Forums - DECWARE ZENFEST/DECFEST 2012

Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	DECWARE ZENFEST/DECFEST 2012 06/19/12 at 03:03:50 I am curious about DECFEST 2012 - the dates, what to expect, etc.
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Steve Deckert Administrator If the 1st watt sucks why continue? Posts: 6246	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #1 - 06/21/12 at 03:59:06 The first Friday, Saturday, Sunday in October. That would be the 5th, 6th and 7th this year. General Info can be found here: (I know it's last years page but it's been updated) https://www.decware.com/newsite/zenfest2011.html Steve
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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #2 - 06/21/12 at 11:48:38 I was thinking it would be October 5-7?
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dminches Verified Member Posts: 9	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #3 - 06/22/12 at 19:22:22 And where is it held?
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opnly_bafld Ex Member	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #4 - 06/23/12 at 01:17:39 DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering Co. 75 S. Riverview Drive, East Peoria IL 61611
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Nature Boy Verified Member Posts: 9	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #5 - 06/26/12 at 14:11:48 I am confused - first weekend in October or second weekend in October? NB
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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #6 - 06/26/12 at 18:19:36 Steve just wrote it would be Oct. 12-14.
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DeVon Verified Member I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 18	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #7 - 06/26/12 at 23:36:11 October 5-7th. What Steve was thinking and what his fingers typed were obviously two different things. lol. Hope to see you all here!
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Steve Deckert Administrator If the 1st watt sucks why continue? Posts: 6246	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #8 - 07/03/12 at 16:48:01 Sorry, in my original post I wrote 12th ~ 14th - obviously a brain dead moment. I fixed the post. Thanks, Steve
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deucekazoo

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Posts: 461

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #9 - 07/09/12 at 15:44:01

Steve,
Will I be able to audition the CSP2+ and Taboo with my headphones at the fest? I know you have gear all over the place but wondering if you can make a corner for headphone users. I have the zenhead now but would really like to hear my headphones with tube gear. Maybe even put the zenhead next to them so one can audition all three with their headphones. Just an idea. My headphones are 50ohm so trying to figure out which tube amp would be better.
Thanks,
John

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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #10 - 07/09/12 at 22:27:34 Put aside some ZEN monoblocks and a SELECT for me to listen to.
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ZYGI

Seasoned Member

HR-ONE

Posts: 757

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #11 - 07/10/12 at 00:22:54

RR, as if you don't have enough Decware amps.....

John, If you want to audition a particular set up, we will make every effort to make that happen. There are other rooms within the building we can set you up in for your audition. Last year a couple of guys used Steve's shipping room and set up a whole system. Room acoustics not being good for that, but for a headphone audition, the room is perfect.

See you all at the fest....

ZYGI

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deucekazoo Seasoned Member Posts: 461	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #12 - 07/10/12 at 13:47:30 Thanks ZYGI, I can't wait to try this. Right now I am playing all my files through an Ipod at work, WAV files. I will bring that, the head phones, and my cables to listen to them. It will be interesting to see how the sound compares to each other with the different amps. John
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Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2196	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #13 - 07/11/12 at 00:07:16 deucekazoo, If you really want your Ipod to pop, you need a dock that bypasses the internal DAC. Then play it through a good DAC. Then into the CSP2+ and Taboo. You will be suprised! The $2 DAC in the Ipod can be vastly improved.
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deucekazoo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 461

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #14 - 07/11/12 at 18:41:30

Donnie,
Thanks for the recommendation but you do realize the components you just listed would come with a nice 3K+ price tag. :D
Right now I am trying to keep it simple. I am getting great sound with the Zenhead connected directly but just want to try the tubes to see the difference. I was hoping that I would like the CSP2 or the Taboo alone more than the Zenhead and not together. I could see it now, falling in love with the combo. It sucks being broke. :'(
Maybe you can bring your dock to the fest if you are comming. I have a cheaper DAC i can bring to try things out. It should be fun.

