OVERVIEW:

These amplifiers represent the final degree of the basic Zen Triode design.  They are the result of a eleven year evolution of hand building over 2000 Zen amps and dozens of variations along the way.  And there were countless hours of phone conversations with customers getting first hand feedback on nearly every one. We believe this platform can go no higher.  The bloodline is as follows:

     


The 1996 SE84C brought real SET hi-fi within reach of serious but broke audiophiles, and still does today.



The SE84CS came a few years later as a tweaked out version of the SE84C, pushing the envelope on resolution.  It recently became the SE84ZS which could be considered the closest thing to the new monos but in a smaller stereo version.  The SE84ZS was used along with signature monos below as the main two reference amps during the development of the SE84ZSM monoblocks.



Three versions:

The SV83M
The SV83MDC
The SV83S

These signature pairs of Zen Triode monoblocks spanning 3 revisions and 9 years are the predecessors to the new SE84ZSM amplifiers.


     

From a performance perspective it should be understood the main motivation for developing the original signature monoblocks was really to not only push the fidelity of the original Zen amp but also to increase the power without losing that wonderful sound.  

The new SE84ZMS monoblocks evolved to use a single tube per channel because in the end this was the most transparent.  Even though it's pr�cis had 4 watts from paralleled output tubes, the new amplifiers actually get louder and are more dynamic from the benefits of a choke regulated high impedance pure polypropylene film and foil power supply and tube voltage regulation of the input stage.  

If you're new to the Zen Triode design - it is based around the 6P15P-EV aka SV83 output tubes which are one of the most linear tubes in the world.  It was chosen over 300B, 2A3, 45's and so-on because of it's incredible speed and sonic's.

These amplifiers have only 1 capacitor and 2 resistors in the main signal path.  Unlike other SET amps this one loves low impedances and increases in power all the way down to 2 ohms with outstanding dynamics.  Wonderfully overbuilt, point-to-point wiring, no circuit boards, even hookup wire is eliminated thanks to a part to part layout.  Transparency and believable 3D imaging with near perfect timbre and unparalleled detail are just some of the areas larger more expensive amplifiers fall short on by comparison.

Does anyone else out there own these great sounding amps?  I use a pair in my second system, with Decware MG944 speakers, a Joseph Chow modded Sony STA6B tuner, Sistrum stand,  and Grover Huffman's latest speaker cables and interconnects.

I purchased my ZSM's in 2008 with the Z-Cap option, and recently send them back to Decware to add stepped attunators and the Hazen grid mods.

Currently running Tung Sol 5U4G's, RCA OA3's, Philips Miniwatt 7308's, and 6P15P-EV tubes.

I'm curious what tubes other owners might be using?

Mike

Appears not. When my ship comes in, I'll get one.

Sure. I get that with my amp too, which is similarly constructed. There's something about the SE84 design though that is very special. I'd love to hear these "flagship" versions, and I would have gone that route if I didn't need the power of the Torii.

We are now producing these mono amplifiers again using the new UFO output transformers and Cryo Treated Copper Foil Beeswax caps with great results.  The model number is going to be SE84UFO3 and you can look for it on the site in the near future.

Steve