The amp arrived on schedule in the Pelican case without a scratch.  Thanks for the careful handling guys!  I decided to start things with the EL34s.  Based on Steve's earlier listening comments with the KT66s, I ordered a set of those and have them in hand as well.  I'm running with a Cary SLP-98P active preamp and JansZen zA2.1 speakers.

I ran music last evening for about 5 hours and couldn't help but do some listening.  I think I'm using the 8 ohm setting, no bass damping, and have the reconstructive feedback circuit active.  That combination seems to be the better choices respectively.  Hard to tell if that is how I have it set without markings and no MK IV user manual yet.  

When the amp shipped I was sent a link to the MK III user manual which helped with tube insertion guidelines, but could not help with the new MK IV switches.  I assume a dedicated manual will follow and I was able to piece together what did what from Steve's earlier feedback.  I had a number of weeks to study up.

Since this is my first Decware piece I'll let others tell me what to expect during break in.  I can say that, as expected, the sound needs to mellow out.  The upper frequencies are a little forward and in your face, and I'm hoping the bass will emerge with a little more authority as well.  I'm not concerned as this is right out of the box, but I've never owned a tube amp in the past.  I do understand break in however.  I had some Maggie speakers that took 6 months to fully relax enough to release the bass fully.

I'm thinking I may give the KT66s a run tonight just to get a quick feel for the differences.  The fun is just starting.  BTW, I did the figured black base and it looks very cool with the black top plate.  My wife gave a thumbs up on the textured finish and overall look as well.

Scott

Awesome!!  Keep us posted on your listening experience.  The Torii will be my first tube amp as well, so like yourself, I am really looking forward to the experience.

D

For the most part I listen through breakin in as well. Though the most recent component additions I've not been able to really, e.g. put the new Mk III in my second system and have nearly 1000 hours on it now, probably sat through a dozen of those hours, the rest of the time they've been just playing by themselves. Will soon put that new Mk III in the main system, but the seasoned Mk III sounds SO DARNED GOOD I really don't want to mess with it. But I would like to see how the bass controls are in the main system. That is what will make me go through the hassle (my "alone time" is so precious and so rare!) to switch the two amps eventually.

I'm jealous!

I'm still saving up for my Mk IV. Will probably put my order in during the Decfest.

I too would like to know your throughts on KT66 vs EL34 once you get more time on both.

I also agree with the breakin and blooming. Even my fiance noticed my upgraded Zen Amp started sounding better and better the more we played it...and she rarely notices any changes.

Cool. You've lots of great listening ahead of you.

Hey Tom, all kidding aside I do thank you for exposing me to Decware products.  I was thinking about how or if a tube amp would improve my sound but I really didn't want to break the bank and nothing else I had seen in my price range turned me on to use your phrase.  Steve's products do provide a quality of sound that is very desirable and at sensible prices.  All I needed was someone to show me the way.

Now, what LPs could I part with?  Would you rather have Zamphir - Pan Flute or an INSX demo platter with only one cut on it?

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This observation was not lost on me when I researched Decware.  While I take other people's raves with a grain of salt when they talk about a new piece they just bought, I do note what they gave up.  I have seen virtually every major known competitor in the general price range mentioned as "prior" amps in as many reviews as I could find.  Quite a few were abandoning much costlier options.

To be fair, I also went looking for reviews where Decware was the "prior" amp.  Honestly, the only few of these I could find were DIY Bottlehead reviews.  I can understand the joy and pride of DIY.  It is natural after all that work that builders would like their effort.  Perhaps the designs are also indeed well thought out and they do sound good.  Decware owners seem pretty loyal and content.  I'm glad to join the party.