John

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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23519	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #15 - 07/11/12 at 20:19:12 John, that's the irony of the Decware amps and speakers: they're fantastic audio at great prices. . . and they deserve and thrive on the very best sources, which aren't always such a great price!
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Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2196	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #16 - 07/12/12 at 00:59:01 John, Can do. I will bring my Wadia and maybe my Wyred4Sound DAC. I live less than 100 miles away from E. Peoria, easy drive for me.
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deucekazoo Seasoned Member Posts: 461	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #17 - 07/12/12 at 13:39:02 Lon, I know what you mean! Donnie, That would be great. I would love to hear the Wyred4Sound DAC. John
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maddog07 Seasoned Member seeker of truth Posts: 585	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #18 - 08/02/12 at 17:00:09 can anybody who has been to the Decware Zenfest in the past - recommend a hotel close to Decware HQ for the 2012 event?
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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #19 - 08/02/12 at 22:27:34 Fairfield Inn & Suites, East Peoria. 1-309-699-4100
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dank Seasoned Member pair of dual 18 Imperials Posts: 420	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #20 - 08/03/12 at 02:39:57 Try the Baymount on War Memorial if you don't mind a little farther drive (and getting lost the first time you go there). We keep going back there (good free breakfast) and this years room rates were really good when I booked my room. Dan
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maddog07 Seasoned Member seeker of truth Posts: 585	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #21 - 08/06/12 at 15:34:19 thanks all - I'll check these places out.
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maddog07

Seasoned Member

seeker of truth

Posts: 585

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #22 - 08/06/12 at 15:50:26

On the subject of the Wyred4Sound DAC... I have been a Theta Digital fan since the late 80's. Theta was way ahead of most digital products for over a decade. I just received a Wyred DAC-2 last week, and it is the first DAC I've ever heard that is a worthy challenger to my Theta gear... I've only got a few hours on it, but initial impressions and comparisons... it's a keeper and best my 1999 vintage Theta in most areas of sonic performance - albeit very slightly and only easily detectable in direct, level matched AB and ABX testing.
However, where the Wyred wins hands down, no comparison, is in its connection options, flexibility, and of course can accept high bit rate, high sample rate streams and USB, and serve as a digital preamp. It looks like the Wyred4Sound DAC is going to turn out to be a very high-value piece of kit from both a sonic & functionality perspective. You should check one out, I think you'll be glad you did.

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Decware Torii MK3, Wyred4Sound DAC2, Theta Digital Miles, Emotiva XMC-1, Emotiva XPA-5, Aesthetix Calypso, Wyred STP-SE, Martin Logan Vista, Audio Nirvana 12" Alnico's, PS Audio PW P5, Goertz, Kimber, Nordost and DIY wires, PSA pwr cords, Cary SLI-80, DM945's.....

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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23519	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #23 - 08/06/12 at 16:21:54 I've heard great things about that DAC, and favorable comparisons to my PWD II. And like that DAC, it can take I2S over HDMI from a tansport (at the moment the only one I know of is the PWT). I tell you, I2S over HDMI from my PWT into my PWD II is the best sounding connection yet.
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maddog07

Seasoned Member

seeker of truth

Posts: 585

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #24 - 08/06/12 at 16:59:43

I'm a fan of PSA products - have my whole system configured with PS power cords and I have a Power Plant Premierm, which I now consider a "must have" component in the chain every since hearing the improvment it wrought the first time I ever heard one. I have not had a chance to audition the PW DAC or Transport, but they are definitely components that have piqued my interest.
I'm just a couple of weeks away from hearing/owning my first Decware product, a Rachael Tongue

, and completing my first full range, high efficiency, crossoverless, single driver speaker project. So this, along with the new Wyred DAC is about all the "change" my system can stand for a bit - I'll be on auditory overload for awhile getting a handle on all this "newness"... Shocked

- you wouldn't be bringing your PW DAC & Transport to this year's Zenfest would ya?

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Decware Torii MK3, Wyred4Sound DAC2, Theta Digital Miles, Emotiva XMC-1, Emotiva XPA-5, Aesthetix Calypso, Wyred STP-SE, Martin Logan Vista, Audio Nirvana 12" Alnico's, PS Audio PW P5, Goertz, Kimber, Nordost and DIY wires, PSA pwr cords, Cary SLI-80, DM945's.....

