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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Back to the future!
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Message started by Doorman on 03/08/12 at 21:05:54

Title: Back to the future!
Post by Doorman on 03/08/12 at 21:05:54

Having been around the Decware forums &c. since '02, and having owned a Zen Select & ZCD. I've always been intrigued by the original Se34I.
I've just purchased one from these classifieds, and wondered who else (still) has one, and what their impressions might be ? Looking forward to it's arrival!
Best
Don

Title: Re: Back to the future!
Post by Lon on 03/09/12 at 01:59:08

Congrats on the score Don! I too have been intrigued with that amp since it was introduced. You'll have to share your imressions (I know you will).

Title: Re: Back to the future!
Post by Doorman on 03/09/12 at 02:34:12

Thanks, Lon. I hope it includes a manual, as there looks to be quite a few optional configurations!
Although I think a Torii is in my future, I've always wanted to try one of these!
Don

Title: Re: Back to the future!
Post by Chris K on 03/09/12 at 12:22:37

I have it. Had Steve/Dennis do the Hazen grid mod and it is what is known as a "Rachel" all 4 channels wired in Zen triode. This is an amp I am likely to have for the rest of my life it is the most powerful sounding 7 WPC and the tone and soundstage is unmatched. By the looks of it the new SE34I.3 in in strapped mono config should be at least as good or better. Lot more money for 2 amps though. ZYGI agrees that it is a great sounding amp. If yours is not a "rachel" get that done to it. Oh also forgot to say I run a 6BS8 on the center preamp tube and stock 6N1P as the drivers. The 6BS8 has minuscule plate structure and has a really nice way of doing the fine detail. Very good sound stage and imaging. I also strap the power in parallel and usually run the three bias switches hard for more bass.

Title: Re: Back to the future!
Post by Doorman on 03/09/12 at 16:35:49

Thanks, Chris: This is the kind of info that is really helpful.
It has had the "Hazen grid mod" recently.
The flexibility is what has always been intriguing.
My Select was a fantastic amp. Looking forward to this one!
Best
Don

Title: Re: Back to the future!
Post by Chris K on 03/09/12 at 18:41:43

Glad to help Don.
Reminder once again my amp also is a "Rachel" where all the power channels are wired the same. The original config. was I believe Zen triode on the outside set of power tubes and what was termed "british" signature triode on the inside pair. Or I may be wrong and it is reversed. The only way to know is to find the web page on the original SE34I or Steve would know. Dennis Hazen (as in Hazen grid mod) Decware amp builder extraordinaire, made his SE34I power circuits all the same and that was all four in Zen triode If I recall correctly. That amp became singularly known as "Rachel". I can't testify as to what this entails electrically but you could do it if you knew which set of power tubes were in Zen triode. Only reason I reiterate this is because I believe it makes a difference in sound if you bridge the left and right channel power tube and the dissimilar circuit is still in place. "Rachels"are very special versions of these amp and AFAIC are the only way to go with this 1st generation Decware Integrated. Running it with only one power tube set (either inside or outside) is the absolute in imaging I have ever heard.

Title: Re: Back to the future!
Post by Doorman on 03/09/12 at 19:42:36

Thanks again, I'll be checking this out.
I've not heard, or overlooked the "Rachel" nomenclature, (maybe a seniors thing on my part!!)
Best
Don