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New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp (Read 32544 times)
Steve Deckert
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Posts: 6234
New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
06/20/06 at 01:14:23
 
It's done!  :D  

The new CSP2 preamp / OTL headphone amp is on the web site and ready to order.  An introductory price of $695. is listed. This price is likely to be very brief. If there was an MSRP it would be $1349.00



Design notes are also posted on the site.
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Yoda
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #1 - 06/20/06 at 01:22:57
 
Thats beautiful...

Do you have any idea of what the kit may cost and how soon it will be available?  

Matt
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boead
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #2 - 06/20/06 at 01:47:30
 
Its beautiful!

If my boss is good to me this summer I may buy one for my desk!


I posted the Decware web link to this over at a couple of headphone forums I frequent. The guys over there will love this!


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nubz69
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Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #3 - 06/21/06 at 05:48:56
 
Is there any way to have my current csp upgraded?
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9anda1f
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #4 - 06/21/06 at 15:56:43
 
Placed my order for the CSP2 this morning!  It had all the features I've been looking for:

Decware (!) SET
Mono out for sub
Headphone jack
Dual Inputs

Plus more:

OTL for the headphone out (wow)
Stuff to tweak (top mounted pots, tube rolling)
Unbeatable price!
Looks awesome!

It will be replacing my Audcom AP-110 tube pre.  Guess this also means I'll have to get some wood bases for my SE-84C's (to keep up appearances!)  I'm pretty excited, can you tell?   Cheesy
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RFZ_Quest
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Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #5 - 06/22/06 at 01:15:33
 


I just ordered the Select Zen Preamp model CSP2 yesterday afternoon and will get a chance to hear this unit in about 4 to 5 weeks. I was thinking about purchasing a set of Grado model 650 headphones. After discussing various types including this one, I will follow Steve's recommendation and go with the following choice which brings spectacular performance at an affordable price!




The DT 770 PRO is a closed dynamic headphone and was
designed for critical music and sound monitoring in an open
environment. It has a bass-reflex system to give low-frequency
response down to 5 Hz and is equalized to the diffuse sound field.
The weight of the diaphragm and moving coil of this headphone is
approx. 20% compared to other current models. As a result, the
DT 770 PRO offers similar pulse characteristics as electrostatic
headphones. The cushion systems and light weight allow the
DT 770 PRO to be used in complete comfort for long periods.

Application

The transducers are fitted to adjustable yokes, which should
be positioned to fully enclose the ear. This will provide the optimum
ear/speaker position for accurate sound monitoring. The cord is
terminated with a high-quality gold plated mini-jack and a 1/4"
stereo jack adapter. Professional users should note that it is
recommended practice that headphones are issued on an individual
user basis to preclude any possible health risks.

Maintenance

As with any equipment which will be used in close proximity
to sensitive areas of the body, it is essential that the ear-pads and
head-band are kept clean. Use a damp cloth for cleaning using
warm water only taking care not to allow any water drops into the
transducers. Should it become necessary to replace the ear-pads or
the head-band cushion, refer to “Spares and Accessories”.

Safety

When plugging your headphones into an amplifier, please
make sure that the volume control is set at minimum and is adjusted
after they have been put on. It is common phenomenon to listen to
music through headphones at high levels. The very low levels of
distortion present within the DT 770 PRO can make the listening
levels higher than is perceived and we would like to warn you of
this so that you are able to enjoy these headphones for many years
without damage to your ears.

