Post by Lonely Raven on 12/19/16 at 16:31:03
Stone flip-flopping on having something built or not.
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https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1479590033 Message started by stone_of_tone on 11/19/16 at 21:13:53 |
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Title: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/19/16 at 21:13:53 Okay, help me decide? Should I get the new UFO Mono's or the UFO Rachael? (Don't get any idea's....my ZMA masterpiece is not for sale. I just need to have Steve's Pentodes run in Triode once again.....as well). I'm intrigued about the Rachael using KT88's P to T and 6550's too...P to Triode......EL34's to start....then rolling. .....what is the % off, by the way.....that was not listed in my email...... . What are you guys (or gals), getting out there? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 11/19/16 at 21:25:14 If it was me I'd get the UFO Monos. But if it was really me you'd be getting nothing because I'm not ordering anything from Decware. The ZBIT put the icing on my system's cake, with the new PMD to supplement my DS and with the amazing Torii Mk III seasoning so well year by year and all the tube choices I can use. . . I'm done. Well done. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/19/16 at 21:36:23 Good one Lon....."really me you'd be getting nothing." ;D Steve's Pentode in Triode will always have a place in my Room. Now back to pondering the new UFO Mono's or the UFO Rachael........ . |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 11/19/16 at 22:08:49 Yeah I hear you, I have a Eddie Vaughn modded C amp that I probably should sell, and might, but I enjoy it every time it is in use. But, that said, it's no Torii! I can see the appeal of ordering the Monos OR the Rachel. But it's overkill for me, I am happy with both my speaker system and my headphone system. No new Decware products for me. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/19/16 at 22:19:16 Exactly, you have one of Eddie's and enjoy it when it's in....but it's no Torii. Ditto here, enjoyed my SE84CS, SuperZen and Torii III (personally owned all three/purchased new)....but they were not my ZMA either. .....But, when in.....to be enjoyed..... . Eddie V's ~ this paper....I've always enjoyed and shared with other people....what to expect and what the enjoyment factor is of UL vs. Triode..... . Knowing you're aware of it Lon (obviously).... it popped in my head...and I posted for other's to read....and why I enjoy both STEVE'S UL/PP Topology and his Pentode in Triode Topology. http://www.x3mhc.no/dokumenter/SE-v-PP-Part1.pdf .......but the cool part about Steve's UL/PP....damn thing sounds Triode Real. But, having said this.....something about Steve's P in T..... = je ne sais quoi....reminds me of how good the ZMA is and why it will be nice to have a Pentode in Triode of his again..... . Back, to pondering then..........UFO Mono's or UFO Rachael........ . |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Dominick on 11/19/16 at 23:16:23 Look at it this way....the the Mono's are at an introductory price. I would use the code and get the slamming deal on the newest piece of Decware gear. After a certain time....the mono's will probably hit somewhere close to what....maybe $2000 a piece after the introductory price goes away. Hopefully Steve will allow you to use the code for mono's. I actually just took delivery today on pair of ERR's in the Bubinga wood that were listed in the classified section. They are truly beautiful!! I can't wait to hook them up and hear them. They were technically an early Xmas gift....so unfortunately I don't I can buy anything else right now. OTHERWISE .......I would be all over the new Mono's. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/20/16 at 00:53:31 Monoblocks are $1195 each so, $2390 intro price. I like how Steve mirrored the amps as a pair. Very classy design. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by jorgen on 11/20/16 at 00:53:32 Hi guys I read the mail aswell and nothing about %. Do you think the offer will apply even if in the introduction period? I think I want to get the mono amps, and they will be good with a pair of 1.5 way super alnico from Omega, speakers should be here by Xmas. All good with the zp3 as source. I have been wondering if to add a pre amp. If I get one it must be able to drive audeze 3. Don't think a CSP3 can(?). And I really wonder if they could be built with meters, like a Select. I think that would really cool. Maybe not correct in a purist mindset, but still. I |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by SonicSeeker on 11/20/16 at 12:52:56 I did not get an email, how come. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/20/16 at 14:22:30 There was an email? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by SonicSeeker on 11/20/16 at 17:57:46 I guess so. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/20/16 at 20:06:49 Bummer, I'm not really in the market for anything more this year but if the price was right I might be tempted to pull the trigger on something. