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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> New DECWARE Speaker Wire
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Message started by Steve Deckert on 08/18/22 at 22:26:02

Title: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/18/22 at 22:26:02

As many of you know, we have been working on some new speaker wire and one of them is now a reality. We called it ZFOCUS Reference One, and are presently offering it in 3 meter lengths only until I get a sense of how well people like it.

This wire outperforms the ZSTYX in detail and focus which is hard to imagine, but then we've been listening to different cables against ZSTYX for nearly 30 years now and this is the first to just flat out beat it in certain categories.

We also are nearly done with another cable that has tied ZSTYX in focus but has more weight and is just a touch warmer. That wire will be coming soon.

So the master plan puts ZSTYX in the middle with the best balance of everything but biased towards single-driver and similarly simple designs. The ZFOCUS takes one side with better focus, slightly less weight and the other side it taken by a cable that has the same focus as the ZSTYX but more weight. Both being unbiased as to speaker design with similar performance on 3 way and single-driver stuff.

https://www.decwareproducts.com/zfocus

Steve

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/18/22 at 23:08:54

Exciting! Very nice.

Will await for the other cable as that one should better align with my goals.

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by BicycleJoe Lo-Fi on 08/19/22 at 00:40:22

FYI Steve I am unable to open the replacement tube section these last few days, I get the picture to highlight and the more info highlighted but clicking doesn't open the the section.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Lon on 08/19/22 at 00:52:24

Hmmm. . . using Brave as the browser the individual tube pages open for me, and can be added to the cart if they are in stock.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/19/22 at 00:58:58

Fixed the links. Thank you!

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by BicycleJoe Lo-Fi on 08/19/22 at 03:53:51

Yes all is well now with the replacement tube link, I use Safari
Thank You Steve

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Zork on 08/26/22 at 21:20:33

I installed these new ZFocus speaker wires. I rarely post or write about stereo stuff but these new wires are just fantastic. I hear more things I've never heard before or as I've never heard them before. You should consider trying these, I think if you have a decent system these would likely show you some vast sonic improvement. I'm using them with both digital, mostly Redbook CDs, some light streaming and albums with a Torii JrV2 and Tube Tots which are also striking and fabulous. Oh and the materials and construction are quite impressive....in the end it's the pleasing sound.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Joey on 08/26/22 at 22:16:54

That's good to know Zork. I think I'll wait on the other wire, the one with weight and supposed density. I do wonder how much longer before it's ready.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/26/22 at 23:12:42

I’m cranked about these cables. Same thing here, waiting on Steve to announce the other version. Already sold the ZStyx in anticipation, using a pair of HighWire Audio 700 LSI cables for temporary duty.

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/27/22 at 04:21:49

Quote:

Thank-you for posting! I can see with a TORII JRv2 and Tube Tots how something like this could easily happen.

It takes about 2 weeks for the bass to get deep and full and by then everything will have smoothed out. It really is the wire you can't hear, more so than ZSTYX which I never thought I would ever say. The way I rationalize this seeming impossibility is to recognize that OCC long grain or single crystal copper and silver crystal wire has a profound effect on the sound. The braid design doesn't hurt either but the combination is a one two punch.

I also love that they are flexible and light in weight, yet can carry quite a bit of current.

The design melts away the polarization of opinions on copper vs. silver because ZFOCUS is both, equally well executed. And the connectors are high quality Rhodium so no worries about being copper or silver because they are neither. Of course OCC copper and OCC silver are so different than the OFC that we have used for years that I don't know how you can say they would even sound alike. My guess is even OCC brass might sound better than regular oxygen free copper or silver.

Because this is light weight it is even easier to drape from amp to speakers in a way where it never touches the floor. This can take the focus up another notch.

Anyway, thanks for taking a chance on it and reporting the results!

Steve

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/27/22 at 04:27:46

Steve, when do you expect the other version will be available?

I’m pretty stoked about it

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/27/22 at 04:50:14

I am putting heat shrink on the first batch now. It's some really great looking wire. Same stuff, but all OCC copper and more of it. Another proven braid design where the outside becomes the inside over and over again. Uses the same Rhodium connectors.

If nothing else I will post some pictures of them this weekend.

Steve

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by JBzen on 08/27/22 at 09:42:12

Quote:

It takes about 2 weeks for the bass to get deep and full and by then everything will have smoothed out. It really is the wire you can't hear, more so than ZSTYX which I never thought I would ever say. The way I rationalize this seeming impossibility is to recognize that OCC long grain or single crystal copper and silver crystal wire has a profound effect on the sound. The braid design doesn't hurt either but the combination is a one two punch.

Totally agree with this. Once the bass develops over time it becomes unmistakably sublimely, earthly, and real.

