Quality over Quantity watts. Decware tube amp Super Zen TriodeSE84UFO2
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2021
- #hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo #Integrated amp #tubes
/ thomasandstereo
Gear used in this review :
Decware Super Zen TriodeSE84UFO2 AMP
Reisong A50 300b tube amp
Reisong A12 tube amp
Silverline Sonata speakers
Focal 836W speakers
Triangle Br03 speakers
Exempler audio Model XL-III speakers
Spendor S3/5R2 speakers
Klipsch RP600M
Totem Sky tower speakers
CSS Criton 2TD-X Tower speakers
Exasound E28 DAC
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Track: Left Alone - Airixis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Left Alone - Airixis |...
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Hey guys, let's give Sean at Zero Fidelity a hand and also a way to thank him for all the contributions he has made over the years. I know he is in a campaign where he gets paid for every click. Takes 0.07 sec of your time and who knows, this might raise enough money for him to buy a new baseball cap! shop-links.co/cfytqvQl4LO
Check out Mark's home video. czcams.com/video/20dVE-CjCP4/video.html
Hii Thomas!!!
What's up man
Done!
Make one to buy him CSS 1TDX and 3 Way Bass module.
Hey Thomas I am curious to know what in the world is your favorite kind of sound coming out of a DAC AMP what do you like out of a DAC
3:06. Meters on top...? Because they are for tube bias adjustment that you do when you are standing over the amp. This from Decware site on this specific amp: "The output channels are self-biasing so meters have been provided to show you if your tubes match. They also show you how strong your tubes are, as well as when or if the amp is clipping."
Way better without a remote!
Manually turning up the volume adds to the experience.
Just like a vintage JVC amp.. using it is apart of the experience. 😍
Great channel. I like the conversational style and being walked through your thought process. This allows me context where your situation/preferences are close to mine and also where it naturally differs. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the review I ask for earlier. I got a deal on a one month old Zen amp last year. I paired it with my DIY 12in. open Baffle speakers. I’m retired so on some days I listen to music for 12 hours without fatigue. I’m constantly amazed at how beautiful the music sounds. I will never need another amp!
If you are the one who posted the video with this system playing, I will say that I was frigg'n *BLOWN AWAY* by the amazing quality of the vocals! ... and, I don't even usually care for vocals : ) I mean, in 40+ years of doing this, I have NEVER heard such astounding vocals! I know the video showcased this amp with DIY speakers, I THINK they were open baffle (which I prefer since my entire system with 2 tall multi-driver line arrays is a completely open baffle dipole system)
@@latheofheaven I didn’t post that, but the midrange and especially vocals are totally amazing with this Zen Amp. I’m using 12in. Single open Baffles in a 22 x 24 barrel shape. If you go on Decware’s website Steve has a few really good sound videos using his different amps and mostly open Baffle speakers that they build. You need headphones to appreciate the sound quality, because he uses a binaural mic.
@@ronniecramer1252 Good to know, thank you! I've always like the open dipole sound. I think your 12" drivers are full range too, right? I also am a big fan of that since in my line arrays with 13 smaller drivers a side, they are all full range with the exception of one ribbon tweeter on each channel about midway which has one capacitor for each, that's it : )
Even though Mr. Decware suggested that the Zen MIGHT drive my towers, I'm thinking that the Torii @20/side would probably be more practical (thus my being anxious for Thomas to stop messing around and review it! :D )
about 12 years ago when I was just becoming an audiophile I ran across the Decware site. Steve's approach to amps and speakers was compelling. It just seemed right. It influenced my DIY hobby. Point to point tube amps, and open baffle speakers. If I buy a commercial amp it will likely be a Decware. It really is a DIY audiophile who built a business around his passion.
Ahhhh! Ive almost purchased this amp many times over the past few years. Now regretting my buyers hesitation. By the way, I left Montreal to return home to the Gaspésie and yes, Canada's east coast is a world class destination!
😫😫😫😫
Me too! Kicking myself. Could have resold it for full price right now if you didn't like it. ....
Thank you Thomas for trying it with the Spendors 🙏, highly appreciated
Eventually I'll have one of these. I should have gotten one in '19, before the stampede.
I've been waiting 8 months so far.
@@paulmorris1225 seems like a good time to hire an assembler ☺ decware is literally a year behind, not cool for us, and could ruin his business
@@jamesrobinson9176 they're working 2 shifts apparently. He sent amps out for review for the first time in Decware's history to boost sales in order to secure his employees jobs through the pandemic. I guess demand was somewhat higher than anticipated!
I got my torii Jr from decware in 19 and it still took 6 months
Ordered April 9 can't wait to get mine. Glad you liked it. Thanks for the mini review.
Hello Thomas, I’m glad that you are still putting out videos.
I love how you tie in all your audio friends feedback and first hand experience with a piece of gear and then summarize it all into a unique Thomas review.
