Forums - Print Page

Forums
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl
AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1595362418

Message started by bpcarb on 07/21/20 at 21:13:38

Title: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by bpcarb on 07/21/20 at 21:13:38

Hello,

Hope everyone is doing well. I'm in the process of selecting a tube amplifier for my headphones that also has a preamp output for my stereo setup. It would be great if there is anyone in the Pasadena/Los Angeles/Southern California area that would be open to letting me audition the CSP3 (or similar unit that showcases the Decware sound signature). I have a good supply of wine/beer/specialty coffee/loose leaf teas for enjoyment, if interested. Thank you!

Brandon

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by hdrider on 07/22/20 at 20:50:10

Sorry Brandon, Santa Cruz County is as close as I get to LA. Good luck in your quest, I know we will never part with our CSP3. Happy listening, Chris.

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by bpcarb on 07/22/20 at 21:14:06

Hi Chris, thanks for your response. Good to hear that you are enjoying listening to your CSP3. Verve coffee and Sante Adairius brewery are among my favorites. Thanks, Brandon

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by morp on 07/22/20 at 21:56:05

Hi Brandon,

What other amps are you considering, and what headphones would you be using? I've used my CSP with several IEMs, HD6xx, AD700, ZMF Verite, and LCD-3 so I can speak to those. The CSP-HD6xx/HD650 pairing is very sweet.

Thanks,
Richard

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by bpcarb on 07/22/20 at 23:43:06

Hi Richard,

I'm also considering the Linear Tube Audio MZ2 and Feliks Audio Espressivo. This is for use with my ZMF Eikons and HD6XX. Thanks for your input, especially regarding the HD6XX pairing. I've read that the HD6XX pair well with OTL amps.

Brandon

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by morp on 07/23/20 at 01:34:43

Good choices! I've only heard good things about Feliks amps, but have not listened to one myself.

If you haven't yet heard the HD6xx on a superior OTL amp, you're in for an awesome surprise. I returned to headphone audio after a couple of years away, and the one sound I knew I wanted to get back was OTL tube amp + HD650. The CSP gives you that magical pairing in spades.

To put it in perspective, out of the CSP, my HD6xx sound 85% as good as my Verite. To the point where I may sell my Verite and just be happy with the HD6xx.

Last fun fact: I spoke to Steve a couple of weeks ago since I had a question, and discovered he also listens to ZMF Eikons. FWIW :)

Have fun!,
Richard

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by hdrider on 07/23/20 at 01:56:11

bpcarb- All great choices. Really getting into Black Rifle Coffee AK-47 and my go to is Steel Bonnet in Scotts Valley (before this mess started). Hopefully someone will reach out to you in So. Cal. with a CSP3 to listen to. Actually I have only used phones on mine a few times (Koss Pro 4AAA, yeah don't laugh) once or twice. I have used the Koss for years in the studio since it's the only phone I have found that can handle my Moog bass pedals with any sense of reality. I just sold off my Stax system, and still have the Stax Gamma's but haven't used them on the Rachael. If you ever find yourself heading towards Santa Cruz, give a shout and we can hit our favorite beverage (based on the time o' day) and listen to tunes. Keep us all posted on your adventure and Happy Listening, Chris.

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by Lon on 07/23/20 at 03:17:29

I'm far away, in Ohio. I will say though that my CSP3 (which has the 25th Anniversary Mods) is a fantastic headphone amp. With the ZROCK2 and the Sennheiser HD800S I have the best headphone sound I've ever heard. Period. It works with the Oppo PM-1 that I have and the ZMF Ori as well, very well, but the match with the Sennheiser is special!

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by bpcarb on 07/23/20 at 04:21:34

Hi Richard,

I havent' heard the Feliks amps yet and am trying to schedule a demo with a retailer here in LA.

Wow, that's very telling about how good the HD6XX sound that you're considering selling your Verite! Looking forward to hopefully trying.

I wasn't aware that Steve listens to ZMF Eikons, very cool :)

Thanks!

Brandon

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by bpcarb on 07/23/20 at 04:22:35

Hi Chris,

Black Rifle and Steel Bonnet look interesting - thanks for bringing to my attention. The tap list looks delicious. I'm a huge fan of the Koss KSC75 and Porta Pro with Yaxi Pads. That's awfully kind of you and I'll be sure to give you a shout if I'm in the area for sips and sounds so I can experience the Rachael!

Cheers,

Brandon

Title: Re: CSP3 audition in Los Angeles/Southern California
Post by bpcarb on 07/23/20 at 04:24:57

Hi Lon,

Thanks for your note and feedback on the CSP3, especially its versatility and special synergy with the HD800S!

Brandon