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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
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Message started by galtjunk on 08/30/21 at 14:46:09

Title: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by galtjunk on 08/30/21 at 14:46:09

I have a self built Zen Triode with the Hazen mod.
I used Edcore transformers.

Should I consider adding the anniverary mod?

I ordered a set of the Tiny Radials for the speakers.

I use Jriver Media to play flac and wave files at this point through a set of Klipsch Promedia speakers.
It sounds pretty good.

I would like to use the Zen as the amp to power my Tiny Radials for my desktop at my office.

I think this will sound much better.

I am usually alone here late at night so I can crank it up if I feel the need to.

Do I just use an 1/8 stereo plug to RCA's to send the audio?
Do I need a DAC?
Do I need a preamp?
Do you think I will need a subwoofer?

Thanks

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by derekinla on 08/30/21 at 21:08:53

For the best sound, I would connect your computer via USB to a small DAC (Topping or SMSL) and then to your Zen amp. I don't think a preamp is needed with your setup. You could connect a Sub that accepts speaker level outputs but perhaps see how your set-up sounds first with the Tiny Radials?

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by galtjunk on 08/31/21 at 13:46:07

The topping E30 looks like a good choice without breaking the bank.

Thank you.

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by bobc on 08/31/21 at 14:08:01

I feed my self built version zen triode with a raspberry pi (usb) blusound (rca) and topping e30. The E30 sounds much better than my blusound node internal DAC and is a great value for an office system. PS I have applied hazen, bypass caps in the power supply (anniversary type mods) and eliminated the 10k / 3.3 uf divider. I have no complaints! Best upgrade was a 6NS7 (not pictured) as pre tube.

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by galtjunk on 08/31/21 at 14:50:44

Very nice build.
I will have to try the 6ns7.
Is there a socket adapter available?
What speaker wire and interconnects do you use?

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by bobc on 08/31/21 at 15:35:37

Thank you. It is laser cut stainless plate. I use blue jeans cable interconnect and speaker wire. Not crazy esoteric, but high quality cable, termination and connections. the socket is just a standard adapter socket. 6SN7->6922. 6SN7... sorry for typo. Klipsch RP-600m in my office. Transcendar custom OPT.

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by galtjunk on 09/01/21 at 10:22:08

I ordered a Topping E30 Dac, some silver plated speaker cables and interconnects.
We'll see how well it works when everything gets here.

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by galtjunk on 09/02/21 at 11:36:34

What caps did you use for the bypass mod?

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by JimJ on 09/08/21 at 18:09:33

DACs can be a bit of a rabbit hole, after lusting after one for years I finally got a Benchmark DAC2 last year, first to function as a headphone amp/DAC and now just serving as a DAC in my main system. Couldn't be happier, it's one of those "I'll never upgrade it as long as it's working" things.

Title: Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Post by drford on 09/08/21 at 20:46:18

One DAC I've had a lot of luck with is the iFi Zen DAC v2. I know everyone's got an opinion on these, but I've running it side by side with Topping's D50s and it kills it. I needed a cheap upgrade while I save for a big R2R DAC and with Rachael it's especially nice as its output voltage is up to 3V, which brings her to life beautifully.

Anyways... just my $0.02. Anything based around your core components will sound great.