Your reviews are unique and far better than most on CZcams. Thank you for that.
Take care.
Brian
Appreciate that Brian.
Steve Guttenberg reviewed the Decware Super Zen Triode Amp a year ago. Decware has been building tube amps for over 25 years.
I have been eyeing the zen triode integrated for years. I like the idea of autobiasing and rolling different tubes and 6w makes me feel more confident than 2.
Love this video, I just looked at it again for 2nd time and I really relearned a valuable lesson in amplifier quality outside of just power. I’m basically sold on this unit preferably considering using two. This reminiscent of a small older amp my dad had found me years ago and it was a very rich/great sounding. Thanx for the reviews and details considering the limited time you had with it! And much props to Your buddy for the amp loan. Thanx again sir, enjoyed the review keep em coming!!🙏🏾✌🏽🎶
Thanks Thomas, I keep being drawn to this amp, hopefully I can acquire one in the next year or so. Glad to see Mark is enjoying Atlantic Canada! I'm fortunate enough to live on Prince Edward Island, it is a magical place!
Yeah, been there once, really nice.
Always well thought through reviews. Bravo,
Dear friend, your tube amp talk sequency is being great! Thanks!
Best described impressions of that amp so far. Now even more impatient to get mine in about 3 months. Thanks Thomas!
All with stock tubes..............then try out some nos tubes.........7320 Siemens.......6P14 EB.................5U4G RCA...........E88CC Telefunken..........E188CC Siemens halske.......CCA siemens /TFK....................
How good it sounds? You keep it?
It sounds great, I would say for the price is very hard to beat. Mine is on the forward and warm side, vocals are fantastic, soundstage is decent. It’s a bit like most reviewers describe it. I was hoping for a tiny bit more airiness and details, but don’t get me wrong I am just knit picking here. I fell in the tube rolling rabbit hole. I had to go back to the originals just to give me a baseline again lol
I run it with 107db efficient speakers and it performs fantastic. I also ran it with 97 DB speakers and it’s still went very well. All in all I would say it’s an amp that I use more for relaxing and getting into the music then being analytical. I love it.
I listen mostly to jazz and I've got one in a second/side system. Speaker compatibility is extremely important, but there is a "rightness" to the sound that is incredibly engaging, live and pure. With certain recordings it's actually spooky.
What speakers would you recommend?
@@gryphongryph Most Decware speakers will fill the bill.I use the HDT and it is special even without the new silver 8 Lii Audio driver that Decware will offer shortly.
Thanks for the review Thomas. Always like seeing your videos come up on my feed. I managed to find a used one of the regular version one for about $800CAD so quite happy with that with the current wait time.
I use a Sprout 100 as the preamp - as it can stream and has a phono stage with a remote into the Decware 👍🏼
Tried it with Klipsch 600s but clipped around 85db so switched to some Omega 3i monitor speakers (room is 12x12 and cranks 90+ dB).
Holy. Smokes. The clarity, holographic soundstage, and life likeness is eerie good. Just pure tube goodness.
Can’t imagine ever selling this amp!!
Nice, I had some Omega before and yeah those speakers would pair well with this amp.
do you stream from an IOS device? I tried connecting my ipad to my Sprout 100 with an apple camera adapter, but the Sprout did not “read” the connection. wondering if you have been able to do this.
@@garyroman3196 No I don't use any IOS device. Sorry.
Great review, Thomas!
I have an earlier iteration of this amp and I love it. I use it with voight pipes I built. I am swapping out the drivers for more sensitive ones but I do love this amp.
I happen to have 90db bookshelf speakers collecting dust. Then this review, well, I just placed the order for this amp. Thank you!
Great video Thomas! Merci :)
At long last! Thank you, Thomas. I was awaiting this for a long time. To echo James Robinson who posted here: I too should have ordered one of these in '19, before the stampede.
Yeah, who would have known this unknown brand is so good.
@@ThomasAndStereo Me. I’ve been following DECware since they started around 1997.
Thank you Thomas Decware is agreat brand what a great amps they have, this one is special too.
I've been eyeing the 25th anniversary of this amplifier for some time now... I might just go for it now! :)
Thanks Thomas... I will buy the preamp and start there. The Decware CSP3. Work my way up. I always wanted you to make a comment on these amps and I always believed others descriptions but the way you describe the top end and midrange qualities - it will be bliss for me.
Glad to help!
Just to add, I made a pair of ProAc Response 2.5 clone speakers 4 years ago. I power them with two bi-amped vintage classic 45watt Quad 303’s. The ProAc clones are made with top class components, Miflex Copper, Jantzen silver, Russian PIO capacitors. The amps have been refurbished with Audio Note Kaisei capacitors and everything silver interconnects... Anyway everything has been voiced to get a holographic, lush and warm transparent and focused mid range. The ProAc clones are 86dB and can dip to 83dB on some material but the Quad 303 amplifiers driven by a 6922 and 6J1 line stage is a blissful experience. That is why I’m starting with the Decware CSP3 preamp hopefully to give me supreme control and then perhaps something Decware that will drive my 86dB ProAc clones... We will see...
