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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> MINI TORII >> 25th mods
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Message started by Joey on 03/05/19 at 15:57:25

Title: 25th mods
Post by Joey on 03/05/19 at 15:57:25

I was wondering if anyone has had the 25th mods done to their MT?

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/10/19 at 13:16:06

This past weekend I bought a 2012 Mini Torii that is being shipped to Decware for installation of UFO transformers and the anniversary update. Decware doesn’t know it yet. Since the unit has poly caps I am looking at performing the poly cap bypass mod. Unless I change my mind and ask them to upgrade the caps 🧢 to beeswax 🐝.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by pursuitofnow on 04/10/19 at 15:24:43

Exciting! I bet that will be a really nice sounding amp. If funds allow might as well go all the way and get the type II copper foils :)

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/10/19 at 19:42:03

If I go beeswax 🐝 it will be type I. I presently have two Zens , one with type I and another with type II. To me the type I sounds better

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by pursuitofnow on 04/11/19 at 01:26:14

Interesting. Just goes to show everyone has different systems, rooms, preferences, etc. I'm glad we have these kind of options.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/25/19 at 14:43:37

The Mini Torii amp is on the bench, ready for its transformer transformation (regular to UFO) and anniversary modification.

I was told that the anniversary modification has been done on other Minis before, though nobody has posted anything about it on the forum.

Steve said that the mod is very revealing and would add headroom.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Lon on 04/25/19 at 15:40:36

Yes, I'm sure there are a number of Decware owners who don't post here; I've run into a few.

You are going to really like both the UFO transformer upgrade and the mods. The mods that I had done to my Taboo Mk IV and CSP2+ REALLY improved each component.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/25/19 at 18:43:04

Stands to reason that these modifications are a gigantic step forward in fidelity.

Fact that the factory stated that there are 50 Anniversary Zen amps out the door and not one return speaks volumes.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 05/07/19 at 21:23:22

My Mini has been up there for two weeks now to receive its new transformers and anniversary modifications. Hoping that it is done soon.

I've obtained the adapters to use 807 tubes, bought a pair of 6Y6G Sylvania militaristic tubes, reviewed the 12AU7 types in my collection.

Getting ready to receive the new amp.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 05/08/19 at 18:17:36

Devon called today to take payment for the modifications. I should have the unit back any day. Woo Hoo!

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by HockessinKid on 05/08/19 at 19:23:32

Good news. Hopefully my ZMA amp is next in line😁.

HK

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 05/21/19 at 04:18:49

I received my Mini about a week ago and I am loving it. Anniversary modifications give it a spooky realism that so many here have written about. I developed a liking for the 807 power tube when I had my Torii MkIV. I have a good assortment. I tried a Tung Sol reissue 6v6 on one side and an 807 on the other. There is just something about the 807 that is more classic old radio sounding than the 6v6. To my ears the 807 won out. The input tubes are Sylvania black plate 5814’s from 1953. Mullard rectifiers and 0C2s, Westinghouse 0A3s.

I’ve tried it with and without my ZSTAGE, actually using two different inputs to A/B compare. I set the ZSTAGE gain at 12:00, so called unity gain, then checked the sound without it, back then forth again. With the ZSTAGE at unity gain there was a slight shimmer that I wasn’t experiencing without the ZSTAGE. Then I realized that I have the input selector on the Stage on the hot or bright setting. This is what the Mini is picking up on.

There is more to write on but it is getting late here. I may try uploading photos which always is a major pain to do here.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 05/25/19 at 18:37:45

Tried some Tungsol 12BH7 inputs but they are too brittle in the upper midrange. In the ZSTAGE they do just fine

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3QAZSgRbQmAurY7VA

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 08/04/19 at 00:22:42

It has been nearly three months with the Anniversary Mini Torii running 24/7 with 807 power tubes.

I recently received my tube tester back from repair; this told me that the 5814 black plate Sylvanias I had been using were not good; one was very weak and the other one was well into the REPLACE territory on the tester. So I replaced them with some NOS RCA 5814 black plate tubes that tested strong.

I was running the unit with a ZSTAGE. Then changed that for a CSP3. The effect of each device was similar. Each gave me great control over the sound.

I just swapped (don't like to say "rolled") some 6Y6 power tubes and compared the sound. I used a 6Y6 on one side and left one of the 807s in. I found that the 6Y6 were dryer and did not have the bass that the 807s did. So out they go. I can't seem to find any power tube I like more than the 807.

The Mini has worked out exceptionally well.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by chapsjon on 08/05/19 at 11:58:21

Glad you are enjoying your Mini Torii with 25th anniversary mods. I have the 2011 version I bought used about 7 months ago. I have been so pleased with the sound; I thoroughly enjoy it as is. Maybe some day I'll get send it in for mods, but I am slowly building my system so have had other priorities. I'm also not sure how I'd get by without the amp during upgrade. Listening to sweet music in the wash of glowing tubes is something that I look forward to every day after work. I'd sure miss it! I haven't experimented with anything other than 6v6's, yet I love it. I am running all NOS tubes, but I may have to check out the 807's. Cheers!

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by Rivieraranch on 08/05/19 at 12:59:55

Yeah man. If I remember correctly around the time you snagged yours a guy named Colt was selling that unit; he took in trade for some computer equipment. I showed some interest in it but in the end I would not have offered him what he wanted for it. I enjoyed the 807 sound with my Torii MKIV, so I tried it with the Mini. When I had my first Mini (2009-2012) I never rolled 807 tubes in it. But now I can't seem to be content with any other output.

Title: Re: 25th mods
Post by joralieu on 12/22/19 at 14:20:53

Anyone else have the mods done?