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AUDIO FORUMS >> Member's Systems Picture Gallery >> A Bevy of Decware
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Message started by Clayton on 11/20/13 at 21:18:21

Title: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 11/20/13 at 21:18:21

My little big Decware amps all in a row.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by mark58 on 11/20/13 at 21:58:07

Very nice Clayton. I recognize a ZP3, a CSP of some vintage, and a Torii but I can't identify the Amp third from the left. Very neat setup. Mine are scattered about...all new black tops...on a coffee table in the middle of my listening room, I have a Taboo MK III, CSP3, and a Rega RP6 TT. On the floor underneath it I have my ZP3 and on an end table behind the coffee table I have a Torii MK IV. The arrangement sure isn't ideal but ...mmmm...does it sound sweet. I hope to someday get things arranged as neatly as you. Mark.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Rivieraranch on 11/20/13 at 22:20:38

The third from the left is a TABOO MK II

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by beowulf on 11/22/13 at 08:01:33

Does the ZP3 really have the cables in the front like that or is that a mod or special order?

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Lonely Raven on 11/22/13 at 11:56:33

Nice White Top collection! I almost got myself a Torii III white top - but decided to wait and see what I thought of the gear at Decfest this year. Your setup looks very nice!

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Lon on 11/22/13 at 13:56:22

If I recall correctly on the web page it says the cables in the front is the default configuration (shorter signal path, a little better sound) but Sarah told me that the connections in the back are standard.

The ZP3 can be had either way. I have the ZP3 with the connections on the back.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 11/22/13 at 13:59:06

The ZP3's cables are located at the front because it is closer to the tubes and therefore the connections from the input/output to the tube sockets are shorter. The option offered is to have them at the back making the path longer. Decware claims that the shorter wiring scheme delivers a blacker background, that is, lower noise.

And yes, I really like the white tops on these amps. Now I have to stop ordering Decware amps for fear that the new typewriter-finish tops will be a jarring distraction when positioned next to the old white tops--j/k.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by mark58 on 11/22/13 at 14:02:23

The white top ZP3 I had briefly had connections on the front and back. I think the front were standard, the ones in the back were an option. This one doesn't appear to have them in the back. My understanding is that the front connectors had shorter wiring so a shorter signal path with "Better" Sound Quality. The new ones all come with them in the back only...I think. mark.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 11/22/13 at 14:17:38

Here's a closeup of the ZP3 ICs. I like it located at the front because it looks more dramatic.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Lord Soth on 11/23/13 at 07:52:25

Hi Clayton,

That reminds me of the St. Louis Gateway arch.
Really cool curves.

You have a great Decware lineup. :)

Regards,
LS

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 11/23/13 at 21:02:21

Thanks, All.

I'm really proud of my Decware system. I'm thinking about taking the Mini Torii to work. I really need to get some good headphones first, like the HiFiMAN HE-500.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by beowulf on 11/23/13 at 23:03:40

Thanks for the clarification on the ZP3 guys ...

@ Clayton, what an amazing setup! You have all the pieces that I would eventually like to get as well.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by hifitubes on 11/24/13 at 10:55:52

Nice call on the E80CC. Those take things to another level.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by nico on 12/21/13 at 11:24:07

Very impressive. I'd like to try out some of those components....
Hope you don't have kids that like to play ball in the room with so many precious tubes.
Did you manage to get your system silent when switched "on" ?
Nico

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Lonely Raven on 12/21/13 at 23:43:53

Clayton, what rectifier is that that is using the adapter and has flying leads? How's it sound?

I remember seeing some JAN submarine tubes like that which could be used in place of a 5U4G or the like that could very well be pretty good, untapped NOS source.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 12/22/13 at 00:02:06

Hi Lonely Raven--

The tube is a United Electronics Corp. 596 tube. A direct replacement for a 5U4. The description says that it's a high-altitude version of the 1641. http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_596.html

Currently it is very hard to find and expensive. It was about $18 year ago and now it commands well over $150 a tube. I really like the sound but I also think some Tung-Sol and RCA 5U4GB tubes sound equally as impressive.[img][/img]

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Lonely Raven on 12/24/13 at 06:17:08

Thank you for that, it certainly looks cool. I remember seeing them on eBay at reasonable prices, but don't see any now.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/12/15 at 02:09:52

Clayton how close is the E80CC to a 12AU7 and does Steve recommend it if it can be obtained?

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 09/12/15 at 02:28:58

The Philips SQ E80CC has a slightly warmer sound than most 12AU7s that I've used in the amp. I don't know if Steve has recommend it but other high-end amp makers like Woo Audio have stated that their amps can use the E80CC in place of the 12AU7 with no problem. A pair of them have been in my Mini Torii (8/2011) for four years with no problems whatsoever.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/12/15 at 03:02:04

they have more power so is that noticeable?

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 09/12/15 at 03:55:23

I can tell that there is a slight boost in power. It is a fuller sound rather than a bigger sound. A nice bump. Are you able to find a pair to try out? I got mine a few years ago and they were about $110 for a matched pair and a bit less for unmatched. I'm not that picky so I got a bunch that were matched and a few that were unmatched.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/12/15 at 04:01:58

I don't need a matched pair as I'm thinking about using it on my zp3 in place of the 12au7 I'm going to see if a local place has them that deals with old military electronics and has military spec tubes as well as others. just checking out if they are worth a try cost may decide. I'm putting together a second set for when these ware out.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/12/15 at 04:56:08

Clayton, if you had it to decide on one would you pick the mini tori over a super zen ? I'm saving up for a, of course Decware amp. I have a mmf7.1 that I love and a zp3. thanks, Darrell

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 09/12/15 at 05:11:30

Darrell, I have the ZP3 as well. You can't go wrong either way. My amps are from 2011 so I don't know what the newer versions sound like. Other variables come to mind as well: speakers, headphones, room size, etc. The Mini Torii is great with efficient loud speakers which is how I now listen to them. The Zen Triode is a very good amp amp.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/12/15 at 05:18:36

Thanks.......Decisions! My speakers are 94 to 96 DB so I could use either

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 09/12/15 at 05:26:08

If you are primarily a speaker user, then I would definitely go for the Mini Torii. I am listening to it right now with my Zu Audio Omens. Nicely paired.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/12/15 at 05:29:54

I don't like head phones for long listening sessions too hot. some day I will have to post my system when I get where I want it to go

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by Clayton on 09/12/15 at 05:32:43

I agree. I hate being tethered to headphones. Music should be enjoyed while sitting comfortably in front of the speakers or occasionally roaming the room. Good luck! And whatever you decide to get, you can't go wrong with Decware.

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by darrwood on 09/13/15 at 00:44:17

I like your whit tops they look nice together. I was able to pick up two JAN 6189 made by Sylvania in 1-68 but no E80CC's to be had. I will have to decide if they are worth the price if I can find them. this 6189 sounds pretty good though!

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by KP on 10/05/15 at 16:57:49

Amazing set! :o

Title: Re: A Bevy of Decware
Post by ossidian on 11/27/18 at 22:17:40

There is something elegant about the white tops.