That is one beautiful amp wow 😯
I would even pay for it ;¬D ; praise indeed, Thomas. Thanks for your informative and always entertaining take on 'stuff'. Greetings to you and yours.
BTW, I recommend that you give a Leema (e.g Hydra II anniversary or the integrated rig) a listen.
Looks really nice. Love it!
love the channel, Thomas. another great review. One thing I have to say as I check out different channels, very rarely if ever do I hear music that I actually listen to. I am not familiar
with 99% of the stuff you guys listen to. I'd love to be able to say, hey, I have that album! So, what do I listen to? Yellowjackets, Robben Ford, The Dregs, Simon Phillips' Protocol,
Chick Corea's Elektric Band, Gary Moore, Jeff Lorber Fusion, Steps Ahead, etc. Just an observation. But you know what, very rarely do I go into a vinyl record store and hear music
I like or am familiar with. Must be me! :-)
Keep the honest chair to chair reviews coming! 👍
I have never had the opportunity to hear a decware product but I like their philosophy. I like simplicity and elegance.
the Zen Torii Mono's would be an interesting review, no other reviews out there.
I built the early version the z kit...OMG amazing...paired with a pair of psb t45...about 93 db...beautiful
Thomas thank you for sharing. I enjoy your reviews. I have had the Zen a few years now myself but I would say that the Alan Eaton 45 amps are equally as nice, if not even nicer in several ways and no long wait period. Kevin at Glow in the Dark Audio is really an aficionado on these tube amps and has used them all. Btw I enjoyed your video explaining all the aspects of appreciating sound when compared younger listeners who hear higher frequencies. Keep up the great work.
Nice, maybe I should also reach out to Kevin. Thanks.
Thomas.....you are at the very beginning of the learning curve of what hifi is !
That's the reason why I usually smile at your reviews.....but it is never too late !
Well l am learning everyday.
@@ThomasAndStereo Everyone of us does and each of us at his own pace....I told you sometimes ago (years?) to built your own because it is an excellent way to learn things, it seems you finally decide to do it, good ....and read a little bit of Nelson Pass literature also.
Well done Thomas that’s the review I was waiting for , after listening to your review it’s a done deal my mind is made up I’m going to buy a Zen taboo headphone amp. By the time I place my order I’ll probably have to wait a year. LOL. All the best Clint 🇬🇧
Yeah, probably a year wait.
Another great video Thomas, I’m happy to see that you’re enjoying exploring the wonderful and diverse world of vacuum tube amplifier! I wonder if you might consider reviewing the Elekit 8600r 300B. It’s a kit that is also available pre built and has received high praise from some the best reviewers and I think your take on it would be of value to your subscribers. Cheers, Cole
I would love to, hope they reach out to me one day or maybe when I have time, I will ask them.
@@ThomasAndStereo Victor Kung at VK Music in Vancouver is very approachable.
I ordered the zen triode on 12/25/20 and later changed it to the Torii mkIV. I got i think the 2nd Torii V they made with all the anniversary mods and balanced inputs. Received it on Oct 13th. I would wait twice as long, it’s absolutely fantastic. I hope they don’t change a thing. I’m ordering a phono stage which will probably be at least a year from now.
Thanks for sharing
I totally agree with the lack of remote issue. Drives me nuts. But I asked them a while back and they can make the amp as a non-integrated.
Pretty cool. I like when people are content. Being cool with various things and other people adds variety to the interest of audio and attracts more people to enjoy it as well. Everyone is different and has their own opinions and preferences. I'm no different and won't use anything sub 350 per channel bare minimum(I run 750 per at the moment). I like for people three blocks away to sing along. To each their own lol I would like to hear some very very high efficiency cabinets driven by something like this Dec at some point. It would be interesting.
Thomas your lucky to have such a cool friend.
I hear nothing but good things about the Zen amps. I've ordered mine 9 months ago (as of the date of this video) and I'm further up on the list than most ....but I'm still waiting. I've got some Caintuck open-baffle speakers and some Tektons that are awaiting this amazing tube amp. Perhaps, one day, I will get to hear it too. XD
Thomas
I bought the ZMA(zen mystery amp) from decware almost 2yrs ago.l love it
You should review the ZMA
👍🤗THANKS THOMAS… I LEARNED SOMETHING TONIGHT ABOUT MAC AMPS ….and I wondered 🤔how much of that 300 watts. Got used most of the time
🤗 KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK😍😍😍
Depends on the speaker but I doubt I will use 300w frequently.