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 11/20/16 at 20:30:03 I notice Steve's E-mails sometimes get filtered...I miss all his personal E-mall responses to me, even though I have him as a trusted contact. You should reach out to him about the sale, I'd post it here, but I don't want to step on any toes. And get this, at Decfest I was talking to Steve about the new preamp - and he flat out talked me out of it! LOL Not that it isn't any good, but he knows me well enough, and knows how I listen. When he was developing the preamp I popped by for some listening, and nothing we put between my DirectStream and ZMA made me happy. Everything we tried "did something good", but I felt it took a slight step back in purity. I think maybe that OTL amp ruined me for purity - I honestly think it also changed how I listen to things...I swear I've never been the same since. That's like two or three times Steve has done that to me. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 11/20/16 at 20:52:56 That said....when I can afford it, I'm dropping off my old Zen amp, Serial #65, and I'm going to have Steve do the UFO magic on it. :) |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/20/16 at 21:39:27 I can't use a Pre anymore with my ZMA. The purity I'm getting with the purposefully designed output stage of the ZDSD is well put. I'm leaning toward getting the Rachael. I don't need the tubes.... So I get to save there too. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/21/16 at 00:09:27 Compared to my blue Torii the Rachel is about the same, power-wise; however, what would be the difference with sonics? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by will on 11/21/16 at 02:06:44 Match, Isn't the Blue Torii 12w/channel? That is two Rachels I believe before thinking of sound... But then, double the power with a good amp means a lot here in terms of sound. Both my 944s and HR1s just sound better to me with more power. They sound good with lower power, but sing with more power. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/21/16 at 02:49:01 Will, you are right. Torii is 12w. Ok, I'm back in perspective. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/21/16 at 03:44:47 More transparency at lower volumes or resolution. Hallmark of Steve's Triode. Simpler power supply.....and UFO Output trannies. See History of Revisions at the bottom of the Rachael Page. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/22/16 at 15:08:03 Build it and they will come...... LR wrote in Reply #12: "I think maybe that OTL amp ruined me for purity - I honestly think it also changed how I listen to things...I swear I've never been the same since. That's like two or three times Steve has done that to me." .....with 6C33C tubes, I do believe it was? I will find that bad ass OTL in the Thread it was pic posted and talked about.......... . Steve needs to make an LIMITED EDITION OTL. Build it and they will come/buy. Build it and they will come/buy. Build it and they will come/buy. LR! I want Serial #1 (of the four Limited Edition's Steve makes).....as I have for/on my ZMA.....you get the prototype again! ;D |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/22/16 at 15:46:51 I had an order in for a SE84UFO but after thinking it over I had it changed to a Rachel. Fortunately, I did not lose my place in the build order. WOOHOOO!!! I did this because I have an SE84CSEX that I will upgrade to the current model. Steve says he can do it. So, I don't need two of the same thing. Next year will be interesting. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 11/22/16 at 15:57:42 Stone, I felt that the mono's were a little more laid back than the Rachael. Raven can comment more eloquently because he and I heard the same thing and he had a discussion with Steve about it. Something about how it was biased. That could probably be tweaked. I have been listening to my Rachael now with the beeswax caps (but no UFOs). Sounding very good and I haven't been too tempted to put the Torii back in. I do like the simplicity of fewer tubes to mess with as well. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/22/16 at 17:03:37 Hi Pal. I think I will enjoy the Rachael and tube rolling. It will be nice to have two Decware References again, like you are enjoying with your Torii III and Rachael. I sold my SE84CS and SuperZen last year. A little more output @ 5.8/ch and using the Hazin Grid (CCE) with EL34's + roll some KT77, 6550 or KT88's non Hazin with her too. I have my nice bevy pairs of input 6922 tube types as well. So, I'll be choosing the no ship tubes savings/option. Of course, it better fits my budget too, to get Decware Pentode's in Triode back in here with a Rachael. I have no doubt the new SE84UFO Mono's are special with tube regulation. However, I think the Rach' is a better fit for me. With the advent of the UFO output transformer's....the Rach' has the Speaker impedance switches as well. Even though my Adagio's are modded....nice to have the switches. I do use the 8ohm taps from my ZMA; so no worries really....but you never know. Match, awesome switch to the Rach'.....no duplicating for sure. