Forums - Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp

Pale Rider Seasoned Member Posts: 1271	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #75 - 05/14/11 at 20:54:21 Will, thanks much for the rec. Picked up the last 4 with "imperfect" test scores. I have been wanting to try some Telefunkens, but confess to being somewhat bewildered by the array of choices, and the varying opinions and "web voodoo" on them.
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will

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Posts: 806

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #76 - 05/14/11 at 21:47:16

Pale,

This is a quote from tubemonger from when i asked them about using imperfect test score tubes as inputs on the Torii.

"For critical gain stages, it is not a good idea to use tubes with imperfect scores."

I asked because they are cheap and I don't even know what imperfect scores are. So I am still ignorant, just passing on the tubemonger view. You seem to know a lot, but just in case, there is time to change if you feel inclined and the tubemonger folks are very efficient and accommodating in my experience. Wink

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Mac mini, Tranquility DAC, Oppo 83 (modded), ZSTAGE, TORII MkIII, Zen styx, Ziegler HR-ONEs...VHaudio, Reality, MAC ICs.... PI Audio Uberbuss....PI, VHaudio, Cryoparts power cables, HerbiesAudioLab feet and tube dampers.

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Pale Rider

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Posts: 1271

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #77 - 05/14/11 at 21:56:49

Indeed, they are cheaper by 1/3. But, like you, I am still unclear on what it means to have an imperfect score.. I suspect it is, among other things, a tube that does not test out perfectly as new. Just as I suspect some of my formerly new NOS tubes would now test. This seems to me a good reason to fire up my new-to-me B&K 707 tester!

Just the same, I will write them and point them to my intended use in the Ultra and/or Toriis.

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Pale Rider

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Posts: 1271

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #78 - 05/15/11 at 02:42:52

Well, they were very responsive, but I got a similar "not familiar with your amplifier circuit, but may not be suitable for critical application" sort of response. So, I upgraded to the quad matched set. Will see how they sound. And you were right about Tubemonger being efficient. They were ready to ship in less than two hours. I barely got the order changed in time.

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« Last Edit: 05/15/11 at 02:48:40 by Pale Rider »

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will

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Posts: 806

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #79 - 05/15/11 at 06:23:03

Yeah, who knows. I guess you were probably right that the imperfects would be fine, but I sure would like to know that before buying a bunch. I bet it is just some matching standards they use....like the triodes being off by 15%, or one of the triodes being under some standard.

I can say that I can hear the usual stuff like cables and different tubes with this amp...probably like your Taboo and your coming Ultra, but slightly imperfect tubes....got me. Hope the tubes suit you. Mine took a while to settle in. Looking forward to your impressions of them and your Toriis and Ultra. Man, you have got some exciting explorations coming! Cool

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Mac mini, Tranquility DAC, Oppo 83 (modded), ZSTAGE, TORII MkIII, Zen styx, Ziegler HR-ONEs...VHaudio, Reality, MAC ICs.... PI Audio Uberbuss....PI, VHaudio, Cryoparts power cables, HerbiesAudioLab feet and tube dampers.

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Pale Rider Seasoned Member Posts: 1271	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #80 - 05/16/11 at 03:15:56 At the end of the day, saving $14 per tube just isn't worth the uncertainty. Granted, that price differential is almost the price for what Decware charges for a 6922 or 6N1P, but still.
Back to top	Decware: Ultra \| Torii MKIII [2] \| SE84ZS \| Taboo MkIII Sources: Synology 1812+ \| Baetis Revolution \| PWD DAC MKII \| Lumin Network Player \| Mytek 192 \| Oppo 105 DSP: DEQX Mate \| Emotiva Outputs: ERR [6] + Servo Subs \| LCD-2 & other cans IP Logged

will

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Posts: 806

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #81 - 05/16/11 at 05:12:54

I think the stock tubes sound great, and for reasonable prices. But after getting a taste for a nice variety of NOS tubes and their potential for amazing synergy, even having tried a couple varieties of cryo'd NOS 6N1Ps, I just can't use them. Had I not gotten into tubes though....I would have been very happy with stock. Tube play just opens bigger and deeper doorways when I get the right ones working together.

I had not tried a Telefunken either....too mythical and precious. But these 7DJ8s are a relatively inexpensive and welcome taste of them, and I understand the attraction now!

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Mac mini, Tranquility DAC, Oppo 83 (modded), ZSTAGE, TORII MkIII, Zen styx, Ziegler HR-ONEs...VHaudio, Reality, MAC ICs.... PI Audio Uberbuss....PI, VHaudio, Cryoparts power cables, HerbiesAudioLab feet and tube dampers.

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Pale Rider Seasoned Member Posts: 1271	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #82 - 05/16/11 at 17:34:05 I suppose we could be trying these: https://www.tubeworld.com/el34metal.htm Only $1150 for a matched pair. Sheesh. I think I will stick with my Hazen Grid devices and more reasonable tubes.
Back to top	Decware: Ultra \| Torii MKIII [2] \| SE84ZS \| Taboo MkIII Sources: Synology 1812+ \| Baetis Revolution \| PWD DAC MKII \| Lumin Network Player \| Mytek 192 \| Oppo 105 DSP: DEQX Mate \| Emotiva Outputs: ERR [6] + Servo Subs \| LCD-2 & other cans IP Logged

will Seasoned Member Posts: 806	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #83 - 05/16/11 at 18:03:16 Ouch!
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mac5u Seasoned Member Posts: 100	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #84 - 05/16/11 at 23:56:27 My guess is he'll sell them -- probably to some banker bailed out with TARP funds. (With semi-sincere appologies to any bankers on this forum).
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mac5u

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Posts: 100

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #85 - 05/17/11 at 01:35:32

...And with another set of apologies to Brash who started this thread, until we get more information on the Zen Ultra, I am afraid this thread will continue to drift...

First, I don't know that I have ever seen amps and associated equipment mounted vertically, but it certainly seems Steve has flipped his equipment over on its side.

Also, I can't quite make out everything in the photo. The Zen Ultra is at the top. I don't recognize the piece of equipment with the gauges -- is that one of the earlier Toriis? And below that, what, Zstages? And then cometh the Zen CD player?

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« Last Edit: 05/17/11 at 01:39:37 by mac5u »

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Pale Rider Seasoned Member Posts: 1271	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #86 - 05/17/11 at 14:16:56 Hey mac5u, yes, a little thread drift might be unavoidable, but commenting on a picture from the Ultra page is probably topical. Anyway, I wondered about those gauges as well, and about the associated equipment, too.
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. D*ck Posts: 5232	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #87 - 05/17/11 at 14:25:32 I think the gauges are just further proof that Steve IS a mad scientist.
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Pale Rider

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Posts: 1271

Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp
Reply #88 - 05/20/11 at 04:43:23

Ah, the good old fine line between madness and genius!

But seeing the pic again reminds me that I have to find a proper stand that will permit access to the Ultra and Toriis, and even show them off, along with other components I care less about seeing, and also leaving room for center channel speakers that are likely to be ERRs.

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MikeZ@turningpointaudio Verified Member Posts: 35	Re: Decware Zen ULTRA six channel preamp Reply #89 - 05/20/11 at 14:08:05 Pale Rider- Have you checked out the Z-Rack by Decware? It has adjustable shelves and can have the same type of wood as your ERR's. Just a thought Mike
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