🤔 so you have used most of the power … how loud and often…what speakers AND WHERE WAS YOUR WIFE WHEN YOU DID THIS 😂😉😍😍😍
9k dollars audionirvana driver speakers... the beauty of hifi gear. The Li audio fullrange speakers from decware come to mind as a direct alternative.
Thomas you really got me thinking about the Decware amp. I hope you can share your thoughts about that Luxman SQ-N150. I have been thinking about getting the Luxman for my Cornwall IV speakers. Thanks for all your wonderful reviews!
Yeah, I might review that SQ-N150, I bought it and usually I don't have time to review my own gear.
Yes, got the same speakers and considering both. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Im a guitar player & used to use 3 200 watt amp's on stage when I started in the 90's now I use little guys 5 watt each 2 of them & will never go back! Cause I gained tone and articulate feel. So I totally understand it in stereo world 👍🙏
Own their mono-blocks with almost the same circuit design. With Cornawalls 4 it’s quite spectacular combo.
It’s really enthralling to hear.
Trick is bi/tri-amping or midbass horns with bass compression drivers. If using woofers, solid state or a more powerful tubeamp. 100W gives good control of the wooders.
Yet another excellent video Thomas. When ever I watch one of your segments, I always come away thinking the same thing... Down to earth on exactly on point.
This is the second time I have watched this particular video. I wanted to watch it again as I have had a SE84UFO2 on order since April of 2020 and need to keep up my interest from time to time. I can't wait to compare it to my Elekit TU-8600S that I built this past spring. If you haven't heard one, you really should. As Herb Reichert wrote, it's really quite special.
You mentioned that you were building an amplifier. Would you care to share which one you are working on?
Thanks, that project sadly has been put on hold.
I have the previous UFO version and it is superb. I have done some tube rolling and settled on a pair of 7189s for output tubes and a vintage Rogers Canada 6DJ8 input. The best upgrade tube, though, is using a Type 80 with adapter for rectification - the difference was not subtle!
After living with speakers I had on hand I auditioned and bought the Triangle 40th Anniversary Comètes. This is a match made in heaven! I haven’t finished with the setup of the Comètes yet and only have about 35 hours on them, but already they have scratched any upgrade itch.
Nice, thanks for sharing.
Be careful using an 80 rectifier on an amplifier that was designed to use a 5v-3a rectifier (5u4g)...
If you listen to jazz and ,blues And want a little more lag or sag, try using a RCA 5r4gy.it will drop the B+ voltage lower than the 40-48 volts that the 5U4g does.
And you won't burn the tube or transformer up in the long run.The voltage drop is about the same for for the 80 which is the four pin predecessor of the eight pin 5y3..
@@dannyalvens5418 Thanks for the tip. I think the adapter I use compensates. I haven’t noticed any problems, only an improvement over the 274s that I have used. Two out of 3 failed early, including the original that shipped with the amplifier - it was DOA, probably due to damage in shipping.
Something to consider... Simple speakers for simple amps. A good quality high sensitivity speaker with simple crossovers and reasonably benign impedence curve works best. You don't want speakers that need to be beaten into submission with these amps.
Hi Thomas, been watching your channel on and off for the past few years but was afraid of subbing due to getting GAS. I realize that I will probably get GAS at random in my normal life anyways, and am usually able to shake off the feeling. I am now subbed, because i do genuinely enjoy the content
Welcome aboard! Sorry I don't know what does GAS mean.
Patience and his obsession for continuous refinements has made this integrated amplifer a success. Sure beats going to those high end audiophile conventions to see those hyped, latest and greatest, overly priced components.
This is a very refined product that you don't have to purchase those very expensive speaker cables, which in my opinion is nothing but snake oil. This amplifer is designed for people who enjoy the subtle nuisances captured on vinyl or even on CD and those who attend small private listening venues. Funny how huge powerful amplifiers seems to become the rage, just like the horsepower ratings in cars. These companies go after the customers who want to be noticed for the privilege of bragging. Audiophiles who need to crank up the decibels to satisfy their egos or impress their friends are not music lovers. They remind me of the demos that have the canons going off in the 1812 Overture or the jet plane scenes in the Top Gun movie. Does anyone remember the audio of the steam locomotive train or an Air Force fighter jet passing through your listening room? I guess I'm not the stadium type individual that wants to hear my favorite band blow the roof off.
Agree with your post - but with the right speaker pairing, Forte for me, the Zen plays louder than anyone will ever play music in their home in normal circumstances. It can play house party thumping loud easily with the Klipsch Forte.
This amp might possibly be ultra spectacular with the Tekton Moab.
It is at this point that I realize, my wallet is gonna die.
BTW love you Sean. Ty for all your contributions. Same to you Thomas.