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/22/16 at 17:13:50 I'm like Palomino, sort of. I like the sound of tubes but the maintenance gets overwhelming. I like to set it and forget it. The lesser amount of tubes, the better it is for me. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/22/16 at 17:23:33 Trust me Match. I don't find the ZMA's tubes a burden. I'm coming up on 3 years for the Zen Mystery Amplifier. The best Audio decision I have ever made. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 11/22/16 at 17:55:38 On the ZMA, I quote Ferris Buehler "It's so choice, if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up" |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/22/16 at 18:11:55 Good one Palomino. I can hear M.B. saying it. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Matchstikman on 11/22/16 at 18:41:06 Not derail this thread, but I find it interesting the M.B. was once considered for the role of Walter White. That character would have been completely different. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by JohnnyB on 11/23/16 at 16:24:47 Am i to assume the giant Black Friday Sale ad along with the countdown clock is letting everyone who didn't receive an e-mail know there will be a sale? Is the Black Friday sale the same as what some received in their In-Box? Just curious, trying to decide on a ZDSD or ZCD240 and every little bit helps :) |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 11/23/16 at 18:01:36 Quote:
With my bad memory, I'm finding I'm misquoting Steve here and there...I get the concept, because that's what I'm good at, but I often forget his exact words. So, pretty much keep that disclaimer in mind whenever I try to relay whatever Steve and I talk about. :) From what I remember, I felt the monos were too laid back as well...they sounded good, but they weren't projecting sound into the room, the sound was literally laid back. On the other side of the room Zygi setup a pair of Zen Select (I think) bridged, and I thought they crushed the Mono pair. But then Bob flipped the input bias switch and suddenly the bridged selects sounded laid back like the monos and a lightbulb went on; my gut instinct was right again. I brought this up to Steve and he said yeah the monos have only one bias setting and it's more like the laid back setting - I suggested he either change the bias to the more forward bias or put the same bias switch in them, and he did that thing where he nodded sagely with a far-off like he was already changing the design in his head. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/23/16 at 20:59:24 I am so ruined by the ZMA-nothing else will do................ . I have decided to get the last pair of NOS Platinum Tubes I want from Kevin.....to complete my 6922 tube type NOS wants'/ALL SO GOOD ROLLING IN THE ZMA + buy a boat load of Music....to keep me busy all Winter. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Enjoy. PS~if you're out there on the fence? Buy a Decware piece that fits you.....discover your Music for real. I own the ZDSD to ZMA and their is no looking back. Listening Room: Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P) Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC Shunyata Research Zitron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD {Extremely Significant} Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder ++ *************************************************************** W/Steve's Output Transformer's/kicking to the curb quite a few superb DAC'S! *************************************************************** (@ -20 Ref Level, 0.0 Input volume and @ 16/192) WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030 Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier ~BIASED at *60* mA~ (NOS/Platinum/Mullard E188CC/7308's in my A12 an B12 Input positions Cryogenic~NOS/Platinum/Telefunken E88CC for Inverter Tubes~NOS RCA 0A3's & matched Quad/Tung-Sol KT66's) ZMA adjusted at 20% to 30-40% max ~ from 0 Gain *************************************************** Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades *************************************************** Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified) .....from 8ohm Taps. Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross (Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone) XLO Pro Power Cord to ZMA PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3 (Transport and ZDSD, Regenerated/*120*~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output) ++ ZDSD DAC, kicked to the Curb: Auralic Vega, PS Audio PWT & PWD, PS Audio Direct Stream DAC, Chord Qute, NAD M51 (twice) & Schiit Yggdrasil. ~NOS Platinum Tubes from Upscale Audio/Kevin: (Great Britain) Mullard 7308/E188CC ~ 2 pair (both pair Cryogenic) (Germany) Telefunken E88CC ~ 1 pair (US/Great Britain) Ediswan CV2492/6922 ~ 2 pair (one pair Cryogenic) (Hungary) Tungsram 6922/E88CC ~ 1 pair (Hungary) Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8 ~ 1 pair. From Cryoset: (Russia) 6N23N/P-EB ~ 2 pair (Russia) 6N23P's ~ 2 pair/came with ZMA. