The original SE34I and later SE34I.2 are well loved amplifiers, but our line has improved both sonically and visually in recent years... and with the bottom of the pile of those kinda cool copper vein textured steel chassis now in sight it was time to bring this wonderful amp up to speed with everything else.

So we've been secretly working on the new SE34I.3 that I am listening to as I write this!  That means it's coming soon.  I'll probably be able to start taking orders for very soon.  Just keep an eye on the SE34I.2 page... when you see the SE34I.3 on there, you'll be able to order it.

It looks amazingly good.  It's physically larger in size.  Still uses EL34's, Still an SET amplifier of course and the same power as before.

Sonically it clearly out paces it's predecessors because this one is "lucid"!  Yes, I stole lucid mode from the Taboo and made numerous other small improvements.  The end result is a new benchmark for the imaging capability of SET amplifiers.  Could be the best sounding EL34 SET amp ever built.

The price will not be increasing.

Steve Deckert

Since I was on the verge of ordering the previous model just about the time it was discontinued, it only makes sense to put in my request for the first order of the newly revised model. Sounds like great timing since there is an improved version for the same price!

On the rebound now, as the dust has settled, and life goes on in a new phase for me. I am starting fresh from scratch, for which analog purity through simplicity, and careful design, will be the focus within my new system approach.

Ultimately, I would prefer to have the tori zen for its well controlled behaviour and absolute strengths, however, I believe this new amplifier just may be the ticket for my exact needs with a sane price tag attached....only time will tell.

Get the new amp into my possession Steve, then perhaps I can see just how "exact" the satisfaction factor really is in what this amp design can do for me.  I hope that it doesn't lead me into regret for not choosing the tori zen in the first place (such a difficult decision).  When examined from a pure state of value based on the purchase price, this new SE34I.3 seems too hard to ignore for what it promises to deliver.

Of course this is your preliminary "teaser" phase for simply making the product introduction become a reality.  As a seasoned veteran in audio, and a long time experienced user of decware products, I have already surmised that this amp design will be all that one could expect from its given parameters, in a very positive manner...one which is in direct consideration for the designer's track record for which there is no question.  I for one have no need to question what has been proven over and over again.  I see this as the best (performance-versus-price) target, for which seems to me as the best buy in your amplifier line-up.

The bottom line is this....once the exact details are released on the revised design, I for one will know exactly what to expect once it comes time to place that order.  I hope that this information is posted soon as I am curious.  In the meantime...I shall take my place in line to acquire the new SE34I.3 when available.

Thanks for all your creative contributions leading to a refined audio experience. Once again, you have proven zero bounderies for that which is possible "outside of the box".  It is very much appreciated.

Looking forward to having this amp powering my new system.

Paul.

Gee Mr. Deckert, you told me it would be ready sometime in spring?  I guess it may come up earlier than you thought at the time?  

If it incorporates power regulation for both input and output stages, like the Mini Torii, and being sonically superior to it's predecessor, and a SET (with two more Watts/c), should I go back to my original choice and change my pending order on the Mini?

How do you compare these two niches in your product line?  I guess the Mini has more slam and bass control, whereas the integrated will display more midrange transparency and detail? (triode vs pentode).  If this is true, jazz and classical orchestral music (as opposed to acoustical and classical chamber music) would benefit more from the Mini?

Anyway, congrats on the new design! ... I guess my purchase timing was just not the best.  Being so far away from Peoria makes swapping/2nd market alternatives very difficult, that's why I'm asking.  I need to have a keeper.  Take care ...

Blurb is there now. Not unprecedented in Decware-land to have discounts on a new product, this has happened more than once, doubt it is a hacker!

Heck, I own two now. At 1295? I am bringing this one into the stable too-riding her hard and putin' her away wet.  LUCID mode on a EL34 and probably some tube regulation..... . I think I will like it too.  -Stone

I'm also one of those looking forward to the new amp!



I have plenty of preamp tubes from the ECC88/6DJ8 family to play with and am looking to a new SET amp which uses those tubes.