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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23519	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #25 - 08/06/12 at 17:15:35 You're going to really enjoy Rachael with thw W4S. As you say, your whole system is going to change! I won't be able to make Decfest, and if I did I'd be traveling on two motorized wheels and not bringing any components along with me. . . .
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ZYGI Seasoned Member HR-ONE Posts: 757	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #26 - 08/06/12 at 20:27:58 Lon, When I saw you name at the bottom of this thread, I thought you were going to say you were coming this year......:-( Come on Lon, ride the bike up to East Peoria!!!!
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23519	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #27 - 08/06/12 at 20:39:32 Not gong to happen I'm afraid. I have one trip this year yet, to Ohio, and it has an important event attached to it and it's not in October I'm afraid.
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Steve Deckert

Administrator

If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 6246

DECFEST 2012 - NEW MONOS?
Reply #28 - 08/16/12 at 06:34:24

This year will be the debut of the Zen TORII Monoblocks... After a year of enjoying the prototypes these are going into production. A partial build shown below:

Be the first to hear what would happen if Decware were to build a higher power amplifier... could be scary!

(Don't ask the price, we don't know yet. When you see it on the web site, we'll know the price.)

Also by this years fest you'll all be treated to the Super Zen - best SE84C amp yet. It's impressive... and when we release the details everyone with any year SE84B or SE84C series can turn their amps into a Super Zen too, by implementing the Christmas Keeps Coming Mod that we plan to introduce at the fest.

So we're looking forward to lots of fun this year!

Steve

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deucekazoo Seasoned Member Posts: 461	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #29 - 08/16/12 at 13:32:17 Saaaaaaaaaaaweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait.
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23519	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #30 - 08/16/12 at 13:48:51 Fascinating. I'll look forward to more information.
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tgarden

Seasoned Member

Posts: 439

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #31 - 08/16/12 at 17:32:07

Torii Monoblocks sound like a great idea!

I was just wondering what the next version of the Torii might be. Now I'm real curious to find out what tubes it uses. Guessing the tube configuration will be similar to the Torii III.

After owning the Torii I, the II, and now the Torii III; it looks like I will have to start saving for the Torii Monoblocks.

Might have to sell my Zen Signature Monoblocks.

Mike in Seattle area

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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #32 - 08/17/12 at 13:31:37 So there are more reasons than ever to visit DECFEST!
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Auguie Senior Member Posts: 75	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #33 - 08/23/12 at 00:32:33 OK...I'm gonna be there. First time for me, and I've just aquired Decware equipment in the last year or so. So...from you seasoned attendees, what can I expect, besides great sound? I'll be there no matter what you post, just looking forward to meeting fellow music lovers. Dan
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Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2196	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #34 - 08/23/12 at 00:55:40 Debauchery, Moral Turpitude, good food, Pagan Rituals, great sound. A good time had by all and fun!
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Auguie

Senior Member

Posts: 75

Re: DECFEST 2012
Reply #35 - 09/05/12 at 23:47:45

OK all...I'm on the way!!! Plan to spend most of Sat enjoying the sounds and meeting all of you. Even at my age, this is EXCITING!!! Looking forward to meeting Zigi too...the speakers he just made for me are sounding better and better every day.

Zigi...I'll be the one with the white hair and drinking a beer (go figure). Oh, and I'll be driving the "Toxic Orange" Challenger. (Ask Steve and DeVon...they will remember)

See you all soon...

Dan

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Decware SE84CS M Monoblocks & HDT Speakers; First Sound Presence Deluxe MK I Pre Amp; Denafrips Aries II DAC;Innous ZenMini MKII server;VPI Scout/Dynavector 10X5 Cart;Phenomena II Phono Pre;XLO/Wireworld/Signal/Transparent Cables.

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ZYGI Seasoned Member HR-ONE Posts: 757	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #36 - 09/07/12 at 19:30:14 Dan, Looking forward to meeting you as well. I can't wait, its just one month away!!! Zygi
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Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2196	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #37 - 09/08/12 at 01:15:42 Is this a clothing optional event? I always ask because once I didn't. It was quite a suprise!
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Lord Soth Seasoned Member I'm an American BadAss! Posts: 300	Re: DECFEST 2012 Reply #38 - 09/08/12 at 11:34:23 Hi Donnie, Will you turn up "clothed" like your forum avatar?
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