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Steve Deckert on 11/23/16 at 22:32:52 For anyone who doesn't get my occasional mailing, you can add your name to our customer appreciation list at the bottom of our contact page: https://www.decware.com/newsite/contacts.html Thanks, Steve |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by jorgen on 11/24/16 at 13:06:00 From what I remember, I felt the monos were too laid back as well...they sounded good, but they weren't projecting sound into the room, the sound was literally laid back. On the other side of the room Zygi setup a pair of Zen Select (I think) bridged, and I thought they crushed the Mono pair. But then Bob flipped the input bias switch and suddenly the bridged selects sounded laid back like the monos and a lightbulb went on; my gut instinct was right again. I brought this up to Steve and he said yeah the monos have only one bias setting and it's more like the laid back setting - I suggested he either change the bias to the more forward bias or put the same bias switch in them, and he did that thing where he nodded sagely with a far-off like he was already changing the design in his head. Hi guys Just considering this piece of info, because i was about to pull the trigger on these amps. Can anyone who have heard them comment further? I had the understanding that these monos were a no-nonsense Upgrade from the "old"! Zen amp, and even the Select. I find them really attractive and i have borrowed a Zen Select and reallty liked that amp. So i was kind of sure that they would be an even better amp for my (New) Omega custom alnico 1.5 speakers. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/24/16 at 17:04:31 Don't know what to tell you jorgen? What I can tell you is that I enjoyed my SE84CS from mid May 2001 through January 2014. Listening to it almost every day. See my original signature below that I keep as my ode to joy homage to the CS. Matter of fact: I changed my mind - I'm ordering an SE84UFO2 tomorrow morning. SKOL Vikings! Time for some Football. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/24/16 at 17:30:15 Quote:
Stone, you crack me up! ;D |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Steve Deckert on 11/25/16 at 04:59:26 Hi everyone... I've been pulling double duty on emails answering gear questions in anticipation of the black friday sale, even all day today. Sadly I'm going to drop out of site for a couple of days with the family so if you had questions about which thing to buy and were unable to reach me, no worries there is a solution that is guaranteed to give you the audio result you're looking for. Just buy everything. That way you'll have it. Simple. And on that note, I think I'll try to find some Archie Bunker to watch, I feel like watching one the vintage Thanksgiving episodes where Meat-head is well, ... a Meat-head! Steve |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by ZENCDUSER on 11/25/16 at 14:52:18 Word on the Black Friday Sale? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/25/16 at 15:46:42 If going to the main web page still shows the count down at zero/Mine does using my iPad II/Safari.....use Explorer from your desktop computer or laptop and it will show the coupon code to use through Sunday night. Arch, I know ....now I'm back in the Rachael camp.... I will figure it out by Sunday before midnight..... Even though I'm falling deep in the Build Que. ;) :D |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Robem on 11/25/16 at 16:48:39 I was looking for the specifics of the sale from my iPhone. Neither the countdown timer nor the coupon code were rendering in the Chrome browser, using the Safari browser the countdown timer was present but was stuck at 0 00 00 00. I then visited the site from my PC and everything looks normal with the coupon code at the top of the site. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by busterfree on 11/25/16 at 16:50:34 FYI - I refreshed the page in safari/iPad, and the coupon showed up. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by will on 11/25/16 at 17:20:51 Using the latest Safari in Yosemite I saw only the countdown, even when I was opening the homepage anew. busterfree's tip of reload/refreshing the page worked here this morning. Now there is a discount amount and a code. So likely a cache thing for those of us who have been checking out the page to see what would happen before it officially became "black friday." Always sounded dark and a little scary to me. Black Friday. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Tripwr1964 on 11/25/16 at 17:23:23 yeah doesn't work on google chrome. but shows up using explorer. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by will on 11/25/16 at 17:37:56 Weird. I just opened it in Chrome in Yosemite...works fine, but I had not tried it there before, so maybe no cache problem? Did you try clearing the cache? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/25/16 at 17:48:02 Quote:
