Micro-Precision – When Sonic Passion Becomes Obsession
Thomas Hoffmann, Mr Hoff, T Hoff, Herr Hoff, The Hoff; call him what you will. When it comes to true audiophile circles everyone will know the name, for Thomas Hoffmann is synonymous with extreme quality audio. For decades this musical genius has dedicated his life to developing some of the worlds best loudspeakers, not only smashing performance barriers with a sonic reproduction quite literally beyond belief, but also developing some of the worlds most impressive materialistic machining methods in pursuit of sheer aural excellence.

When asked about the philosophy of his company Micro-Precision; Mr Hoffmann shrugged and replied In my life I've seen and heard a lot of different 'philosophies'. Most of them appear only on a piece of paper or on a computer screen. For me there is only one philosophy; to find the soul of the music. There is so much more information than first appearances belie. Don't give up, but go on searching for all the details and color in the music. Believe me, there is 'no' end; but closing in on that end is our assignment. To this day this absolute maestro of his art and his staff continue to strive towards attaining such a level of realism and transparency, that you're left listing only to the soul of your music, not left listing to components.

Z-Studio Series – Accuracy And Realism Beyond Astonishing
When it comes to extreme audiophiles you'll nary find one wanting a hammering from their sound. On the contrary there’s an echelon of discerning individuals who desire absolute sound quality in the truest sense of the word. Articulated deep and controlled bass, delectably accurate midrange, and supremely clear highs. Barriers only exist to be shattered, and budget is of little concern. This is the territory of Micro-Precision's Z-Studio range. Developed with every detail absolutely scrutinised in every way; this could be teetering as close to aural perfection as achievable.

Design Ideologies
When Thomas Hoffman and his team of astute engineers first set out to make an amplifier worthy of the Z-Studio moniker, they didn’t quite realise the behemoth they’d create. The Z-Studio ZST.4C amplifier is an extreme high-end four-channel powerhouse that represents the culmination of years and years of meticulous design and engineering.

From Conception To Reality
Initially conceived back in 2013, the project sought to break away from conventional standards. Driven by the expertise of Thomas Hoffman and his engineering team, the project quickly gained momentum until the sad and unfortunate passing of an early collaborator drove the team to want to strive even higher, to prove the effort was worth it. The development continued with a new team from Italy, resulting in an amplifier that prioritises durability, serviceability and exceptional sound quality.

It’s In The Details
The Z-Studio amplifier is built with a philosophy of form follows function, thus it avoids the use of surface mounted device components to ensure ease of repairs can be easily undertaken decades into the future. Key features include a robust power supply with Mundorf capacitors, a discrete high-voltage driver stage and a most careful selection of top-tier components like Sanken transistors and precision resistors from Mundorf and Caddock Electronics.

A Technical Marvel
The Z-Studio amplifier is not only technically impressive but also delivers an extraordinary auditory experience. It offers an expansive sound stage, precise sound imaging and a dynamic response across all volume levels. The Z-Studio amplifier is designed to operate with minimal interference from its power supply, maintaining the integrity of the signal path. Even at low volumes it provides a refined, delicate sound. While at higher volumes it unleashes powerful and immersive audio without distorting the sound field. This amplifier is ideal for audiophiles who demand the highest quality in both construction and sound, offering an unparalleled listening experience that embodies the very essence of Micro Precision’ commitment to excellence.

