Forums - New Super Zen vs. Zen Select

Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 1109	New Super Zen vs. Zen Select 09/15/12 at 21:30:23 With the new Super Zen, will we even need a Zen Select?
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stone_of_tone Seasoned Member Listen Often/Listen Deep Posts: 265	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #1 - 09/16/12 at 14:35:16 I am wondering the same thing? I do look forward to comparing my stock SE84CS to my SuperZen in my main/reference rig/setup. The Amps only swaped out of course/all else equal.
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ZENCDUSER Senior Member Posts: 56	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #2 - 09/22/12 at 00:00:12 Was thinking the same! Cant wait for the new Super Zen website and photos ( HINT HINT Steve!!)
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Steve Deckert

Administrator

If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 2224

Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select
Reply #3 - 09/25/12 at 21:24:11

The Select (SE84CS and then later the SE84ZS) used a better cathode resistor for the output stage and our WIMA FKP-1 series coupling caps which are of course very good.

The SuperZen is now using the same cathode resistor, but also has updated plate resistors, updated front end power supply (we removed the two 3.3uf poly caps) and the Jupitor bees wax foil caps with silver leads. These caps in this amplifier have a more organic sound and actually better transparency than even the VCAPS. Of course compared to an original SE84CS, the SuperZen has the CCE mod and the CKC mods and twice as thick of a chassis for less vibration. It will sound better, no question, however keep one thing in mind...

Zen amps get better sounding the older they get. An SE84CS from many years ago will sound better than a new SuperZen for quite some time, until the SuperZen has fully broken in and got some seasoning under it's belt. We have built new SE84CS and compared to new SuperZen to find out what the differences really were, and lets just say they are substantial.

Now the only difference between a new SE84ZS and the SuperZen would be the chassis itself. We will still offer the SE84ZS for anyone who prefers this style of chassis.

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Steve Deckert Administrator If the 1st watt sucks why continue? Posts: 2224	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #4 - 09/25/12 at 21:25:19 Here is the page for the new Super Zen! http://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84CKC.html Steve
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stone_of_tone Seasoned Member Listen Often/Listen Deep Posts: 265	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #5 - 10/01/12 at 14:59:08 Thanks Steve for this info. I look forward to having fun with my SE84CS and new CKC. I will start with the 5 hours on and off....... . I already know that I will have two of the most transparent & musical Amps on the planet. Have a great Decfest. -Larry
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jameskk

Seasoned Member

Posts: 117

Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select
Reply #6 - 11/04/12 at 11:27:32

I'm not going to comment on the sound of the superzen because I dont know how much breakin is required . I have 005. went through all the breakin that Steve recommends . now I'm using it as I would any normal amp . The amp runs suprisingly cooler than zens of the past on which I have three. The transformer is smaller than the past zen ,white se84c+..... this superzen looks like its built to last into many generations of audiophiles.The huge 274 B rectifier is barely accomodated as it almost touches the transformer...... I have not gone back to the earlier generation of zen to compare either.

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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 1109	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #7 - 11/04/12 at 11:57:07 Thanks for the update.
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stone_of_tone Seasoned Member Listen Often/Listen Deep Posts: 265	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #8 - 11/09/12 at 06:24:45 I'm getting excited.....my CKC is in QC as of 11/5 email. I hope to get the ship email soon and it is coming with Zen Styx silver banana termination Speaker wire. -Stone
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jameskk

Seasoned Member

Posts: 117

Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select
Reply #9 - 11/19/12 at 11:06:45

I've been struggling for 2 days now to explain my thoughts on the Superzen . I'm really trying to restrain myself by not blurting out childish remarks. This amp lacks nothing, restricts nothing, tells you whats on the particular cd,good or bad . lets you know when the engineer made an adjustment on the recording, good or bad ,so easy to listen to . the next positive stage in the evolution of the zen triode. Super...... yes........ fully broken in, probably not! Will I get my other zens upgraded to a superzen , you betcha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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stone_of_tone Seasoned Member Listen Often/Listen Deep Posts: 265	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #10 - 11/19/12 at 14:51:26 My sentiments exactly, jameskk. I received mine on Friday and I have been pleased right out of the box/certainly far from broke in. I should be cleaning leaves out of my gutters.....but it will have to wait until tomorrow......... . Masterpiece Steve. Stone of Tone
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rockn Verified Member Posts: 41	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #11 - 11/20/12 at 20:05:45 I'll be hooking up the S zen later! So whats the break in procedure? 5 hour on and off? with or without music? Bob
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. D*ck Posts: 5232	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #12 - 11/20/12 at 20:15:53 Play music as you normally would for five hours or so and then turn the amp off for at least five hours. That's what Steve prescribes. Works at getting the capacitors fairly well seated, gives you a good start towards the signature sound. Congrats!!!!
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rockn Verified Member Posts: 41	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #13 - 11/20/12 at 20:50:31 Thanks!! So I just need to do this once and I'm good?
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. D*ck Posts: 5232	Re: New Super Zen vs. Zen Select Reply #14 - 11/20/12 at 21:01:39 No, sorry forgot to mention it's five cycles of on and off that Steve recommends.
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