Quote:

design melts away the polarization of opinions on copper vs. silver because ZFOCUS is both, equally well executed. And the connectors are high quality Rhodium so no worries about being copper or silver because they are neither. Of course OCC copper and OCC silver are so different than the OFC that we have used for years that I don't know how you can say they would even sound alike. My guess is even OCC brass might sound better than regular oxygen free copper or silver.

Stretching it a bit.

I am totally psyched over this cable. Going to braid some 16 strand producing 9 AWG. You should create a package including these cables with amps. A very good match IMO.

John

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Zork on 08/27/22 at 16:04:05

I could tell immediately the difference in sound quality so after a couple of hours it really started to get even more detailed and larger. This wire has been, on my system quite remarkable, Focus is a great name. I'm sure we'll be hearing more positive comments as people install and hear these Zen Focus Reference One. Get that dome more extended, clean and certainly more refined!

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/27/22 at 23:23:13

That’s great news Zork. I’m glad you’re happy with the new concoction. No doubt Steve has created yet another winner. Your descriptive analysis is very helpful. Thank you

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Burgermeester on 08/29/22 at 02:37:54

Can someone describe what a cable with "more weight" sounds like?

Does it have more forward-sounding lower frequencies? Does the sound have a firmer GRIP? Assert itself with more authority? Is it laying down markers and challenging me to up the ante? I don't even know what I'm saying but it sounds audiophile-ish.

"More weight" also automatically sounds better somehow, which makes me wonder why anyone would buy the other cable. What does this mean exactly?

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/29/22 at 03:23:37

https://www.moon-audio.com/audiophile-terms-guide#W

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Burgermeester on 08/29/22 at 06:38:34

Ah. Thanks.

Still wondering why anyone would prefer the other wire then. What's it for? Anyway.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by JBzen on 08/29/22 at 08:12:46

The other wire is lighter in gauge and serves well for bass shy speakers like the Tiny Radials or smaller speakers. The unreleased wire will mate better with the larger speakers. Wire gauge matters. Simple physics.

Wondering if the unreleased version has solid core strands?

John

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/29/22 at 16:49:06

Quote:

All these labels are relative to ZSTYX that we have used for 30 years, which are known to be the most neutral after having been tried on hundreds of speakers during that time.

Based on that centerline, the ZFOCUS has more detail and the same bass. It seems like less only because there is more detail. I use it on the House Speakers, which have no shortage of bass.

The new ones compared to ZSTYX have the same detail but more bass. They sound good on everything so far. We have noticed that single-driver speakers benefit from these new cables as the sound comes off with a bit more weight -- which is usually desirable with these types of speakers. Also we have noticed that 2 and 3 way speakers gain additional bass control.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/29/22 at 17:18:19

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 08/29/22 at 17:19:24

It's 24 solid OCC in Teflon insulators. I'll probably make it available in both shrink and non-shrink versions like the interconnects. I left one off so it is easy to see what it would look like bare.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/30/22 at 16:21:20

When is it available for sale?

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by jec3504 on 08/30/22 at 16:32:22

Jackpot!

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Tal on 08/30/22 at 18:07:49

Been running the new ZFocus wires for approximately 1.5 weeks, maybe 20 hrs, and I am very impressed. I concur with Steve and Zork, focus and detail are tighter compared to my previous cables. As expected with Decware, quality, fit and finish is exceptional The wires are connected to a pair of Zu Soul 6's, which is a single 10" driver with a compression tweeter. I find the bass doesn't leave me wanting more. So, I'm curious how much better (in terms of bass) the upcoming wires are compared to the ZFocus?

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Earthbound on 08/30/22 at 22:05:13

Thanks for the website tempest62. Just what I’ve been researching individually for the past 4 months all right there on one website! Sweet

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 08/31/22 at 00:44:14

You’re most welcome brother.

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by jec3504 on 09/03/22 at 13:01:07

Hey Brad,

Could you email me when the speaker Wires are listed on the website for sale.

Thanks

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 09/03/22 at 19:23:04

Joseph, you bet your sweet pip I will!

Stay strong, Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by joralieu on 09/04/22 at 03:40:51

Are these available in shorter length's.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 09/04/22 at 04:14:56

Do we have a name for the new “more weighty” wire yet? Also, wondering if it will be possible to buy either one of the new wires during Decfest and bring it home with me?

