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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Hello from Newbie looking for advice
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Message started by JJSuperfly on 01/29/13 at 01:02:25

Title: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by JJSuperfly on 01/29/13 at 01:02:25

Hello, I just joined the forums yesterday having thirsted for a CSP2+ for driving my HD600's for many, many months. Since my original thought of headphone amp I've become interested in vinyl to the point ot getting ready to buy and re-build including DIY plinth a Lenco L75 (and invest in a decent cartridge and tonearm).

My current audio system has Mirage M5si speakers driven by two channels of a Bryston 5B ST amp from a Bryston SP11 pre-amp (which I'm told has a not-too bad MM phono section). Other main source is a Magnum Dynalab MD100 tuner and Denon 3800 used for CD's.
I've not had a chance to audition any Decware products but my impression from the forums are very positive; (very hard to find anything that remotely competes at that price). My thinking is to get both the ZP3 phonostage and CSP2+ (possibly to use as a pre-amp as well).
Any advice and recommendations will be appreciated.
best regards,
/Jody

Title: Re: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by EdGuY on 01/29/13 at 14:31:55

Hi! And welcome!
CSP2+ as preamplifier would be nice addition to your system, but as headphone amp I myself did not get that WOW effect. I get better sound with my headphones straight from DAC and much louder. I don't know is that because Ultrasone has low impedance (only 32Ohm). But anyway, as headphone amp use I was disappointed.
Do you already have DAC in your system? If not you have to get it first. This one I can recommend: http://www.headfishop.com/aune-24bit-192k-x1-dac-headphone-amp-preamp-usb-dac-aune-x2-amplifier-pair_p920.html Winner in price range, as DAC and headphone amp.

Title: Re: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by JD on 01/29/13 at 15:14:46

Welcome. Nice to see someone else with some Magnum Dynalab equipment. I have the MD 100T that is currently running through the CSP2+ into my Torii. You will not be disappointed in the CSP2+ although I do suggest experimenting with different tubes.

JD

Title: Re: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by Lord Soth on 01/29/13 at 15:34:55

As a very satisfied owner of a CSP2+, my advice is that tube rolling makes a BIG difference to the sound.

With the wrong tube in place, the CSP2+ can actually sound bad.

The default stock tube complement of Russian 6N1P-EVs provides plenty of organic tube warmth and is already Audiophile grade.
Just replace the supplied Chinese Rectifier with a NOS US 5Y3 rectifier (tung sol or RCA or sylvania) for around US$25 and you should be all set!

Any further tube rolling is optional.

Title: Re: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by Lon on 01/29/13 at 15:52:32

I agree with Lord Soth. The CSP2+ takes a long time to break in but when it's well-seasoned it can transform a system. The ZP3 is another excellent choice. Again takes time to be all it can be, but after that it's very enjoyable. In the CSP2+ I too feel that the 6N1P tube complement works wonderfully and I feel that the 5Y3 tube type is THE rectifier to use (I use an RCA).

Title: Re: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by JJSuperfly on 01/31/13 at 03:52:50

thanks for the advice, I can hardly wait to get my CSP2+ then...continuing onto a vinyl rig (including probably a ZP3).

Title: Re: Hello from Newbie looking for advice
Post by Lord Soth on 01/31/13 at 04:59:15

I'm pretty sure that your High Impedance HD600 will synergise well with the CSP2+
Coz my 600Ohms Beyer T1 and DT880 worked very well there.