Fascinating how old technology sounds so great...The BEST sound in a living room was of course " Hundreds of years ago"..Every day or night, the wealthy would have a Trio or Quartet of musicians play live music in their lounge room while they partyed with their friends . These permanent employees(musicians) of the household were often required to compose new music daily. Not many people can afford to take their audio to that level today, but tube amplifiers take us back somewhat in the right direction.
Lovely, just lovely...
You might also try the SE34I.5. This is a massive 6 watts/channel but uses the EL-34, a pentode tube, run as a triode. I must admit, I have loved the EL-34 since I first listened to on a dynaco st-70. There is some magic in that specially made bottle. I run my Decware through some Altec Lansing A7-500’s 16 ohm version. As your friend mentioned at the end, hours and hours of un-fatiguing listening. Another thing to point out is how you feel like you’ve just upgraded the quality of all your recordings, regardless of format. Prior to buying I called and talked to Steve Deckert and asked the questions I had. He answered everything as an audiophile but he is the engineer that has designed all. He’s the man that Thomas refers to as the “audiophile engineer”. Just be certain the speakers you are running have a high sensitivity. I shop lots of used equipment and you very, very seldom see these come up for sale. Indicating to me, it’s a buy and hold.
I own an original SE34I It is quite different than the later versions, It uses 4 EL34's & each tube has it's own speaker output.
2 of the tubes are wired in Triode & the other 2 are wired in Pseudo Triode. SO it can be operated in 2 tube Pseudo, 2 tube Triode, 4 tube Series, or 4 Tube Parallel. depending on how the speaker wires are hooked up.
I bought it about 20 years ago, & Steve did a mod on it called the "Christmas Mod" & It really improved the sound.
I think the later SE34I models may have the Mod as standard. & I think the newer versions have a rectifier tube, mine does not.
I never get tired of the amp, It sounds great paired with single driver Hornshoppe horns.
The little zen amps are great, but if You have a mediocre recording, It will sound horrible, It will reveal everything including the warts.
@@toxsickdogI remember when "Christmas came early". Which Steve abbreviated as "the CCE mod".
Every other audio power pentode can only be run in what you accurately referred to as "Pseudo-Triode" mode.
Only the EL34 (& not even the 6CA7!) has a separate pin out for the Suppressor Grid (g3), allowing you to disconnect it (he floats it with a 100nF capacitor to Earth, as I recall🤔).
On all the other Power Pentodes, g3 is hard-wired internally to the Cathode.
So sure, you can tie g2, the Screen Grid, to the Anode ("Plate") & then pretend that you have achieved a real triode connection, but you actually haven't.
All you did was turn a Pentode into a weird sort of Tetrode, & the result is quite disappointing if you've ever heard REAL Power Triodes!
Sure, it still (should) sounds better than when it was connected as originally intended as a Pentode, but the improvement is very slight & the sonic "Pentode" character of the Valve remains with almost no perceptible change.
I dismissed this "CCE" connection when I first saw it on the Decware site all those years ago as a "gimmick" being overhyped by a guy who probably doesn't know the difference between a transistor and a resistor...
I was inclined to try it anyway; maybe in some other form like either just omitting the capacitor & leaving the Suppressor Grid completely disconnected to anything, or to try a "true" triode connection where both the g2 & g3 are connected to the Anode.
But g3 is usually rated at a maximum of 0V(!), & no higher than 28V on any other Power Pentodes, & even those aren't Audio Valve types!
So I basically never got around to trying it because I considered the risk of damage to both the EL34 & the output transformer to be too risky.
Well, the CCE mod faded out of audio memory, but Decware itself didn't; despite my smug prediction that it would.🤓🤔
Now, there's ONE other Audio Power Pentode besides the EL34 that actually can allow you to make the CCE connection, if you dare: the 6GK6.
It's the EL84/6BQ5 your mother never told you about (& probably Steve, too...🤫), the improved & more reliable version made for Television Sets!
You'd have to rewire the EL84 sockets, since the pin assignments are very different. But on top of being able to try the "CCE mod" on a 6BQ5 (because the 6GK6 IS electrically the exact same Valve!), you also gain access to an otherwise unused & unwanted Valve that as a result sells for alot less money than a 6BQ5/EL84 does (never mind that Russian 6П15П-ЕВ piece of 💩)...AND
you'll be buying NOS from a Western Tube Company, likely Amperex, Mullard, Valvo, RCA, Sylvania, or GE!
Reason alone to switch over to the 6GK6, even if you never want to try to blow up your amp running the CCE mod...😘
I'm one of those waiting for the 25rh anniversary zen amps from decware.
I love this amp - Thomas I’m on my way home and I want it back :)
What amp?😁😁😁
@@ThomasAndStereo can’t have mine either!
Mark, Appreciate your insights into the Zen. I see in the video that you have a Freya / Freya+. How does the Freya pair with the Decware? Does the active Tube gain stage of the Freya synergize with the Zen to increase dynamics? Sound density? Is it a good pairing?