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by kulafu on 09/04/22 at 16:26:05

Steve, I have vintage La Scalas and it looks like it will pair well with the upcoming wires. Do you have any recommendations on banana plug to spade lug adapters or do you sell them. If you do, how do you order them? Call? Thanks!
Bob

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 09/12/22 at 03:14:11

We are about 45 days away from having the first production run of this new cable completed. Meanwhile I have a pre-production run of around 10 3 Meter pairs. I have completed the web page and will only be posting it here until I have more in stock.

https://www.decwareproducts.com/zwire

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 09/12/22 at 03:17:22

Yes, for the Klipsch we have good luck with these small blocks available on eBay. Here is a link to one with lots of good pictures.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334519650920?hash=item4de2ecca68:g:LNUAAOSwfIBi5~P5&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsApRryyGE%2FdQ8JJlwbrBfXWuYMdkzqTlZTm4ZkaP4nlOA3b1c%2FlC22CtwNUWV57nUEs0v6YA7x%2F%2BpCKUrkJ%2FE8KBpTUJFAv1KDYUZs1Ihg8DuiniJUGtDG9izXasLd1JubaS%2FUQww%2Fx97Xb0GVdS3DhUduZRpZ2qKoZKlth9RjcBw8PooelQDBESNgrBqRb%2FAA3Xd3GZUpZlrET%2F1u%2FfcjGf9pG5K0qAMMIHraw0zX8e%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7z10_flYA

There are also holes in the back that are threaded so that the banana receptacle can be moved from the top to the rear.

We locate it to the rear so that when your banana terminated cables are plugged in they lay correctly, as well as easily pull out of pulled on by accident to protect both the cable and the delicate screw terminal strip on the speaker.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Dr3wman on 09/12/22 at 03:29:08

Thank you Steve! Just snagged a pair. Very excited.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by tempest62 on 09/12/22 at 04:23:08

Quote:

Thank you Steve! Just snagged a pair. Very excited.

+1

Very fair price too. Super excited!

Sold my ZStyx a couple weeks ago in anticipation of these.

Brad

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by kulafu on 09/12/22 at 12:34:22

Thanks Steve! Ordered from them and the Zwire as well!
Bob

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by jec3504 on 09/12/22 at 13:15:20

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 09/12/22 at 14:57:36

Thanks Steve-just snagged a pair as well!

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 09/13/22 at 23:46:13

Also thanks for honoring my request to pick up the ZWire at Decfest. This way, I will have something tangible to show for my trip! In the meantime, looking forward to hearing from the members who got it shipped.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 09/14/22 at 02:49:12

It will be nice to hear everyones report good or bad with these cables. Remember cables by themselves don't make any sound. We will need to know the speakers, amp, and what cables were used previously for some context.

Last years Decfest was the first time testing the model ZWIRE cables in public. We were auditioning a new pair of speakers before the fest started using some high dollar I forgot the brand cables and based on what we knew about the speakers thought that the wooly bass wasn't the speaker... so we swapped in a pair of the model ZWIRE and the bass was fixed. Everything else sounded right as well.

The biggest problem with these cables is the price. Price vs. Perception. And in fairness if we were hand braiding this stuff at Decware it would cost several times what it does. That said, several times is still not thousands of dollars or tens of thousands of dollars for those who think spending thousands of dollars on cables wasn't enough.

These cables are at that point of diminishing returns. If you're spending more for less sound, you're probably in the majority.

Steve

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Mannytheseacow on 09/15/22 at 22:14:14

Ordered a pair of zwire the night they went on sale and haven't heard anything since. Anybody else get a shipping confirmation or know if they shipped out yet?

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Dr3wman on 09/15/22 at 22:37:07

I ordered as well the night they went up. I did get a receipt/confirmation email.

I think they are likely trying their best, I am not too concerned at this point, though I am anxious/excited to hear them in my system.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by jec3504 on 09/15/22 at 22:39:22

Same as Dr3wman.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Tony on 09/15/22 at 23:01:19

I did get a notice almost immediately. The last message I received announced they would be here on Saturday.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Mannytheseacow on 09/16/22 at 01:10:10

Cool, thx.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by kulafu on 09/16/22 at 14:03:26

I received a shipping notification from Decware a day after I ordered and should receive it today!
Bob

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 09/18/22 at 01:12:14

Waiting impatiently for early adopter reviews…c’mon guys, give us some sugar!

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by jec3504 on 09/18/22 at 01:22:34

Sorry, no golden ticket here. Might be waiting a few for mine.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Tony on 09/20/22 at 04:11:02

Speaker cables arrived today, I'm listening with them now 👌. They will take some time to settle in, but right out of the box they sound very good. They replace prior Decware cables so I wasn't sure they would surpass, but I think they have.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by maddog07 on 09/22/22 at 02:55:58

Steve,

is it possible to purchase the new ZWIRE cables - Without the banana's, i.e. unterminated? I have my own favorite solid copper spades and tensioned banana's (well C11000 copper) from Furez... they are a bit hard to find since the pandemic, but I bought a good supply before.

https://douglasconnection.com/shop-by-brand/furez-products/ used to be a good source, but since the pandemic, he's out-of-stock.
I've never encountered a more mechanically robust or better sounding connector - short of direct hard-wired connection.

