Just trial an error, Tinman. You will know when it is clipping. With those Speakers and the adjustable volume OUTPUT AND volume INPUT of the ZDSD (completely awesome features-I use)! You should be able to go pretty darn loud when you want....without clipping at all.....ever really.

The Harmonic richness of Steve's transformer output stage, is kicking the tush out of my high-end DAC right now as I write. You are going to love your System!

Stone, I see that you are planning on getting a SE84CKCS.  Given the ZDSD's output transformer stage (I think) and the $700 upcharge for the balanced inputs on the SE84CKCS, would you get the balanced inputs?  Of course, they may be needed for other input sources?

I'm toying with the idea of a SE84... but I don't know which, the standard or the delux model?

Quote:


From what I understand, and from my testing with the DA-3000, you will not be able to do this if I understand your comment.
If you select any of the PCM inputs (all inputs but SDIF-3 and analog), you cannot SRC to DSD. You CAN SRC PCM to any other rate PCM than what is input.
As soon as you select DSD as the recording format, the DA-3000 auto-switches the digital input to SDIF-3 or DSD-Raw.
If I interpreted this incorrectly I would surely like to know as I have read all I can find and received no feedback from Tascam when I asked the question.
Now you can definitely record the analog inputs to a DSD file (and PCM) at all rates.

Thanks Stone, you have confirmed my feeling about the balanced inputs on the SE84CKCS.  I like Steve's approach especially since it means I don't need more cabling and extra equipment!

Just have to clean up a little bit of noise from the tranny's in the ZDSD, with a Shunyata Research's Ztron Alpha Digital AC. I will be good for a couple years.  ;D
http://www.thecableco.com/Product/Ztron-Alpha-Digital-AC

......completion of mind blowing System.

stone_of_tone wrote on 09/11/15 at 18:37:10:


@ stone, did you see this video I posted in regards to the Shunyata Alpha HC?  If you're considering the Alpha Digital you should check this out as they are in the same model range.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM1CRHciEsE

I must add, I've been down the Preamp and Power Amp road with Power Cords. My XLO Pro's are still the ones for me. However, I'm so pleased with Steve's ZDSD (I returned the Vega)....I want to run the Shunyata to her on and off my P3 Power Plant.....will hear how it goes... .

Since I loathe Solid State for 2 channel Listening (in any price range/thus-why I own Emotiva & Rotel Preamp)....but, of course own SS for HT & Sat viewing downstairs, etc... . I did pick up an Kimber Palladian PK10 for half price (6 years ago/Dave Weinhart Design-cool guy~next time I'm in LA...I'm stoping in his place). I use the Palladian into my XPA-1/Emotiva (3 years old) Rock Concert from a Box Amp! The Palladian completely transforms this Solid State Amp for the way~way~better. The Palladian on Tubes....not good.

I will be seasoning in my Kimber KS6063 Speaker Cables, starting this Wednesday night. I won't get the Shunyata Ztron Digital Alpha AC in the System for another 2 or 3 weeks.

If that is the case. Adding this Shunyata digital AC cord, will be a very good thing coming out of my P3 to ZDSD.

Today, on my CSP3, I dialed my Telefunken Input Tube down from 10 to 9 and dialed my Output Tubes up from 8 to 9. ZDSD at Ref Level Output of -20 and Input at 0.0db. Talks about a lock on clarity/imaging/soundstage, at some extreme SPL's I am pushing today!  ZMA, at 90% of volume/used as full power amp. Volume output adjusted with CSP3 from 0 to 40%.

You just know when it is right/involving.....and of course no fatigue at these higher Volumes too!  

I love this ZDSD/CSP3/ZMA combination!

It should create some overspill, maybe.

I am so pleased with the P3 and it does not squash dynamics! Not surprised though....P3, P5 and P10 are not perfect and that is where the Shunyata comes in. I will also run it to my CSP3 and ZMA separately. Designed for digital or what not/it's a noise squashing Power Cord......it will be interesting to these components and from the wall to these components each..... .

Someone else will have to chime in about that marcocolo. I've done little recording since March and only have scratched the surface. I have been enjoying the great DAC it is in 16/176 through Steve's RCA Output Stage.

SD cards are great to create playlists and convenience. Subjectively, the sound is the same for me, either from my CD Transport or SD card. But, I also have a pretty tricked out transparently (K)abled through Speakers System.

I think first and foremost: Buy the ZDSD for Steve's Output Stage from this very, very competent DAC! I would still own and have owned the DAC's listed below. I own the ZDSD AND NOT the below DAC's-because Steve's machine is better~period.

From my previous POST:
"After extensive listening and modifying a pair of XLR adapters for my Vega, (per Auralic spec's~great service/timely from Auralec tech via email to me),....I prefer Steve's Output Stage~period.