@@derekf7772 - the Freya was lent to me from Thomas with the onyx mono blocks. I use the zen as an integrated / no pre amp connected
Yep, the line for this hi-fi movie stretches around the block. My amp is in "testing" status currently. I ordered it in January. But when I saw that spreadsheet I had a lot more sympathy for Decware and felt less grumpy for having to wait so long. That's a boatload of amps they have to build. But this is mom and pop stuff, not corporate giants. Thomas mentioned he'd take this amp over a 'Crown class D with 1000 watts', which is actually the same situation I've got. I am very pleased with my Crowns, but I have to see what this amp does. I had another Decware amp many years ago but I didn't have the right speakers. I am quite pleased with my Zu Dirty Weekends by comparison.
One solution to not seeing the meters and not having a remote control is putting the gear you need to touch right next to your listening chair on a small, low profile rack. Gear doesn't belong between the speakers. That space should be empty, ideally, in my opinion. You want the singer's saliva misting on your forehead, not glancing off a pile of reflective metal. Although if I still had my Michell turntable I would want to look at it all the time.
Yeah, that works as long as the speakers are not too far away.
Hi Thomas. Im really set on getting the decware what pre would u recommend to go with it? Thanks brother 🙏 another great review 👍
What kind of connection wires are they at scene 10:21? Last time I saw something like was at a local Sunday swap meet..
I really enjoy watching your video reviews and hold your taste in audio above the average Joe..
Hit that subscribe button and support Thomas, very few have his talent at explaining sound and it needs to be recognised, fantastic review 👏
Much appreciated!
I hate to say it but first, in my life!! I’m clicking like before watching. Thanks Thomas for videos despite your busy schedule
Edit1: video watched. My job is done
Edit2: Did you ever review the totems from the video?
Edit3: this is a free publicity for PEI!
Thanks Marc-Andre. Yes, you are first!
Nah I did not review the Totem sky yet, maybe I should one day. PEI looks amazing.
The Russian tube used is essentially a EL84 equivalent. The -EV variant is a ruggedized version which you can think of as a military grade version like JAN tubes. The driver tube is also somewhat unique in this application in that it is a very high transconductance (gm) tube which I suspect contributes to the unique sound.
I bet this sounds delightful with Decware's LII audio F12 based OB speakers.
I don't have speakers and most likely I will never do, due to my living space, but this is how an amp should look like. I would take this look over anything at any time
Decware waiting list is real. I am still waiting for mine(6 months already).
I found that with a low wattage tube amp (3-6W), the input sensitivity affects the total music presentation. Most of my music listening is on LPs (vinyl), and the output of the phono preamp is lower than the input sensitivity of my two low power tube amps. When I compare the music presentation with the phono preamp and the digital music player, with double the output of the required input sensitivity in both amps, the player music presentation is fuller and has more impact, I'm not talking of volume. The volume on both sources has been set at the same level using a sound meter.
If you can adjust your phono stage then you might be able to improve that. I am currently using a moving magnet cartridge through the Tavish Design Classic phono stage. I’m going to go back to the user guide and see what options I have to increase the gain.
Seems like a -fun-amp,heard lots of good news from it.
The other audio gem is the Tannoy Prestige lines of speakers; for desktop, the Tannoy mini autograph is the one to get.
I don't use remote on amplifier, just on sources like cd player. I like holding and feeling the volume knob
Thomas, if you can, listen to this with your friend's Omega speakers! And review the little Line Magnetic EL84 amp, if you can't face the now ridiculous wait for Decware (if you are going to send your amps out to reviewers, take on some extra staff maybe?). LM works beautifully too.
That crumble paint is like what they painted old instruments with . Like old projectors, microscopes and the like. Very durable. Anyway that’s what it looks like.
Great review. I am in the que for a Decware and very excited. Mark, what if any “options” did you get with your UFO2? Capacitor upgrades, volume pots, wood type, etc.?
It is the most recent base UFO2 model with no extra upgrades. Wood base and volume knob are walnut - and look amazing.
When I ordered my amp… I live 15 minutes away so I went there an talked to Steve… he encouraged me to order it bone stock. “Live with it and figure it out. Then feel free to send it in for mods, if you want.” I have a 20W Torii Jr… but still. Steve’s a really straight shooter. Why would a business owner tell you to NOT buy upgrades at first? He just wanted me to have a great experience… a journey.
@Winston Smith - I don't use a preamp.
I really enjoy your enthusiasm for your hobby. To me they're just machines. I think Sean is getting a little bored. I think he enjoys the interaction with people more than the equipment. Steve Guttenberg and Herb Reichert are also really into the gear. Maybe I'm just getting old.
