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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> The new Zen CD Player:
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1428945882

Message started by Lon on 04/13/15 at 18:24:42

Title: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Lon on 04/13/15 at 18:24:42

The ZCD240. Just got the email.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZCD.htm

Options now for a Decware digital source. Cool.

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Lon on 04/13/15 at 21:41:15

Pic

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Lon on 04/13/15 at 21:42:19

We have replaced our CD player with something even better! The DACs have been upgraded to Burr Brown and the tube output stage has been replaced with a fully adjustable transformer-coupled stage that has an adjustable output level to 7.5 volts. It's a genuine demonstration of what good imaging is all about! (Not to mention slam!)

In addition, you can...

Download your favorite DLNA compatible server software for mac or pc, tell it what folders your music is in and the new ZCD240 will play your music so long as both machines are connected to your home network or wifi router. You even get a free app for your smartphone to access your music library from anywhere in your wifi area.

Being able to play all the popular file formats, such as Mp3, Flac Wav, and DSD both off the network or off the memory stick makes this player literally cover all the bases. You can even use it to stream live internet radio for absolutely free. Hi Res Stations like Linn Radio come to mind.

You can read more about it here and take advantage of the introductory price of $1295.00 which is the same as the prior model so you know it won't last long. We are taking orders for this player now. Turn around time is 3 to 5 weeks

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by stone_of_tone on 04/13/15 at 22:00:26

Yeah, I got the email today too. Steve's transformer-coupled stage is really something, to say the least.

I had a great session this morning! The Mundorf Mcap Supremes in my Adagio's are wonderful!

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Lonely Raven on 04/13/15 at 22:42:12

I got to play with this briefly last week when I was at Decware. It sounded pretty good, and once we figured out how to set it up, it was pretty slick. Think of the Decware DSD with streaming and networking features.

Steve's finally getting into the 21st Centuray! LOL

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by busterfree on 04/14/15 at 01:24:33

Does the output have enough room at the low end to be used with a Mini Torii?

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Archie on 04/14/15 at 02:24:58

Looks like this will play a physical disc which is great. Anybody have an idea of how this would compare to the DSD soundwise? I like the price! I've been thinking of the DSD but I would need to use my current cd player as a transport. More cables, etc.

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by kana813 on 04/14/15 at 18:04:02

The Tascam CD-240 costs $350.

Does the transformer-coupled outputs sound better than the unit's balanced outputs?

Is anything done to upgrade the Tascam CD-240's SMPS?

Why a captive power cable instead of an IEC input?

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Steve Deckert on 04/16/15 at 03:47:00

Hi Archie - It sounds better the ZCD200i which was the goal. The sound from it is very similar to the ZDSD in most ways, although the ZDSD has better density.

Kana813 - I was getting ready to call you out on the price, since I've been paying $499 for them, but I see now two places that are discounting them at $350. If that turns out not to be refurbs, or temporary then we can turn the introductory price into the regular price! Heavy discounts always make me nervous since I'm the one that's going to hear about it if there is something wrong with it or it develops glitches.

The transformer coupled outputs sound better feeding a single ended amp, sure. Running a balanced to single -ended cable always ruins the sound on any balanced gear I've owned... the transformer contributes to dimensionality and shimmering highs.

The power supply is left largely alone. Other than reducing noise by running a shielded cord to feed it, it doesn't really lack in any way. The transformer is generous.

The captive power cord is done to ensure there is always an earth ground on the chassis. Since the transformer coupled outputs are floating the grounds of the RCA jacks do not contact the chassis. Once an amplifier or preamplifier is connected to the jacks, the common ground of that device then becomes a star ground for the output transformers. This sounds better than doing it in the ZDSD itself and contributes to the excellent imaging. I thought about offering an IEC but due to the resistance possible in the ground connection I was concerned it may cause a potential noise issue.

Steve

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by kana813 on 04/16/15 at 19:28:14

Steve,

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't thinking using about using a balanced to single-ended cable.

If you've got an amp with balanced and single-ended inputs, do your transformer-coupled outputs sound better than the unit's stock balanced outputs?

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Archie on 04/17/15 at 00:31:33

After I posted the above -- encouraged by the price of the ZCD240 relative to the ZDSD I remembered that the ZDSD can record directly from its input. This feature makes it a clear winner between he two for me given my large vinyl collection dispite the need for a transport to spin my cds.

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Lonely Raven on 04/17/15 at 16:02:00

I heard one of Steve's reel to reel rips on DSD 5.6 and it sounded really good.

Steve said the CD on this new device sounds way better than it should in this price range.

So I guess it boils down to what you need in your setup.

I can't answer the question of Balanced vs his Single Ended output mod. I'm partial to balanced in general - but we listened to the SE output and it was very good sounding for just streaming audio (we were testing streaming and not really critical listening)

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Archie on 04/17/15 at 17:50:42

What I really wish was that the ZDSD played disc media.

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by lLance on 04/17/15 at 23:32:48

Archie, I can just put a CD into my computer it through the ZDSD.

Title: Re: The new Zen CD Player:
Post by Archie on 04/18/15 at 00:20:59

I can rip my CDs and put the files on a memory stick but I wasn't sure if I'd loose anything besides the convenience of just playing the disc. Which for me is still a big factor. Like Lon, I prefer having my music on the physical media -- LP, CD. My computer and my hi-fi are far apart. Thank god! For me, my computer is a necessary evil while my hi-fi is just necessary. :)