I also prefer Steve's Output Stage over:
PS Audio DSD DAC
NAD M51 DAC
PS Audio PWT/PWD Combo
Anedio D1 DAC
Chord Chordette QuteHD DAC.

Furthermore, because of Steve's output stage from the ZDSD and my CSP3 and using the Input gain, Output Reference Level/ZDSD, Volume and Voltage adjustment from the CSP3.....I have everything that Balanced XLR has to offer.....into my ZMA".

PS-soon, through my Audio Club.....I will hear a Yggy DAC. I wish it luck, up against Steve's Output Tranny's! You can talk to me all day about change of architecture with Pro's and Copy/Yggy designer's....at the end though: HOW DOES IT SOUND!





Listening Room:
Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew

Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P)/Sandwich weighted for Isolation
Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC

Shunyata Ztron Alpha Digital power cord....coming for ZDSD!
Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder (@ -20 Ref Level, 0.0 Input volume and @ 16/176.4)
{also @ kept/-20 Ref Level & -.5db or -1.0 Input volume Level}
{ also @ -18 Ref Level & -1.0 Input volume Level}
{ also @ -16 Ref Level & -1.0 Input Volume Level}

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030
Decware CSP3 w/Jupiter Caps (NOS/Platinum/Telefunken 6922/E88CC .....for Input Tube)
**********************************************
10 of 10 for Input tube & 8 of 10 voltage for Output tubes
Volume adjustment used at 0 to 40%
**********************************************
WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030

Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
***NOS/Platinum/Ediswan's CV2492/6922 in my A12 an B12 positions***
ZMA used as straight Power Amp, at 90% of Volume

***************************************************
Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades
***************************************************
Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified)

REL T5 SUB, Neutrik connection from ZMA
{30Hz @ 35% of volume~0 Phase}
Auralex Subdude II

Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross
(Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone)

XLO Pro Power Cords to CSP3 an ZMA
PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3
(Transport, ZDSD an CSP3, Regenerated/120 ~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output)

It is to nice out to be inside right now. However, the two new additions to my System, the Shunyata Ztron Alpha digital power cord to ZDSD, 2 days ago, and my KS6063 Speaker Cables, 11 days ago.......are blowing my mind right now, thru my Decware and modified Adagio's! SLAM and higher SPL's....just locked in your seat. You could go there before....but not like this!

..........and without my REL Sub!   I have that downstairs for a MADMAX 3D Experience tonight.....(also run an HSU MBM down there for the Visual medium).

......just finished The Rippingtons ~ Fountain of Youth. Russ plays 14 different Vintage Guitar's with some nice  sub bass additions. Once again, without my REL....so good, so good.
Right now I have NYC Records, Produced by Mike Mainieri, Come Together ~ Guitar Tribute to the Beatles.....just stunning. I will eventually get outside today.....maybe.

Ok so I have had my zdsd for awhile now and finally took a look at the recording option and I have to say its really neat.  and being able to take my songs from the computer and put it on an sd card and play it is just really nice and simple...man I love simple.  Oh yeah and it sounds really nice..detail warmth imaging and just get lost in the music...who could ask for more   I am using Csp3 --Torii MKiv--Omega outlaw speakers

Another week on the Shunyata Alpha, made for digital high frequency hash squashing....without mucking up the MUSIC.

Verdict: indispensable.

So yes, is $922 buckaroo's, worth spending and adding to this great machine from the Zen Master. A resounding YES!

Everything down stream is benefiting.....right thru to my 6063's being maximized to my Modified Adagio's.

I've been playing around with Power Cords since 1995. This Ztron Alpha finally got it right for me into digital then to my XLO's for PRE and Amp.

Quote:


Stone! You expect us to believe this statement? LOL.

Holy Snikey's!  UPS came early with my Cambridge CXC!

I have had the ZDSD for a couple of months now and have to agree with all the compliments stone_of_tone and others have given it.  The ZDSD has completely changed how I view digital music.  I never knew digital recordings could sound this good.     

If you have the money, I would highly recommend buying the ZDSD.  

Has anyone directly compared the ZDSD with the ZCD-240?  I think Steve said they were very similar but the ZDSD added more "weight" to the music.  I'm not 100% sure I know what that means or if a CSP3 would make up for that difference.

I'm leaning toward the ZCD since I need to play discs but in the long run the sound is the most important thing even if I had to add a trasport to the ZDSD.

Welcome to the Forum Christian.

Ultimately, I prefer/preferred my over achieving Sony as a Transport to get the bits to my ZDSD. Some would say....with the rest of my line-up downstream in my System: "How can you use that, as a Transport".....this particular unit beats the half dozen I've had in ($$)....and I own two more prestine in their boxes, for the future.

When people listen to my Rig....they don't doubt this over achiever and scratch their heads.....because most of this ilk, stink.... . Not this one.