Technical Specifications

Transducer type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dynamic
Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . Closed
Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 35,000 Hz
Nominal impedance. . . . . . . . . . . 80 O / 250 O
Nominal SPL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 dB

T.H.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . < 0.2%
Power handling capacity . . . . . . . 100 mW
Sound coupling to the ear . . . . . . Circumaural
Ambient noise attenuation . . . . . approx. 18 dBA
Nominal headband pressure . . . . approx. 3.5 N
Weight (without cable) . . . . . . . . 270 g
Length and type of cable. . . . . . . 3 m / straight cable (80 O)
3 m / coiled cable (250 O)
Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gold plated stereo jack plug

(3.5 mm) and 1/4" adapter
(6.35 mm)
(all specifications acc. to EN 60 268-7)
• Closed diffuse field studio headphone
• Innovative bass reflex system
• Rugged spring steel headband
• Single sided cable
• Soft ear cushions
• Gold plated jack plug 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm adapter


Order Source: Great Price!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=BEDT770PRO&is=REG&Q...


DT 770 PRO

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veryoldcat
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Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #6 - 06/22/06 at 02:20:50
 
[quote author=nubz69  link=1150766063/0#3 date=1150865336]Is there any way to have my current csp upgraded? [/quote]


I wonder if anyone heard you...

Karl
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Steve Deckert
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*****


If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 6234
Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #7 - 06/22/06 at 02:32:27
 
[quote author=nubz69  link=1150766063/0#3 date=1150865336]Is there any way to have my current csp upgraded? [/quote]

I think it will be possible to upgrade a CSP to the new circuit.  Having yet to do one, I'm not sure what the actual cost would be. My guess is somewhere between 200~300 bucks.

Steve
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veryoldcat
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #8 - 06/22/06 at 05:11:46
 
Very cool...

I'm certain upgrades are no picnic for the manufacturer/Decware, and am grateful for the possibility.

Karl
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proud_indian
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #9 - 06/22/06 at 09:43:05
 
Ok Guys... help out a headphone idiot.

Steve mentiones time an again in his article about ' in your head' stuff. I have not experimented with headphones, but always thought that you could not experience a sound stage. He also mentiones about ' being there in the venue' . So, what do you hear in a pair of headphones which are linked to a great amp? Can somebody write their experience.

Thanks

shreekant Smiley
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Giorgino
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #10 - 06/22/06 at 10:20:45
 
Quote:
I'm certain upgrades are no picnic for the manufacturer/Decware, and am grateful for the possibility.  

I second that and would be interested in upgrading my CSP to a version2 if it was financially workable. After UK tax and postage, I guess the CSP2 is close to (correction, $980) so sending my CSP1 to Steve would be worthwhile. Just the tax savings alone (since it's for "repairs") would pay for the 2 way trip.
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Mr Content
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #11 - 06/23/06 at 07:22:16
 
Yes I would be in for an upgrade. Just let us know when its available. Thanks Steve

Mr C
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rmt
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #12 - 06/24/06 at 02:46:26
 
[quote author=Steve Deckert  link=1150766063/0#7 date=1150939947]

I think it will be possible to upgrade a CSP to the new circuit.
Steve
[/quote]

Steve,

When you mention this upgrade, what would it include? New features, new box,  mono out, headphone jack?  

The new design concept fits exactly the way I want to go in audio.  I eventually want to match up a pair of Nibbelins to the WO32 I am building so an upgrade of my CS to this new CSP2 should provide a seamless integration.

On the other hand, a new CSP2 and a new CSZ matched with my old CS and CSP would provide for a superb 4.1 home theatre mix.   ???

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JLM
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Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #13 - 06/25/06 at 09:20:11
 
Steve has the prototype up for auction at audiogon.
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Rocket_Ronny
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #14 - 06/26/06 at 23:18:14
 
Now this is a piece I would love to pull the trigger on. Not so much for the pre, as I am sure it is great, but for headphone amp.

Can't though, as I found we owe double for our home taxes. When we moved we thought the lawyer said to ignore the tax bill as it was taken care of in the purchase of the home. Well, we were wrong about that. She was talking about the taxes on our old home we sold. So now we have to cough up $4,000.00 instead of $2,000.00. Cough, cough.

Plus I just bought a Metric Halo ULN-2 DSP computer audio interface box. Timing is everything in life I guess.