Stone, Since you've been going back and forth - a bit ;) - maybe you can answer a question about the SE84UFO, SE84UFO2 and the SE84UFO3. The plain UFO has two switches on the front -- one for source and the other for Bias (whatever that is). Steve mentions that all the UFO SE84s have a switch that goes between the 4 and 8 ohm for speakers. I can't see that switch on any of the three assuming that one switch is for source selection. Only the basic SE84 has two switches and I'm wondering if, at least, the UFO and UFO2 amps are essentially identical in sound and operation? I'm still toying with the idea of getting either a UFO or UFO2. I don't need the balanced inputs and the meters don't look essential. But now I'm wondering if they are really the same or have subtle voicing differences like between the UFO and the UFO3 amps. (As Raven mentioned in another Forum thread.) Help! :P |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by ZENCDUSER on 11/25/16 at 18:09:03 Thanks Stone! Refreshed the page and it appeared! |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/25/16 at 18:51:54 U bet Zencduser. Archie, good questions. I hope Steve chimes in before he goes on hiatus the next two days.... If I understood his post correctly.... He is still answering questions today. I think the UFO and UFO2 are the same... But I want the meters for their purpose and the Walnut base in the UFO2. No Balanced for me either, with my Cabling and resolution of the Adagio tweeter and woofer's. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 11/25/16 at 19:35:19 Yes, Black Friday makes me think of the first Friday the 13th when the Pope covertly managed to have almost all Knights Templar in the world executed on that one day! |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/25/16 at 20:28:37 The UFO and UFO2 just don't seem to have the same switches on them, otherwise, Steve says they are the same. The User Manual on the UFO2 page is for the old SE84CK and isn't any help. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/25/16 at 21:52:47 True, no pic of the rear of the UFO2? But, he did write in Blue colored type (addendum) it is there/has it/impedance switch.... Has to be in the back. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Tal on 11/25/16 at 22:08:24 Stone I have a UFO2, and a second one on order to run as mono's. There are two switches (one on each side)at the rear of the UFO2. Tal |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/25/16 at 22:10:34 Cool Tal, thanks. I like that it is two separate switches for impedance/each channel and in the back. Of course the one on the front is the source one or two switch. The UFO2 allows three things: Room to add Balanced Inputs Have a wood base Meters to see the quality of your tubes and clipping for the eye besides your ears. It is way more Purdy I tell ya... Than the Spartan one. 😜😜 |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/26/16 at 00:20:11 Tal, thanks. That still leaves the question of a bias switch. The second switch in the front on the UFO is called a "Input Tube Bias Switch" in the manual. The impedance switches are pointed to (by the speaker jacks) but I can't see them. Still confused. :P |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by busterfree on 11/26/16 at 01:09:11 There is no bias switch on the UFO2. I don't see one on the monos either. If you want the bias switch, you have to get the UFO. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Tal on 11/26/16 at 02:10:03 Archie, I agree, the picture on the website doesn't show the two switches at the rear of the amp. Not sure why, but I have them on my UFO2. My understanding is the switches change the impedance between 4ohm and 8ohm. That said, I'm still a Rookie at this. :-X The function of the two switches are discussed in more detail in the forum "Welcome to the New Zen Triode Select Forum" Hope this helps Tal Tal |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by jorgen on 11/26/16 at 12:31:18 I went for the new mono amps. Upgrades and everything. A little bit ambivalent when read about bridged select amps. Just about the same price if I went that direction. How does bridging affect sound characteristics? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by DBC on 11/26/16 at 16:18:18 Quote:
For what it's worth, I've got a 12 year old Zen Select and the CKC both with the front Bias Switch. IMO the Bias switch in the Laid Back position is way too Laid Back. Only time I used the Bias Switch was when I experimented with a source or speakers that were sub-par. If your system lacks synergy the the Bias Switch will not make your system sound good, but simply make it listenable. I had my CKC upgraded to UFO back in January and had Steve remove the Bias switch since it was just more junk in the signal path. I'm using this amp in conjunction with the Oppo BDP-105 and Omega Super Monitors (neither are considered Laid Back) and the playback is quite nice. I'm considering the UFO2 with XLR inputs and the lack of a Bias Switch is a Plus IMO. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by DBC on 11/26/16 at 17:11:29 Anyone know why the Chicken Head Knobs are not compatible with the Stepped Attenuator on the UFO2 but are compatible with the Stepped Attenuator on the UFO model ???? