DR. Z Amplification Z-Wreck ZA-31 User manual

Z-Wreck
Manual
Model: ZA-31
www.drzamps.com

Important Safety Instrucons
1) Read these instrucons.
2) Keep these instrucons.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instrucons.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any venlaon openings. Maintain at least 3 feet of distance around all sides of amplifier.
Do not block any venlaon openings with items such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched parcularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use aachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold
with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use cauon when moving the cart/apparatus
combinaon to avoid injury from p-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of me.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15) Avoid placing any liquids on or near the amplifier that may splash or drip such as those contained in
boles, cans, glasses, etc.
*Dr Z amplifiers are capable of producing very high sound pressure levels which can cause temporary or
permanent hearing damage.
*If any screw that is actually on the amp chassis needs to be replaced contact Dr Z Amps for the proper size.
Screw size is crical for inner chassis clearances.
This symbol warns the user of dangerous voltage levels localized within the enclosure.
This symbol advises the user to read all accompanying literature for safely operang
the unit

General Informaon
Starng in 2006 Brad Paisley contacted Dr Z about building another amp. Aer talking about the design and the
desired outcome Z asked his friend Ken Fischer to lend a hand. Dr Z built up the prototype amp and sent it off to Ken. Ken
did his thing to it and sent it back…including naming the amp the Z Wreck. Aer a few more tweaks the amp was sent off
to Brad and it has become a mainstay in his rig since 2006. When Ken passed away at the end of ‘06 Dr Z put the amp on a
shelf and walked away.
Over the past few years the Z Wreck was menoned by Brad in various interviews and appeared on a few TV shows and of
course quite a few album tracks. Dr Z got numerous requests to put the amp into producon, but always declined. Fast
forward to May 5th 2010 and the Nashville flood. Brad’s original Z Wreck was not harmed in the flood, but all of his road
amps were destroyed. Dr Z quickly built 2 replacement Z Wrecks for Brad as the show must go on. This got him
thinking…why should such a fine sounding amp be le only for one person to play? With encouragement from Brad to
release the amp Dr Z went over the notes he and Ken had exchanged via fax. Dr Z took into account all of the layout and
design tweaks he could incorporate and laid the amp out on a clean sheet of paper with an all new aluminum chassis and
birch head cabinet.
Every component on the Z Wreck was placed with the utmost aenon to short wire lengths and increased separaon
between the front end and the output secon. The heart of the amp is the output transformer designed by Ken for Dr Z in
the early 2000s. Also on board is a newly designed power transformer which incorporates a mul tapped secondary that
allows for 2 different plate voltage sengs: Comfort and Speed. Speed yields a strong aack with increased clarity and
dynamic headroom. Every note rings clear in the clean sengs and they absolutely scream when the amp is pushed to its
natural overdriven voice. The comfort seng drops the plate voltage down for more of a vintage feel. The soer response
and overall sweetness of the comfort seng really make it difficult to put the guitar down.
The touch response of the Z Wreck is unequalled. Sengs below 12:00 on the volume yield a rich clean sound with no
signs of harshness. A 12 string Ric will be right at home for mid 60s Liverpool bliss. Once past 12:00 on the volume you can
dial in excellent crunch all the way up to full blooming sustained drive sounds. Does the Z Wreck ROCK? YES!!! Does the Z
Wreck TWANG? YES!!! The Z Wreck will deliver exactly what your hands and guitar give it. With the amp volume past noon
you can roll your guitar volume back for arculate full bodied clean sounds and turn it up full for excellent drive. The Z
Wreck truly is a plug and play amp.
You may be asking "why the matching 2x12 cab?" As stated earlier the Z Wreck was designed on a clean sheet of paper
and the cab is no excepon. The included 2x12 open back cab comes standard with a Celeson Blue and Celeson Gold
wired in series at 16 ohms. This speaker combinaon in an open back 2x12 is the true voice of the Z Wreck.
Other standard features include a matching set of covers from Studio Slips with the Z Wreck logo embroidered in the
lower corner. Dr Z has acquired a massive amount of NOS Russian 6N14N-EV 7189 (EL84) tubes to use in the Z Wreck.
These output tubes were chosen because of their superior sonic qualies and excellent life span. A speaker cable and AC
cord are also included with the Z Wreck.
Power Output 30 Was
Output Tubes 4 - 6N14N (EL84) Cathode Biased
Preamp Tubes 3 - 12AX7
Recfier 1 - 5AR4
Controls Volume, Bass, Treble, Cut
Configuraons Quantum Silver Set (Head & 2x12 Cab - Celeson Blue/Gold
standard), Navy Blue 1x12 Combo (Celeson Gold), Stand Alone
Head is also available.
Colors Quantum Silver Set : silver tolex with hardwood fronts. 1x12
Combo: navy blue. Head (Stand Alone): red, blonde, black.
Dimensions & Weight Head: 20 5/8”W x 9 1/2”D x 9 1/8”H, 38 lbs. 2x12 Cab: 27
1/2”W x 10”D x 21 1/2”H, 61 lbs. 1x12 Combo: 22 1/2"W x 10
1/2"D x 20"H, 53 lbs.
Specificaons