Design Features
The rich heritage and knowledge of Thomas Hoffman and his engineering team, together with their ever-increasing technical acumen; is conducive to these amplifiers featuring a vast array of impressive design ideologies and latest technological advancements. Some of these include:
– Eight 80 Ampere switching transistors (2 x 240A).
– Eight high-speed switching diodes to minimize switching noise.
– Two high-current filter chokes to reduce disturbances from switching frequencies.
– Four primary 22,000 uF storage capacitors from the Mundorf range.
– Eight secondary 4,700uF storage capacitors from the Mundorf range.
– Various necessary voltages generated by the power supply.
– 5 V for the microcontroller and reference for regulation.
– 12 V for relay switching.
– +/- 15 V level control.
– +/- 67 V bias.
– +/- 47 Volts pre-stage / driver stage.
– +/- 40 Volts power amplifier.
– High-voltage technology in discrete circuitry.
– No operational amplifiers (IC) in the signal path.
– Only high-impedance FET-transistor built OP amplifiers.
– Bias adjustable via precision potentiometer.
– Audionote Kaisei coupling capacitors.
– Four Sanken transistors at 160 Watts per channel.
– Sixteen Caddock 1% precision emitter resistors.
– Panasonic high-current relays for speaker on / off.
– High-quality speaker screw terminals with 4 mm banana through cable optimally connected to the board. No losses on conductor tracks.
– Bridgeable from four channel to two channel.
– LED control indicator for sequential bridging operation.
– Input level adjustable via programmable resistance matrix in 0.5 dB steps.
– No problematic potentiometers in the signal path.
– No filter functions in this amplifier. Linear phase and amplitude.
– High-impedance FET transistor input stage to minimize unnecessary load on the signal source.
– 20.0 kOhm constant input resistance regardless of level control.
– Input capacitance 5 pF.
– Input stage coupling capacitors are Audionote Kaisei and Mundorf MCAP EVO.
– Optional amplifier without resistance network for a direct input without level control.
– Displays operating voltage (minimum 9 V to maximum 16 Volt) and working temperature read-out.
– Displays channel-related level reduction.
– Thermal protection is 85 degrees and monitored via microcontroller.
– Overload and short circuit protected.
– Undervoltage protection triggers shutdown at 10V, which can be disabled via the controller.
– Running temperature is around 45 Celsius in normal operation with passive cooling.
– No fan needed due to large heatsink and side panels. Thermal protection shutdown is at 85 degrees Celsius.
– The idle current depends on the bias pre-setting, affecting harmonic (K2) or unharmonic (K3) distortion. The bias influences sound, idle current, and operating temperature.
– Finished beautifully with a clear acrylic top plate.

Electrical Specifications
– Nominal configuration: four channel class AB amplifier
– Continuous power @ 4 Ohms: 4 x 160 Watts
– Continuous power @ 2 Ohms: 4 x 280 Watts
– Continuous bridged power @ 4 Ohms: 2 x 580 Watts
– Frequency response: 5 Hz – 420000 Hz
– Total harmonic distortion: 0.0002 %
– Damping factor: 2700
– Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB

Physical Specifications
– Length: 550 mm
– Width: 325 mm
– Height: 90 mm
– Weight: 7.1 kg

Documentation
– Technical sheet

Important Disclaimers
Given the dynamic nature of electronics industries these days; below are listed some very important specifics you need to be aware of.

Brand Authorization And Stock Sourcing
We are a fully authorised Australian dealer of this brand and all stock is sourced through legitimate channels. It therefore enjoys full Australian warranty, backing and support.

Pricing Structure
Whilst we endeavor to offer the best price possible, we ask that if you do find a better price elsewhere from an authorised dealer; please contact us. Also be aware that we regularly conduct group buys and sales, therefore pricing can sometimes be subject to change without notice.

Stock Structure
Being a dynamic store is conducive to our inventory constantly changing. We list only a small portion of our stable online, usually products most popular. Aside from these we also stock numerous other variants and configurations of these products, hence if you don’t see what you’re after please contact us.

Shipping
All our products are shipped with registered and insured postage. Upon ordering you’ll be issued with a receipt, a consignment note via which you can track your order, and we’ll also SMS you photos of the package for identification purposes.

Technical support
This last one we cannot emphasise enough! Please contact us if you require any further information or assistance with the setup and use of this product, especially pertaining to aspects more technical. As we want you to get the very best from this product.