and musicality, but it also offers the serious vinyl music lover the choice of proper equalization for recordings from the 50's clear on through to the 80s.

Zanden Range

Featured Manufacturers

The Zanden Audio Model 1200S