Interesting headphone recommendation. From what I have read about them people find them bass heavy. As in very bass heavy. Great for disco, tecno, bass freaks, but not for the mainstream. Let us know what you think of them when you get them.

Rocket_pauper_Ronny
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MAC -SteveH
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #15 - 06/27/06 at 10:41:30
 
I just got a pair of AKG K-701's and I'm flipping over them. I can't wait til I get my CSP2!
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boead
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #16 - 06/27/06 at 21:38:34
 
[quote author=MAC -SteveH  link=1150766063/15#15 date=1151401290]I just got a pair of AKG K-701's and I'm flipping over them. I can't wait til I get my CSP2! [/quote]

I heard these that Arnold posted about.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=185714

The 701's are fabulous.
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Rocket_Ronny
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #17 - 06/29/06 at 03:01:46
 
"Fabulous" you say eh?

Well, thems there mighty powerful, rooten, tooten, shooten words.

Let's see:  Google search- AKG 701 review and AKG 701 sale.

Rocket_hound dog_Ronny
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boead
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #18 - 06/29/06 at 13:20:59
 
Rocket_Man_Ronny, I hope fabulous wasn’t to strong of a word but I do LOVE that word. I say fabulous because in the sub $500 price range for Headphones I have always found the Sennheiser 580/600/650’s to be the most enjoyable models. However, the AKG 501 just have a great sound stage, so NOT the in your head sound and coupled with a great headphone amp it makes for an amazing headphone without spending $1000 or more on electrostats. Unfortunately they just have NO bass and it kills me because I just can’t listen to them.

The 701’s have a very similar euphoric soundstage and they have bass!
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Rocket_Ronny
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #19 - 06/29/06 at 14:26:07
 
Thanks for that Boed.

So what's the main difference between the Sens 580 and the 701s?

I have a couple of pairs of the 580s.

Rocket_still rooten and a tooten_Ronny
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Giorgino
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #20 - 06/29/06 at 23:34:58
 
Slightly OT - Anyone with thoughts on the Stax SRS-2050 II?
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Grant Robinson
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #21 - 07/19/06 at 03:28:08
 
Slightly BOT (Back on topik)

I picked up the CSP2 prototype from audiogon and plugged in the unit this evening.  Well built and a very nice layout for the new format.  The unit at first impression adds some sparkle to the top end and more weight to lower notes.  This was tested with a Taboo and Dec685 but with a Zbox out of the chain.  I believe it's a keeper...  

Cheers
Grant
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Yoda
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #22 - 07/20/06 at 22:52:08
 
Grant, looking forward to more impressions as you have time to record them...

Matt
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MAC -SteveH
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #23 - 07/21/06 at 00:02:06
 
My Official NEW CSP2 is on its way!! I should have it by Monday.

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I will keep you guys posted
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9anda1f
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #24 - 08/08/06 at 01:44:32
 
IT'S HERE!  My new CSP2 just arrived!  It's cool...but warming up nicely!

First, very first impression:  Did the sequenced warm-up/plug-in procedure...all is well.  Pre-amp that was removed from set-up was the Audcom AP-110.  Everything plugged in, but disc not engaged, ran volume control from 0 to "10"...ABSOLUTELY NO NOISE AT ALL.  It took away the slight, but noticeable hum that's always been there.  WOW!  Here we go!   Cheesy Cheesy Cheesy

Smiley9anda1f Smiley
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Rap
Ex Member



Re: New Zen Triode Preamp / OTL headphone amp
Reply #25 - 09/21/06 at 20:53:17
 
I´m drownig here, and you guy´s just keep on describing the water Angry
I guess begrudged congratulations are in order.. I know those grapes are well and truely sour. But when I muster the cash for one (oh and the presence of mind to order one) I´ll have the last laugh, in knowing that mine would be some how superior. Roll Eyes Tongue

The green eyed gobblin, Rap Sad

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