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/26/16 at 18:03:05 Their is a method to Steve's madness.....impedance switch Amps have no bias switch and vice versa. Or, no imp' switch or bias. Nice choice jorgen, I loved my Zens.....those guys with tube reg. will be sweet. Me? My QUEST. Phase one: I'm going to see how the Rachael pans out with my modified Adagio's. The comparison with my ZMA at appropriate SPL's for the Rach'.....will be fun. I want the additional headroom in the tank at 5.8/channel. Tube rolling in and out of the Hazin Grid + my NOS Platinum tube rolling from the front per pair. Powering in both sides of the Triode pre tube per channel..... . Phase two: Never say never (Match to address your thoughts in the other Thread), if I can afford Steve's new Speaker....I'm bringing those Hi-eff. puppy's in. If I can't afford them....I'm getting the Omega 3XRS's ....keeping an open mind and see how they pan out. If I Coda back to Adagio's and my ZMA only...that is fine (is an understatement of near biblical proportions-not hyperbole). I need to know and I might rotate both System's or keep one Speaker and two Amps or two Speakers and one Amp....you get the picture. 8-) Note: ZMA not for sale. Let the 14 to 24 month journey/QUEST begin! Starting with the seasoning of my new Rachael in 12 to 14 weeks...... . |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/26/16 at 18:11:29 Quote:
Great info! So, the bias switch might like to live in the forward position which, as I understand, would give more "forward" sound. I think Raven said the new UFO3 monos did not have the switch but seemed to be voiced more towards the back position or "laid back" sound. I'd guess that the UFO2 is voiced for the forward position? Stone, the SE84UFO manual says that it has BOTH the bias and impedance switches. I trust Steve in his choices but I was thrown a bit by the Decfest evaluation of the monos that said they sounded too laid back compared with the UFO (I think). At this point I too favor the UFO2 due to it's meters and slick look. :) |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 11/26/16 at 18:59:23 I guess it's all system dependent, room influenced, and governed by taste as all the Decware amps I've had, 2, 6 and 25 watts I much preferred and used all the time the "laid back" position. This had the most accurate and natural sound on my reference material (much of which I recorded myself in my then garage living space with bandmates and other musical friends). So. . . if the monos are voiced in the "laid back" bias, that would suit me more than fine. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/26/16 at 19:25:09 There is a lot to be said for flexibility. Back to the SE84UFO! |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/26/16 at 19:53:41 Well put Archie. I have enjoyed every minute of it....and to come. In the Que and forgotten about.....till Sarah gives me a call for the balance......many weeks from now. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/27/16 at 00:44:24 Stone, did you order the Rachael? How'd you configure it? I noticed that the Sans Tube option also waives the 30 day trial. :-/ |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/27/16 at 15:32:38 Hi Archie. I got the Rachael in all its simplicity and might. One input, dual volume, standard beeswax caps and walnut base + comes with impedance switch (in Manual). UFO. White chicken head knobs too. Like those. You get to balance control with this Amp too. Yes, waiving the tubes means I own it. I plan to have it much longer than 30 days for audition. Freight to and from + 10% loss of less than 30 day return roughly equals the hit I'd take anyway. Might as well have it for a year or two. Or, for a lifetime is my goal. In my previous post (#57) I mentioned my Phase two as well and getting a pair of Omega's or Steve's Omega's. A 14 to 24 month Quest, that could shake up my established rock solid modified Adagio's and I go the way of Omega's and both Amps or one Amp. Or, I keep everything because I can't part with either setup. Multiple possibilities. Time will tell and discovery too. I have to say the Rach' and Omega's have a tough road ahead of them to dethrone my mod' Adagio's and ZMA. If they tie, because they do different things well/stellar...I just keep it all of course. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/27/16 at 18:52:20 I also have Kimber 8TC clear jacket, Hero IC, KCAG and Kimber Timbre, if the Omega's can't handle the resolution of timbre and high and low frequency resolution of my reference Kimber Ag 1030 IC and/or KS6063 speaker cable. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 11/27/16 at 23:55:12 Stone, That's about how I'd have done it. The only thing I struggle with is the cap upgrade. Maybe if you don't like it I'll buy it from you! :D |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/28/16 at 17:24:43 You bet Dave. However, it will be about a year from now if I possibly sell it. I figure it will be 4 to 7 months until the release of Steve's Omega and another 3 months to get. But, I might get a pair from Louis/Omega before that. Or, if I'm digging the Rach' with my modified Adagio's which it/Rach, can easily drive (my little Zens could). I'm then, set with both of my Decware Amps and my Adagio's. I'm fine with Jupiter's she is coming with....they will open up nicely with my NOS Platinum 6922 tube types + some choice EL34's for the Hazin and 6550's non Hazin. Drum roll please: All about the UFO Transformers too! ..... Need to season in. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 11/28/16 at 18:30:24 Stone, you will have a nice compliment of tubes to try with Rachael. Given I have been listening to Rachael recently, I have cycled through a few input tube rolls. I landed on the '75 single wire, silver shield, reflector 6N23ps. More open and concise top to bottom. I did order a pair of those inexpensive Chinese 6H1N input tubes "just to see." |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/29/16 at 03:22:23 Pal, have you tried different output tubes? Thoughts on those? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 11/30/16 at 05:41:25 Geez, I meant to say you bet Archie in #66 above and Hazin is Hazen. :D |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 12/02/16 at 17:48:52 Stone, its been so long since I rolled anything in Rachael, I am not sure I know what is in there! I am pretty sure they are JJ cryo'd EL 34s. I recall liking them better than the Tung Sol, but not sure why. I have tried TAD KT77s which came with the amp, but found them muddy, underpowered and they didn't image as well (perhaps due to not enabling the Hazen mod). Historically, I feel I get the most out of rolling input tubes. I have rolled rectifiers. I ended up with a cryo'd 274B that Steve includes as standard issue. I found it more dynamic than others I have tried - most notably NOS RCA 5U4G (both smooth and ripple plates). I also tried the GZ34 that came with the amp but didn't like it. Don't remember why. Now that I am listening to Rachael full time, I should start to roll again. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 12/02/16 at 19:09:48 Quote:
And perhaps invite me over for a listen?? |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 12/02/16 at 19:57:09 MUST. FINISH. DIFFUSERS. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 12/03/16 at 04:35:45 I'm right there with you...I have a fleet of "prototypes" and trying to finish my first QRD29. Ugh. So, Sunday then? :) LOL |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 12/03/16 at 13:41:31 I am off starting the 17th so we should have time for a CDApS meeting. We need to recruite some new members. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/04/16 at 17:04:57 Pal, it is all about rolling input tubes. Don't let anyone say differently. I'm looking forward to rolling in my Rachael as I do in my ZMA. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 12/04/16 at 17:19:13 Stone, Yesterday for fun I tossed in the TAD cyo'd GZ34. Sounded more open. Interesting. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/04/16 at 17:47:50 Thanks Pal. Yes, I'm back to a rectifier again. I will bring in a cheap 5U4G and that GZ34 from Cryoset. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 12/05/16 at 17:06:24 Quote:
I have Aaron on Facebook - who else is in our area that we need to reach out to? Quote:
For the most part I agree with this, but not 100%. With the ZMA especially the input tubes make more of a difference, but I'm not so sure with the Rachel. I think she's happier with Hazen enabled tubes. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Palomino on 12/05/16 at 17:17:32 How about the brothers that come to the fest. I think they build speakers and amps. The guy from Woodstock? I thought there was someone from Naperville at the fest as well. Sorry, not much help here. I am terrible with names. Maybe someone else on the forum knows their screen names. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/06/16 at 17:53:11 Man, wish I lived closer to you guys. Maybe, next Spring or Summer, I will road trip it for a visit. Quote from stone: Pal, it is all about rolling input tubes. Don't let anyone say differently. I'm looking forward to rolling in my Rachael as I do in my ZMA. Quote from LR: For the most part I agree with this, but not 100%. With the ZMA especially the input tubes make more of a difference, but I'm not so sure with the Rachel. I think she's happier with Hazen enabled tubes. The jury is out on the Rachael for input tubes ~ agreed. But, if they don't make the same impact as they do in my ZMA? = keeps them solely for the ZMA. The Rach' for me: Steve's UFO Transformer's Steve's pentodes in triode back in the house Hazen Grid/EL34 and non Hazen/6550 (for example) comparison as well Roll Rectifier's too Dual Volume Controls Fun comparison to my ZMA. If it happen's to love NOS Platinum input tube rolling? = added BONUS. