Relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTO3 (65/35) and 10% PbZf03-doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (65/35) ceramics were both prepared by a modified precursor method, which was based on the high-temperature synthesis of an oxide precursor that contained all the B-site cations for the consideration of B-site homogeneity. The dielectric properties of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (65/35) ceramic was more of normal ferroelectric behavior, but the high dielectric constant (epsilon(m)= 34,200 at 1 kHz) and piezoelectric constant (d(33) = 709 pC/N) were observed for this composition close to the morphotropic phase boundary. Comparatively, introduction of 10% PbZrO3 into Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (65/35) ceramics enhanced the diffuse phase transition as well as the rhombohedral to tetragonal phase transition temperature, while it also kept the high dielectric constant 29,600 at I kHz) and piezoelectric constant (d33 = 511 pC/N). (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.