Pioneer C-Z1

Completely unknown elsewhere, the Z1 series nevertheless sold extremely well in Japan - a staple of the well-heeled audiophile rigs of the times, along the Exclusive P3 turntable.

The Z1s were Pioneer's entry into 1980s super high-end. One will quickly see the resemblance between this and the "Communication" components such as the A-9 : diagrams and lit signal flows.
Only this was more serious, stark and much more expensive : at 460,000¥ apiece, this was for the non-compromising and well-heeled indeed.

At the center of the Z1 series were SLM modules (Super Linear Circuit) and non-NFB circuit design.

SLM was for stable high-frequency response and low TIM ; placed in the voltage amplifying stages with current mirror configuration, one transistor's non-linearity being cancelled by another transistor's non-linearity operated in reversed mode.
Therefore, no NFB is necessary and the time lag it inherently causes in its loop is avoided - read the TECH section for the detailed details.

The original C-Z1 was quickly replaced by the shown herewith C-Z1a upgraded version, although said upgrades were of the minor kind.

Pioneer sold a lot of C-Z1 and M-Z1 in Japan, a lot, and they are still quite sought-after there.
Alas still non-existent elsewhere, except in Italy : Pioneer was very strong there and did export some Z1s and even a pair of S-F1 !


A real C-Z1a (at least the power-supply of one) at the indispensable amp8.com .