Zu provides a similar looking connector on their Event series cables, but its not exactly the same - no idea where they get them.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by ChrisC on 09/23/22 at 00:59:59

Steve,

Probably a dumb question, but is there any "directionality" in the new zwire? I just received a beta pair and they have one end shrinked in white and the other w/o in black. Does it matter which goes where or were you just testing options/appearence?

Thx

ChrisC

[smiley=tunes51.gif]

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Yakatak on 09/24/22 at 02:04:58

I also have a Beta pair...and......they have white heat shrink on both ends. Probably several permutations in that batch. Really nice.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Steve Deckert on 09/24/22 at 05:14:14

The connectors are removable as they use two threaded machine screws the crimp the wire.

The cables are not directional.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by kulafu on 09/24/22 at 11:48:30

Steve, is there any plans on making shorter length speaker wires? I am interested in 2m.
Bob

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Burgermeester on 09/29/22 at 11:20:58

So, I took delivery on a mix of Decware interconnects, power and speaker cables. These are the first things made by Decware that I've taken actual possession of to date.

Hmm. Or shouid I say, Wow. In person, these long wirey thingees are sexier than my actual gear. I might have to buy more just for the esthetics.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 10/19/22 at 01:51:57

ZWire—A Quick Review in Questions?

How do you describe that a veil was lifted when you thought there was nothing left to lift?

How do you describe a noticeable increase in the both the quality and quantity of bass when you thought it could possibly not go any lower?

How do you describe when your sound stage is actively trying to escape the confines of your listening room when you thought it was already regularly tickling its boundaries?

How do you describe what you thought was scale, was a mere facsimile of what scale actually implied?

Wait…is that what they meant by top end sparkle?

And last but not least…

How do you describe that the artist is more in your room, when you already thought that you were hangin’ out with them each night? Were you hangin’ out with their goddamn ghost before?

I continue to explore…

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by JBzen on 10/19/22 at 12:05:28

Over time it only gets clearer Kamran.

The overwelming connection to the artist answers all those questions with one answer. Skilled talent.

John

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Dana on 10/19/22 at 17:22:07

I think that sight is more descriptive than sound so there is more language descriptors to describe what we see rather than what we hear. The concepts are transferable sometimes and yet other times they don't fully match up.

How do you describe that a veil was lifted when you thought there was nothing left to lift?
For me the description is like looking thru a sliding glass door. The glass is unnoticeable until you slide it open. Not only is what you see clearer you also feel and smell the air from the outside.

How do you describe a noticeable increase in the both the quality and quantity of bass when you thought it could possibly not go any lower?
Bass should not only be heard but felt down to your bowls. The better the bass the more tactile it becomes. The kick drum has more punch there see almost seems to be lower notes you never realized were there.

How do you describe when your sound stage is actively trying to escape the confines of your listening room when you thought it was already regularly tickling its boundaries?

The music becomes more intimate, more enveloping. I seem to be floating in it rather than just hearing it

How do you describe what you thought was scale, was a mere facsimile of what scale actually implied?

I don't know what scale means???

Wait…is that what they meant by top end sparkle?

Sparkle refers to the ringing of the cymbals, the presence of the triangle. Does the hand clap define the room on the recording as it does in the listening room or is it just a percussive sound?

And last but not least…

How do you describe that the artist is more in your room, when you already thought that you were hangin’ out with them each night? Were you hangin’ out with their goddamn ghost before?

It's about presence isn't it. Like you just got better seats or it became a private concert and the artist was performing just for you.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 10/20/22 at 01:00:54

Thanks Dana for your thoughtful responses. Much appreciated. The questions were rhetorical…I was merely trying to praise Steve’s cables in a poetic way.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Dana on 10/20/22 at 08:18:12

Kamran I know but I have been trying for over a year to accurately describe changes to my system as I optimize it with subwoofer placement, NOS tubes or cable upgrades. I've asked myself those same questions and still not sure that others can understand the amazement and wonder i sometimes feel. A couple of nights ago early in the morning I was in that in and out of awakened mindset and a particular set of songs just clicked into place. I became immersed in the music. It wasn't so much as listening to it but swimming in it. The song, the sound the emotion. I was straight sober but I really felt what Alice down the rabbit hole might of felt. What a great hobby when it comes together. I'm glad you like your cables.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Donnie on 10/20/22 at 23:10:56

OK, these are 3 meters long, is that each wire, not the total length?

I've been burnt before where I bought a 8 foot pair and it ended up being 2ea 4' lengths.

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Dr3wman on 10/20/22 at 23:38:39

Donnie,

I have a pair, each cable is 3 meters.

Andrew

Title: Re: New DECWARE Speaker Wire
Post by Kamran on 10/21/22 at 01:09:17

What Dr3wman said.