Lord Soth, If you get one of the Integrateds, be sure to try the 6N2P in that input position. Reallly interesting tube for this amp, I loved the combination. You lose some headroom though, so if you need all the power, not the best choice.

Steve himself was the one who got me to try them. The one caveat is that these can be prone to hum or because of their lower output can pass on hum. If you can talk your supplier into sending the quietest ones it might help.

So, have you talked or corresponded with Steve about it, or are you just guessing from what Steve has posted so far, as I am?

Thanks for the info Steve. I'm sure it's going to be a great amplifier!

Well, best of luck and enjoy the wait as much as possible!

Even if it's faster than it's ever been, it will seem way too long. Just sit tight and be as patient as you can!

Good question markv on a headphone option. I am interested.

Anyway, I am glad for tube rectification. I know Steve is not a fan of solid state rectifier diodes. I auditioned the now discontinued EL34 mono blocks and did not like solid state recti'. The aggregate sound of the Amp(s) IMHO is greatly affected to the negative with SS rectification and is cheap to do and sounds cheap (hard). Tube designs with it, sound like solid state to me.

I am excited about the Lucid mode for this design. I use a very adequate Adcom AC Line Enhancer (ACE-515) with my SE84CS....with very noticable improvement....deep black low noise background for the  Selects detail and can't be beat (so far) Transparency.

I mean, the ideal setting should be: Wall mains > Isolation T > Line enhancer/P. cond. > Audio gear.

The isolation T. should give you plenty of surge protection and de-couple your setup from the mains raw AC.  The conditioner/enhancer should fine-tune voltage (120) and frequency (60 cycles), and hopefully both units will work together in shielding RFI (the isolation T. filtering the source AC RFI and the Enhancer/Cond. the local RFI.)

A good isolation T. is easy to build, and should work fine.  I have doubts about the conditioner/enhancer, though.  Unless a similar concept as the one applied by PS Audio, for example, is in place, I'm not sure how the filtering would be effective at actual time of event correction, without allowing transient effects getting through your system, and without interrupting the full power flow profile demanded by your gear at the event's exact time.

PS Audio Plant's design is essentially having a first class, controlled power plant of your own (that's why it works and that's why it is so expensive!)

This means either I evidently don't know enough on the subject, or the enhancers/conditioners only do a partial job, and in many deviation events they probably fail.

Now, I'm not saying this is the way it is, but I need arguments to support picking up a presumably good line enhancing device (there are so many out there ...), that is also affordable (by affordable I mean is a fraction of the cost of what your are trying to protect).

In any event, I welcome your's and anybody else's comments and experiences.  Thanks, stone ...

Geez, this complicates by the minute, LOL.  

That's why I was saying using a conditioner to filter local RFI.  This local RFI may also come from the transformer itself (it was not designed with high-end audio in mind, so it may definitely release some operating buzz.)

In any event, I know the system will sound good plugged to the wall, but then you know it can improve.  Steve underlines the 2:00 a.m. relatively cleaner AC for out of body listening experiences ... Simply put, end sound quality also depends on AC quality.

I just hope I can find a line enhancer that may do the trick ... As for the power cords, these may impart character or signature, but if they are well built, that's tantamount to room reflections or other sound affecting variables we'll never control totally.

I think mains' AC specs inconsistencies (voltage and cycles) and RFI are really sound damaging ... not signatures.  Now I'm afraid I may need shielded power cords to shield the isolation T's own RFI emissions.    Have a nice listening session, Lon

What change in sound or performance do you anticipate with the change in design to use the 12AU7 instead of the 6922/6N1P for the input?

Thank you, stone.  I read there's the Adcom series 615 on the market replacing your model.  Is good to see that Adcom held on to this design on the market for so many years, which I interpret as it being a good design.

Yes, I've been listening to Lon since I started this Decware quest, and hopefully I'll learn too.  I just want to avoid some of the trial-and-error process, if I can.

Regarding the power cord, are you using your stock Select's cord or something from the aftermarket?  I ask because this is another variable, as Lon has pointed out, and you seem to imply you don't need an improvement on the power cord for the Select.  Is that right?

Thanks for your assistance.  Happy listening ...

It IS the very same transformer.