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. Power Indicator: Lights up when power is switched on. If bulb fails replace with type T47.
2. Power: Switch up to turn on amplifier. Switch down to turn off amplifier.
3. Stand-By: Leave in off posion for 1 minute when powering up the amp. Turn on for play. Place in off
posion for extended break periods.
4. Cut: Controls overall tone/presence response. Turn clockwise for chime.
5. Bass: Controls overall low frequency response.
6. Treble: Controls overall high frequency response.
7. Volume: Controls loudness of amp.
8. Input: Input jack for your guitar.
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
9 10 11 1312 14
9. 4 OHM Speaker Jack: Plug in 4 ohm speaker here. Always have a speaker plugged into the amp
when it is powered on. Always match the speaker impedance to the proper speaker out jack. This will
allow the amp to sound its best and avoid damage.
10. 8 OHM Speaker Jack: Plug in 8 ohm speaker here. Always have a speaker plugged into the amp
when it is powered on. Always match the speaker impedance to the proper speaker out jack. This will
allow the amp to sound its best and avoid damage.
11. 16 OHM Speaker Jack: Plug in 16 ohm speaker here. Always have a speaker plugged into the amp
when it is powered on. Always match the speaker impedance to the proper speaker out jack. This will
allow the amp to sound its best and avoid damage.
12. Speed/Comfort Switch: Switches between two different plate voltages from the power trans-
former. Speed yields a strong aack with increased clarity and dynamic headroom. Comfort drops the
voltage for a more vintage feel.
13. Fuse: The fuse protects the amp from electrical faults. Replace only with the same rang and type
stated below fuse holder (2A 250v SLO BLO). If the amp repeatedly blows the fuse contact your dealer
or Dr Z Amps.
14. AC Inlet: (Class I Wiring). This device is used for disconnecon from power mains and must remain
readily opearable. The power indicator light does not indicate connecon to power mains. The power
cord must be disconnected to disconnect amplifier from power mains.

MADE IN USA
MODEL: ___________________
SERIAL NUMBER: ___________
INPUT VOLTAGE: ____________

Dokument -Name TT.MM.JJJJ 1 of 1
Document: CE –ZA-31
Manufacturer: Dr. Z Amplication
17011 Broadway Ave.
Maple Heights, OH 44137 -3407
USA
We declare that the designated product (s)
DR. Z Z-WRECK
is/are in conformity with the European Directives:
2014/30/EU EMC Directive of 26 February 2014
20 11/65/EU
2014/35/EU
RoHS Directive of 8 June 2011
Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
This declaration certies compliance with the indicated directives but implies no warranty of
properties. The safety instructions of the accompanying documentation shall be observed.
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.
Issuer: Dr. Z Amplication
17011 Broadway Ave.
Maple Heights, OH 44137 -3407
USA
Place, date: Maple Heights, OH USA , 01.AUGUST.2016
Legally binding signature:
M.D. Zaite, General Manager, Dr. Z Amps
EC/EU Declaration of Conformity