I'm loving these reviews Thomas. Now I can learn what works and what doesn't with my S3/5R2.
should receive my zen mystery amp soooon....finger's crossed...gonna match it up with a pair of klipsch khorns and klipsch forte's. The k-horns are about 70 years old but still sound great...got the forte's in 1985...got a RME adi dac so I will let you know how it all works out.
Please do.
Hi Richard
If you don't mind letting me know how how it pair's up with the khorns, I thinking I will get this amp for my khorns.
Thank you you and hope they sound great.
Rudy
Rudy its working great...sounds wonderful...I put a couple videos on utube but can't really tell how good it sounds. That's if they even let you listen to em...dam copyright laws.
Thank you Richard for the feed back. I'm currently running mc275 monoblocks and was wondering if these may be a better match than the 275s for the khorns. I will check out you video. Thanks again. And enjoy
They answered the question about a remote. At 2.3W it’s only powerful enough to to turn on and turn up. Kickback and enjoy.
Wow, I had forgotten how much you liked this amp. I loved how you said, "Please Decware, send me more stuff, I'll even pay you!" 😊 With my setup, I would REALLY love to hear what you think of the Decware Torii! It is along similar lines, but has 20w/side.
*PLEASE* do try to get more Decware stuff to review if you can. Their absolute purity I feel is probably pretty hard to beat, which is right along with my own audio 'Philosophy' of simplicity in the sense of the absolute LEAST in the signal path. That is why my speakers we designed to be almost all full range, despite there being 13 drivers a side on the 2 high-end towers, with only one capacitor used as a crossover for each single ribbon tweeter on each tower. I asked the owner of Decware what he thought of the Doge 10 since it is so highly thought of. He said that it probably is not a bad sounding amp, but compared to Decware, they use a lot more CBs, ribbons, and universal capacitors and such, which he said would sound better if they didn't. I believe him. The Decware amps are SO streamlined and near perfect in their simplicity.
One day... 😁
Thanks, look at my latest video on break in and I show the Torii MK5 amp Decware sent me!
@@ThomasAndStereo Oh, I did watch that, it was excellent! Ah, but I didn't see the Torii, awesome! *THAT's* the one I'll likely have my eye on because it is 20/side and should drive my high-end towers. That's the nice thing about tri-amping, you can adjust the low/high-end balance but WITHOUT having tone controls in the signal path! 😊 A recording is a little dark, bring up the dual-mono Sherwoods (or eventually maybe the Torii!) If a pressing is a little bright, bring up the Crown driving the 2-15" dipole woofers a little. Perfect!
There is a guitar effects pedal called "Analogman King of Tone". it is a hand-made boutique pedal, and the waiting time is at least 2 years. =)
I think a pair of zen triodes with my rp600m would be wonderful. Now that my man Thomas likes it, hard to resist.
You get about 75% out of this Zen with the Rp600m. Still sounds good.
@@ThomasAndStereo makes sense, $600 speaker.
great review. thank you.
i don't know if you've ever auditioned the OTOMON Lab tube amps. they seem promising , and kind of also have a similar quality and philosophy of the DECWARE.
Not yet, hopefully one day
Was already thinking of getting this amp in the future before this video now i definitely am gonna get it to pair with my rp600m
Yup, just have to patiently wait for 8 months.
@@ThomasAndStereo i just bought a drum set so i can't afford it any time aoon anyways hopefully the wait will get better
Great review again Thomas. I've been thinking it's best to have high sensitive speakers. I see you are reviewing a lot of tube amps recently. Can you please review Primaluna's latest top of the line. Thanks.
My friend already had the EVO 400 integrated and it is good but I wish it was more tuby sounding.
@@ThomasAndStereo Many thanks for the input. Appreciate it!
Primaluna can’t not be heard as is with factory tubes. To me, any tube amp from the factory is just a starting point, a platform for exploring a wide variety of NOS tubes out there. Primaluna can sound a lot more “tubey” without the old fashion bloom, as long as the right blend of NOS tubes are rolled in. In triode mode with Siemens EL34 and RCA/Tungsram/Radiotechniques/Brimar input tubes it is warm, lush and holographic for 60s Jazz/Sinatra/JulieLondon style of music. In Ultralinear mode with KT-120s, and Mazda/Amperex-Philips/Telefunkens input tubes, it can satisfy the imaging, wide soundstage and dynamic range required by classical solos and orchestras, rock and any contemporary music.
Best of all is the auto-biasing for a wide range of tubes, even non perfectly matching tubes.
@@cjpriustt Thanks for your inputs too.
Damn who downvoted this? Are they angry with the wait list? I ordered this back in April and I am still waiting.
I literally did not want to watch this as I see myself probably 8 months down the waitlist still for the amp I ordered in April....But, good things come to those who wait, right? I'm glad you liked it and so did you friend. I was worried I was too influenced by "you know who" when I ordered it. Anyway, the wait is too long so I am going to order another amp from an unnamed designer in the meantime!