As for power cord, I'd suggest getting a MAC cord from the auction site will mentioned, www.proaux.com or if/when you can afford it, the Decware cord. Will last you lifetimes and provide great sound.

Furthermore, without making this a separate thread..... . Get the best front end you can afford. In my SE84CS based system I put my well burned in DacMagic in place of my Audio Alchemy pieces for comparison. The AA gear also uitlizes the i2S function with a Audio Revelations Prophecy Cyro'd Silver i2S interconnect in conjunction with my Kimber Select. The DacMagic has NO BUSINESS BEING IN THIS SYSTEM. It is flat and 2 demensional compared to my AA digital. When/if my AA gear goes down (it will/it is 17 years old and I purchased new in April 1995).......a Wyred for Sound Dac 2 will be the minimum starting point. I might have to go up to PS Audio Perfect Wave. A testament to how good the AA gear was then and still is for the Redbook CD standard. Also, a testament to the SE84CS (now ZS) Transparency and music making abilites.   Cheers, Stone of Tone

I just read shielded power cords are actually detriment to sound (limits soundstage dimesionality) ... go figure!

Thanks, stone, for the answer and the thorough description, quite impressive.  I have experience with audio alchemy myself, since 1993 I believe (the first ones coming out).  Good stuff, and a bargain at the time.  It was plugged to my Enlightened Audio Designs Transport and beat the Theta processor I had previously.

In my case, I get stuck with the stuff I don't like, as I cannot ship this back to the seller or anyone interested in buying them (too far away), and locally these things are not appreciated.  So, I need to be really careful in choosing my components, as you can tell.

I think one of my weak links is the USB DAC (I'm using laptop music streaming, exclusively), but will need to check it out with the Decware gear in place.  My HRT Music Streamer II beats the Dac Magic also.  It improved my current SS system by much (beating a Hi-Fi DVD/CD player with Toslink optical outputs and such.)  Not sure if it will be up to par with the new gear.  So, yes, I'm aware of the importance of source components.  

I already ordered a popular, inexpensive but well reviewed power cord, the Iron Lung Jellyfish 14 AWG hospital grade.  Just one step above the stock power cord, mind you.  Little risk to start with, looking for reliability.  Long-term will have to be replaced by Decware's, probably (quality of materials and know-how should make a difference).

IC's I have 2 pairs of Vampire ZTC 75005 (great copper) from my earlier setup.  Eventually will have to be upgraded too.  I'll stick to the Tripp Lite 500 Isolator plus Jellyfish for the time being until everything breaks in.  Then we'll see.

Lon, I wish I could do that, but I have to go through my importer, so it's not feasible, unless he would auction himself and I'm sure he won't.  My loss.

I'm taking notes, guys.  Thanks so much for the support.

Thanks, Lon.  Yeah, it's really crazy!  I know from what I've read that shielded IC's are a no-no, and also they have to be as short as feasible (due to capacitance).

But, like you said, nothing is written in stone in audio tweaking ... It's part of the fun, I guess, especially when you kind of nail it and can really taste the new, improved sound!

Ride safe!

I agree on all the BS around.  But the more one reads, the better informed one is to make a decision.  I guess it's a matter of using common sense and keep basic concepts on check to decide whether a proposal is worth trying.

The best approach, nevertheless, is to ask people you trust, as you mentioned earlier.  Problem is, you have to have those contacts, which are scarce.

BTW, there's a reason for longer shielded power cords to work better, according to proponents of shielded cables, as it provides more opportunity to extend the magnetic shielding field surrounding the cable as current passes through (the right-hand rule, as is known in electrical engineering).  But this is, of course, their interpretation.

Indeed. If I've learned one thing about audio it's that there are very few absolutes.

Correction: Just added a Foobar2000 plug-in to enable Ape files also.  It's working!

Me too on trying to imagine it?

I am so digging my Torii 3 now and I have loved the SE84CS coming up on 11 years now.... .  I am just going to order it when Steve posts it. Rotate the Amps as I see fit. I am glad I'm going to drive my paid for vehicle for two more years so I can top out my Audio needs........ .