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/08/16 at 19:37:09 I will be the fortunate recipient of a Vaughn Audio Carina next week. Plus, in 2 or 3 months.......a Decware Rachael. I have owned a SE84CS and SuperZenCS, that did drive my modified Adagio's quite well........let the Harmonic Differential's begin with my ZMA residing over my Listening Room domain. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/19/16 at 15:24:48 Vaughn Audio Carina in the house since Thursday. Nice Amp. I'm enjoying it in Ultralinear Mode @ 3.2 watts per channel this morning and my Ediswan 6922 as input tube with JJ EL84's + JJ GZ34. Establishing a baseline with her....before further tube rolling. The Carina also does 1.5/ch in Triode....very, very nice. Do we still have access to the build sheet Que? I looked on the Contact page where access once was. I did not see? I was going to cancel my UFO Rachael. However, I need to hear the Rach' beauty at 5.8 Triode output per channel and tube rolling my 6922 tube types + Steve's new UFO transformer's. For me, the ZMA Reigns supreme. However, to have the Carina/EL84 Triode & UL based and the Rachael coming EL34 Triode based.....allows me points of reference I do/will much enjoy. Listening Room: Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P) Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC Shunyata Research Zitron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD {Extremely Significant} Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder ++ *************************************************************** W/Steve's Output Transformer's/kicking to the curb quite a few superb DAC'S! *************************************************************** (@ -20 Ref Level, 0.0 Input volume and @ 16/192) WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030 Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier ~BIASED at *60* mA~ (NOS/Platinum/Mullard E188CC/7308's in my A12 an B12 Input positions Cryogenic~NOS/Platinum/Telefunken E88CC for Inverter Tubes~NOS RCA 0A3's & matched Quad/Tung-Sol KT66's) ZMA adjusted at 20% to 30-40% max ~ from 0 Gain Eddie Vaughn Carina Triode & UL *************************************************** Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades *************************************************** Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified) .....from 8ohm Taps. Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross (Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone) XLO Pro Power Cord to ZMA PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3 (Transport and ZDSD, Regenerated/*120*~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output) ++ ZDSD DAC, kicked to the Curb: Auralic Vega, PS Audio PWT & PWD, PS Audio Direct Stream DAC, Chord Qute, NAD M51 (twice) & Schiit Yggdrasil. ~NOS Platinum Tubes from Upscale Audio/Kevin: (Great Britain) Mullard 7308/E188CC ~ 2 pair (both pair Cryogenic) (Germany) Telefunken E88CC ~ 1 pair (US/Great Britain) Ediswan CV2492/6922 ~ 2 pair (one pair Cryogenic) (Hungary) Tungsram 6922/E88CC ~ 1 pair (Hungary) Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8 ~ 1 pair. From Cryoset: (Russia) 6N23N/P-EB ~ 2 pair (Russia) 6N23P's ~ 2 pair/came with ZMA. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lonely Raven on 12/19/16 at 16:31:03 Stone flip-flopping on having something built or not.
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 12/19/16 at 16:39:15 Here you go Larry: https://creatorexport.zoho.com/decwarehighfidelity/decware/pdf/Amplifier_Waiting_List/hAqfNhyE7rNXQFUDfyb7Y8G8r0RRrP82DMY814hPnsknzr8711vTq3QU2gaK0CVOwv4Kdps4kPsAeNCtpP8sawfYKv3E46OMpk6T |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/19/16 at 17:09:44 You guys know me all to well. ;D |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by stone_of_tone on 12/19/16 at 17:11:48 Thanks for the Link Lon. However, it is giving me this message: "There is no such view in Zoho Creator". .....with no connection. I will check back later tonight.....off to work I go....because I owe, I owe........ . |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 12/19/16 at 17:16:26 Works perfectly for me. Be sure to copy the entire link and then paste that into the browser. . . it's too long for a "clickable" link as on the page. |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Lon on 12/19/16 at 17:20:46 https://creatorexport.zoho.com/decwarehighfidelity/decware/pdf/Amplifier_Waiting_List/hAqfNhyE7rNXQFUDfyb7Y8G8r0RRrP82DMY814hPnsknzr8711vTq3QU2gaK0CVOwv4Kdps4kPsAeNCtpP8sawfYKv3E46OMpk6T Hmmmm. . . don't know why I can paste the link from the email I have and it works, but posting the link here doesn't! I assure you that it works. . . .Your order is still reading "NEW". . . . |
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Title: Re: Steve/Decware Black Friday Sale..... Post by Archie on 12/19/16 at 17:52:14 [url]https://creatorexport.zoho.com/decwarehighfidelity/decware/pdf/Amplifier_Waiting_List/hAqfNhyE7rNXQFUDfyb7Y8G8r0RRrP82DMY814hPnsknzr8711vTq3QU2gaK0CVOwv4Kdps4kP sAeNCtpP8sawfYKv3E46OMpk6T[/url] Try this one. There are 3 dots after the word Waiting that need to be deleted for the link to work. |
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