OVERVIEW
Take your source to the next
level with this Single-Ended pure TRIODE gain stage! Flush
out the detail, unleash insane dynamics, improve imaging and reduce
fatigue! In most cases the end result of adding this unit to your
existing source is better than if you had purchased a new and more
expensive source.
Just plug the ZSTAGE
into the back of your CD player or DAC and you will have the power of
an adjustable output level ( from zero to over 5 volts!) which means
DYNAMICS are now in your control! Not to mention the beauty of
pure single-ended triodes adding dimensionality to your music that was
never there before!
So you want a better sounding source?
|
OPTION
A
Take your
present source somewhere and have it tweeked, modded or upgraded for
maybe a 10% improvement...
|
|
OPTION
B
Buy a brand
new source that costs twice what your present one did and hope for a
25% improvement...
|
|
OPTION C
Keep your present
source and add a ZSTAGE to it for the biggest noticable difference in
sound of all three options, by far.
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DESCRIPTION
The ZSTAGE is designed as a stand-alone tube-output-stage
for
CD players or your favorite DAC. Actually it will work with any
line level device. This is the same technology used in our tube
CD players but without the player. Dedicating the tube stage to
it's own chassis has an advantage of shielding the circuitry from RF
and digital noise typically found inside CD players.
The ZSTAGE is
a single-ended triode stereo gain stage operating in class A with no
negative feedback. It accepts any standard 2 volt line level
source (Like our ZDAC-1) and has a variable output via the front
mounted volume control. It can also be used as a purist tube
preamp
where multiple inputs are not needed.
Designed as a companion product for our ZDAC-1 this highly
transparent gain stage can take your dac to the next level by
allowing
you to manipulate the dynamics and frequency balance of any recording
as well as roll tubes to effect different signatures and imaging.
SOME IMPORTANT FEATURES:
The ZSTAGE
features a black powder coated steel chassis with a
standard IEC connector and removable power cord. No circuit
boards, Hand Made and Available in
115/230/240 volts for world wide compatibility.
The unit is designed with
reduced voltages that only operate
the tube at half power so there is no heat, and the tube will last
twice as long. To keep everything at the ideal slightly warm
operating temperature for best sound, the ZSTAGE is run
24/7 and has no
switch. It draws less power than a 15 watt light bulb and was
specifically designed to stay on continuously.
There are a single pair of
inputs and a single pair of
outputs. The output level can be adjusted with the front mounted
gain control. In cases where no preamp is used, this can be used
as a volume control and drive most amps directly.
A font mounted switch allows
you to adjust the
operating points on the tube causing two different signatures; One is
extra dynamic and full, the other is more laid back sounding. A
valuable voicing tool to find the best compliment to your system, it
also lets you hear any tube you put in it sound two different ways.
A very good description of
how to use this and what it can
do for you can be found in the owner's manual.
 OWNERS
MANUAL
TUBES
A final advantage to using a ZSTAGE is the simple fact that
you can tube roll with your choice of 12AT7's or
12AU7's. Each of these tubes have a different signature as does
every brand of each tube so you gain tremendous control over how your
system sounds by voicing it to your tastes. Since the tube sticks out the
front it can be easily changed at any time. Expect about 5 years
on the tube before replacement. All tubes come with a 90 day
warranty.
BIASING
The ZSTAGE is self
biasing so you NEVER have to set or adjust the bias for the output
tubes. It is a maintenance free design.
QUALITY
Of course there are no circuit boards and no Chinese parts.
There is a lifetime warranty though. Internally the ZSTAGE uses top
grade resistors and poly film & foil capacitors on each
channel. The output level control is made by ALPS, internal
wiring by MOGAMI. Voltages are low for tube gear so the tube lasts for
many years. Because of the lower voltages and lack of heat the ZSTAGE is a plug in and forget item.
Designed for 24/7 operation
there is no power switch. This ensures that the unit is always
warmed up and at peak performance any time you listen to music.
The purist signal path consists of 1 resistor and 1
film&foil capacitor and a perfectly straight solid copper ground
between the jacks and the tube.
inside view
SUPPORT
This
amplifier is hand built in the USA by
DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering C0. It comes with a lifetime
warranty to the original owner. If you purchase one second hand and
ever have questions or technical problems we WILL be happy to check it
out for you and service it if needed for a very reasonable rate.
We also
have a support
forum
with
many people who own this amplifier who's experiences you may benefit
from.
REVIEWS
You may
read reviews on our products going back over 10
years.
HISTORY of
REVISIONS
None. The ZSTAGE remains unchanged
since it's debut in Aug 2010
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight
|
|
7 lbs. ea.
|
| Dimensions
|
|
2.5" H x 6"
W x 11.0" D |
| Circuit type
|
|
Single ended
Class A Triode |
| Gain
|
|
Adjustable from
0 to 5
volts.
|
| Input voltage
|
|
2 volts max
|
| Output
Impedance |
|
<1000
ohms
|
| Input
Impedance |
|
47 Kohms
|
| Noise / Hum
|
|
Less
than 1.5 millivolts |
| Response
|
|
10 Hz ~ 70 kHz
|
| Feedback
|
|
ZERO negative
feedback used |
| Rectification
|
|
fast recovery
diodes |
| Signal tube
|
|
12AU7 or
12AT7 |
| Transformers
|
|
Decware
|
| Biasing
|
|
Self-Biasing
|
| Resistors
|
|
precision WW/MF
by DALE, VISHAY |
| Signal Cap
|
|
Polyurethane
Film Auricaps |
| AC cord
|
|
Removable power
cord |
| Consumption
|
|
13.5 watts at
full power |
| Input jacks
|
|
RCA type 24K
Gold / Teflon |
| Output
jacks |
|
RCA
type
24K
Gold
/
Teflon |
| Warranty
|
|
Lifetime
to
original
owner |
RELATED
INFO
ZDAC-1 - 24/192 up-sampling USB dac
ZBOX - Tube buffer stage
|
