Easy One: Did the ZXti line ever come with gold boards

Post by **Jacampb2** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:14 am

I was looking through the ftp server, and found the ZxTi white paper, when I looked through it, I noticed all of the ZxTi amps had gold plated boards. When I looked through the web FAQ, the ZxTi section there again shows all of the amps with gold boards.

I have never seen a ZxTi gold board, do they really exist? I have several ZxTi amps, including a Zx600Ti that has a board date code of 1999, and I presume is one of the first models. The amp has a black masked board like every other one I have and have seen. So what gives, are these out there? If so, I want some!

Later,
Jason

Post by **AVICJR** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:58 am

I always thought the ZXTi and Ti's all had black boards. You may have seen this before but the Ti600.2 listed is actually a ZXTi600 (scroll down for PG) and it has a black board as well.

http://ampguts.realmofexcursion.com/

Post by **Jacampb2** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:48 am

Yeah, mine are definitely ZxTi's. The one I have had apart has a date code of 1999, which according to PG is the first production year. It's weird, but I am guessing the gold got eliminated to save cash. It's too bad, as I think the ZX and ZPA amps look awesome with their GP showing through the windows.

Later,
Jason

Post by **kg1961** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:00 am

I thought they went black and changed the caps so they don't have as many problems later on?

Post by **Jacampb2** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:16 am

I can't see how the black mask would effect reliability one way or another. It is basically just varnish. As for caps, I couldn't say, but PG has used pretty much the same cap manufacturer for all their electrolytic caps for a long time.

I believe the changes that were actually made to increase reliability were reduced rail voltage (as compared to the ZX and ZPA lines) and more aggressive output current limiting and better thermal management.

Some of these amps must exist, as they were around for photo shoots, unless of course they are photo shopped for the documents...

Later,
Jason

Post by **kg1961** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:21 am

ya my zx850ti has the black boards I wish it was gold
than it would look as cool as my FAS or Reactor

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:19 am

My store got ti's when they first came out. I don't remember ever seeing a gold board. I seem to recall that being one of the highlighted changes from ZX. I don't remember what they claimed the reason was.

It's possible the early photos were just the new case with a ZX board installed for photos. Meaning there could be at least 1 in existence.