Amplifier V3 Mono Vs ZA3 Mono mode

[Barbabravo]

Hi everyone, I’m working on a short-term project: ZD3 + BOX X5 > ZP3 > ??? > (already mine) Amphion Argon 0
For the power amplifier, I’m undecided between the V3 Mono and the ZA3 in mono mode. I prefer the look of the ZA3, and it should also run cooler, but I don’t really like the volume pot. On the other hand, I’ve read that the V3 offers better performance, but it apparently runs quite hot and, aesthetically, I find it less appealing than the ZA3.
I’m a bit torn—does anyone have first-hand experience or advice that could help me decide? Thanks

 

[Leonidas_k]

Not an expert in any capacity, but I have a similar setup, without the ZD3, but I plan to add that too, a bit later.
I only have tried & used the V3 mono, not the ZA 3 so I cannot say anything about the audio quality differences.

The V3s indeed get quite hot, but not so hot that you cannot touch them. I use the Fosi Audio rack, so that keeps a decent separation between the V3s and the other components, so they do not cause the rest of the components to overheat.
I would not though want to place any other component directly on or below the V3. So if you plan to place either the box X5 or the ZP3 directly on or below the amplifiers, without anything to separate them, I would suggest to go for the ZA3 in mono mode.

Another thing, is that the V3 does not have subwoofer connectivity, so if you plan to use one, you will have to connect it to the ZP3.
The ZA3 supports subwoofers, though I do now know if that also works when used in mono mode.

Price difference is not big, but you should consider that for a very similar cost, the ZA3 has to also cover the cost of the preamp and the extra connectors & circuits, volume control, etc, so in theory at least, the V3 should have better quality components.

Finally, if you go for the V3s, and one of those malfunctions, until you solve the problem, you will be stuck with a system that has only one working audio channel, unless you have a spare amp available, that you can use until you solve the problem.
With the ZA 3, you could just temporarily switch the remaining amp to stereo mode, and still have a fully working system.

All that said though, I am very happy with the V3s

 

[Barbabravo]

Another thing that worries me about the V3 Mono: I’ve heard that some of the early “inverting” versions are still being sold on Amazon. I’d really hate to end up with a pair of those… Maybe @Charles can reassure me on this? thanks

 

[Barbabravo]

(…) but you should consider that for a very similar cost, the ZA3 has to also cover the cost of the preamp and the extra connectors & circuits, volume control, etc, so in theory at least, the V3 should have better quality components (…)

yes, true, interesting consideration. Thanks.