I find that when running my DSD into my integrated amp (tube pre-amp + solid state amp sections) the VOLUME is too loud even when reference level is set to -9db and volume dial set to 9-9:30, and I also hear some clipping. Question: Would an in-line attenuator, say 12db, HELP?

Order status for my ZDSD is "On the Bench", should have it soon  8-)

Congrats! I am glad you are so happy with the ZDSD and so soon after plugging in! I have reached the end of my hardware search as well as far as DACs, with a different DAC, but we're on the same "enjoying the hell out of it" plateau!

Glad to read JOMAN. The ZDSD will continue to season in. I added the Shunyata Ztron Alpha Digital Power Cord. It takes the ZDSD to another level. You can try from thecableco.....on loan.
If this cable was BS....it would have been returned to Joe.....my guy at the cable co....ASAP.
https://www.thecableco.com/Product/Ztron-Alpha-Digital-AC
Click into what you will actually pay...... . But, do have in on loan first with no obligation.

I read this review on AudioShark after I bought it. I included for 2nd opinion purposes.
http://www.audioshark.org/shunyata-research-78/review-shunyata-zytron-alpha-digi...


Exactly well put too........I've been through the Audio Research's, Maggies and the like. I was an member of the Minnesota Audio Society for a few years.....which afforded me listening sessions AT Audio Research ....and many listening sessions at the Pavek Museum .....where we held our Audio meetings...with a lot of great gear brought in for each session.

............Decware wins.



Enjoy the emotion in the "Experience". ........that you so aptly expressed.









https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1472599363

So true. I've found my tone/timbre and in relationship to my treated room; that is right for ME.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=tell+them+we+already+got+one&qpvt=tell+them....

"Tell them we've already got one!"

I've found my Holy Grail = Decware.

If the best of Audio Research Tubed or Ayre Acoustics Solid State we're better to ME....I would own them. But, I don't.



https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1471401401

New Decware Zen Amps - SE84UFO3 ~~ Pending
....you can never have enough Decware.....is my motto.





Listening Room


Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew

Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P)/Sandwich weighted for Isolation

Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC

Shunyata Research Ztron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD
{Extremely Significant}

Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder
***************************************************************
W/Steve's Output Transformer's/kicking to the curb quite a few superb DAC'S!
***************************************************************
(@ -20 Ref Level, 0.0 Input volume and @ 16/192)

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030

Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
~BIASED at *60* mA~
(NOS/Platinum/Mullard E188CC/7308's in my A12 an B12 Input positions Cryo Pair~NOS/Platinum/Telefunken E88CC for Inverter Tubes~NOS RCA 0A3's & New Quad of Tube Depot Stealth/Tung-Sol KT66's)
ZMA adjusted at 20% to 30-40% max ~ from 0 Gain


Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades


Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified)
.....from 8ohm Taps






Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross
(Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone)


XLO Pro Power Cord to ZMA
PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3
(Transport and ZDSD, Regenerated/*120*~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output)



NOS Platinum Tube Rotations in my ZMA

(matched pairs/from Upscale Audio/Kevin)

(Germany) Telefunken E88CC ~ 1 pair
(Great Britain) Mullard 7308/E188CC ~  2 pair (both pair Cryogenic)
(US/Great Britain) Ediswan CV2492/6922 ~ 2 pair (one pair Cryogenic)
(Hungary) Tungsram 6922/E88CC ~ 1 pair
(Hungary) Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8 ~ 1 pair
(Russian) Cryoset 6N23N/P-EB ~ 2 pair  

So good to read that you have these great Decware products bringing you joy AND your wife's approval! Congrats and keep on enjoying and keeping us posted!

It's been about a month since I got my ZDSD and posted my initial comments, which for me, were unusually positive.  One of the reasons I bought the ZDSD was Steves claim that at "-20bBFS it rivals analogue tape" and that it will "sway even the analogue freaks among us".  Being just that I took it as a bit of challenge.

Now a month later... As the ZDSD has been burning in I started adjusting the output levels on it and my CSP3.  The ZDSD is now set at -18dBFS, and I gladly acknowledge that Steve is definitely correct in the comments he made.

Now, I'm sure that you are aware that I don't have a mastering tape, so why do I feel that I can concur?  When digital started I had a fully loaded LP12 and compared my first CD Player to it.  The first CDPlayer went on a journey within 10 minutes (the household exec. said something about me being psychotic at the moment).

In time the exec. suggested that I should decide between digital and my LP12, (something about helping with my psychosis)  After selling it, for a long time I would silently let out a sigh as I was listening to digital, even when it got to be more than tolerable.  In fact for a time I didn't listen to music.

I'm now enjoying music almost every day and I just realized that in the last month I did not think about the LP12 and I did not sigh, not once.  I also have Steves Demo that he supplied with the ZDSD. Those are the reasons that I concur with the statements Steve made.

Cheers