PS: I do think its important to mention that the one you review with the meters and the wood sides is $1400 USD. The base model with metal enclosure and no meters and no balanced input is $1000. Not sure why reviewers don't discuss this distinction given it's a 40% difference in price.
If you discover another gem out there, let me know. I always like to discover things from unnamed designer.
Oh I did not bother reading up on it as I am just too busy.
@@ThomasAndStereo will do. The designer is not “unknown” but I want to order mine before there’s a rush and I have to wait 12 months for this one too!
By the way, let me just say that I love your videos. I've thought about posting one and getting started, but it just seems so daunting to start. I appreciate your perspective on things and it helps in navigating the hobby. Keep it up.
If your headphones aren't too demanding you could save a ton and buy a Hagerman Tuba - solid engineering, no fluff, and built in the US. Jim also gives great customer service too. Very happy with it.
Hey thomas just preorder this one, however I was wondering on what would be a good DAC ay around this price, any recomendation for synergy, I am almost exclusively an LP audiophile
The folks ar DecWare strongly suggest that speakers with a sensitivity of 92 dB or better. Best is an open-backed speaker such as the one that DecWare has or the speakers from Spatial.
This amp has me curious on how it would pair up with 1988 Khorns with the Freya plus preamp.
I'm currently using Mc275 M6 monoblocks, with the Freya plus, and khorns.
Thanks
Rudy
I have the Decware Zen single ended EL84 ZKIT1 circuit board and the Edcor transformers. It uses diodes for rectification instead of tube rectifier. I hope it sounds at least close to this when done. Way cheaper though, so good bang for the buck.
There’s a reason Steve chose tube rectification and point-to-point wiring - just saying, but sincerely, good luck!
I’m just about to get my ZKIT2 monoblocks assembled. While it’s circuit board based and solid state rectified, I’m going to be able to build them for about ⅓ the cost of the assembled amps. That works out to about $600 versus $2,000 for the assembled amps. Plus, there’s no roughly eight month wait to contend with. I have high hopes. If I’m not happy with them, I can always rewire them point to point if so inclined.
UFO means it's out of this world. Like your vids.
Even listening to the sample on CZcams I can hear how good this is.
Though I have no real idea how tube amps should be used or maintained so it’s all a bit of a mystery to me. Not to mention where you buy replacement tubes from. I couldn’t imagine trying to get glass tubes delivered in the post.
Oh they have online stores for that and usually it is no problem shipping at all.
Try valvesandmore (the stores name) , he’s genuine and Canadian with explanation and NOS tubes or newer that he has tested and reviewing that you can get quality by knowing your seller . Fun informative
Hey, Thomas Do you know if the Decware was stock or had the capacitor upgrades?
Hey Thomas. Thank you for yet another wonderful video. I was wondering if you know or could find out what speaker stands Mark is using for the Forte iii. I’ve been trying to elevate mine 6 to 8 inches off the floor and cannot find anything anywhere as it relates to stands for these speakers. I’ve also ordered the same Decware amp. Can’t wait for it to come i 👍. Best!
That was from his last vintage speakers.
Ok thanks 👍
Yes stands are from my set of vintage Mordaunt Short Speakers- as per Thomas’ answer. I used my Forte’s for around 3 months sitting on the floor - but I’ve found in my room they sound significantly better elevated. For reference - my stands are 7 inches tall - but you need to remove the base/riser from the Forte to put them in stands - the wood base is ~ 2 inches tall - so elevation effectively is ~ 5 inches. Worth experimenting. And as for pairing - so far nothing has been better than the Zen - even after trying 30+ amps with the fortes (most were considerably more expensive)
@@markscott7583 Thsnks for the reply/info. Definitely going to experiment with raising them up. I’ve had the Forte’s for 2 years and I am very happy with the midrange and the bass it produces. My only issue has been with the top end. I had been running them with the Macintosh MAC6700 (currently being serviced) and was thinking that due to it being way more power than I need along with the fact it that it’s a solid state amp, that this could be the reason for them being a tad harsh and shouty at times. I found out after I ordered the Decware that the wait time for this amp is going to be around 8 months. So I purchased the Black Ice F11 integrated. It’s amazing how 18 watts can have just as much slam as the Mac rated at 200. This amp is much sweeter sounding but I’m still noticing some harshness here and there. Could be the recording. My room is treated fairly well. I can’t wait to try the Decaware. Haven’t heard a bad review yet. I’m hoping that by putting the tweeters up around 6 inches higher, that will help to smooth out the sound. Thanks again for the advise.
I bought the zen mystery amp I will probably get it in 6 months don’t mine waiting for something that good I will run my Martin Logan monolith 3 active crossover Steve said it will be my last amp that I will buy