Of course, with the return of my ZMA 6 months ago.....the Pills were not needed in my Listening Room System. The ZMA, NOS Plat' Tubes,.....was a Lock back in with my Cabling and ZDSD.

But, the real reason I got them, was for my other Rig. I use my PILLS running out of my Dish Network HD/DVR to my Preamp. Serius/XM Sat Radio has never sounded better. I have had them in for nearly 6 months in this capacity. I took them out yesterday.....did some Listening before going to Vinyl for the rest of the day today/evening. I could not take more than a half hour of CLASSIC REWIND, WITHOUT THEM!

Thanks Steve.....for these wonderful wonder's. I have the PILL Silver's.

Hi,

The Pill tour ended some ago, but I am happy to report that the first 100 pills are sold out and we are machining the tubes for another even larger batch.

I have also made the observation that the overwhelming majority of buyers get the silver ones. The silver ones contain a high speed bypass cap to preserve enough top end detail that they can be used in your main system if so desired without ruining your hi-res recordings.

However, from what I can tell, at least half of the buyers are using them in the original intended context of the design which was to make classic rock Internet streams sound better. For this application we have the Gold version of the Pills that does not have this high speed bypass and therefor has a greater effect on Internet streams or similar sound quality challenged situations.

These come with a 30 day trial and are very inexpensive to ship.

Thanks,

Steve

Tone,

Tried gold PAC

https://www.decware.com/newsite/PILL.html

Ready : )

I have a set of the silver pills, i got them to listen to Tidal Masters from a BlueSound note 2 dac, they make a notable difference, a positive one on my system. I am using the Shunyata Research venom interconnects on both sides and I am happy camper.

I have had my PAC-S's in my Listening Room System for over a week now and they are not coming out.
https://www.decware.com/newsite/PILLS.pdf

They provide better separation of instruments - and that is providing better imaging. Presentation is relaxed without taking away from PRaT.
Soundstage? ....Deeper!
Tone & timbre .....first and foremost.....stone of tone....maintained.

I have owned these for 14 months now. They have been in my 2nd Rig from DVR. I have over 2000 hours on them. I was sitting downstairs and enjoying them in this Rig, thinking I need to bring them upstairs. I reread Steve's copy/prose about them again and they are made for recording's too!

As I said above, they are not coming out. They even provide more density, but without the Preamp! I look at them as an extension of Steve's output stage of my ZDSD! I have them between my two pairs of KS1030 (see below). All the detail/tone/timbre and holography remains too, that Kimber KS1030's ability to get out of the way and maintain the signal is known for. So, this is an testament to Steve's passive design of these with caps....to not muck it up and deliver the goods/signal that is there (if your System has it).

My ZMA, is subjectively, more powerful too. Believe me, my System is not lacking and I've had some of the worlds best DAC'S in my Listening Room. However, we are at the mercy of digital. I don't play just my audiophile recordings. I like to play my 1100+ CD Library!  The Silver Pills are allowing me to dig into ALL of my CD's now.

Steve stated in reply #102:
"The silver ones contain a high speed bypass cap to preserve enough top end detail that they can be used in your main system if so desired." ...without mucking up hi-rez....what the Silvers are doing with my 16/192....I am kicking myself....I did not put in my Listening Room from the day I got them (well, I actually did have them in from day one-read on).

.....and yes, I stated I did not need them in my Listening Room after the return of my ZMA (reply #100/see reply #99 too for further context)....boy was I wrong and did not give them more of a listen....after running with SS...then running with my ZMA.

I need to suffer for my Art. I figured out my Adagio's and the mod I had done.....opened up the world from these Speaker's. I needed to suffer and let the light bulb go off/again....and have these PAC Silver's back up in the Listening Room.....the Audio Gods have rewarded me again...after my extended ignorance of not having them in the Room longer the first time.

Hey, if anyone wants to see the configuration of my System, with poor mans room treatment/that works/I don't like my room to dead/Anechoic chamber .....send me a PM with your number and I will text you pic(s).




Listening Room:



Room Treatments from Michael Green & my Home Brew


Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P)
Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC ~.5 meter


Shunyata Research Zitron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD {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 - RCA Kimber Select KS1030 ~.5 meter

Decware PAC -S

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030 ~.75 meter


Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
~BIASED at *56* mA~
NOS/Platinum/Mullard E188CC/7308's in my A12 an B12 Input positions Cryogenic~NOS/Platinum/Telefunken 6922/E88CC for Inverter Tubes~NOS RCA 0A3's & matched Quad/Tung-Sol KT66's or 6P3S-E's




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



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


Caintuck Audio Eminence Alpha 15" OB BASS Unit
at 43Hz, with my Velodyne CHT 130 watt plate amp and 0 degree phase
Plate Amp....regen'd clean ~ plugged into P3
Auralex Subdude (a must)
(NOTE: Only needed when the recording calls for...Open Baffle Bass has been the best integration I have witnessed when needed and called on)







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)


ZMA, updated with robust Western Electric Bias/Balance Meter's and new Resistor's ~ Feb/17

XLO Pro Power Cord to ZMA
Shunyata Research Zitron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD {Significant}
PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3
(Transport and ZDSD, Regenerated/*120*~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output)
System configured on Floor ~ Townshend Audio CD Seismic Sink deployed.

I am sticking to my story.

These PAC-S do offer better separation of instruments and superb staging. They do not take away from tone. They are between my two KS1030 IC's coming out of Steve's output transformer's of his ZDSD. I should say...the PAC-S, are not taking away from the Sonic's, only the KS1030, can deliver for me, to my ZMA. The PAC-S, further enhance the KS1030's abilities at the frequency top and bottom extremes (the 1030's hallmark-besides its omnipresent midrange).

Some would argue that this Source/ZDSD is not good enough? I would beg to differ. My DSD on SD cards Recordings, are nothing to sneeze at and better than most regurgitated so called remastered to hi-res recordings out there. The DSD and from CD, thrive on these PAC-S.

I will continue to ABA them periodically. However, I am in no hurry to do that!

....I have also found, adjusting the Reference output Level to fit the Recording of -20, -18 or -16 is now very beneficial. Input volume is kept at 0.0 for optimum results. I wish all Sources had this capability.

Thanks Steve! ....great Pro DAC, transformed by your output stage and PAC-S = Genius.

.....see my previous post for my full Listening Room System.



Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder
***************************************************************
W/Steve's Output Transformer's/kicking to the Curb quite a few superb DAC'S
***************************************************************
@ -20 Ref output Level, 0.0 Input volume {and @ 16/192 - with CD's}
(@ -20, -18 or -16.....Ref output Level.....depending on the Recording - from DSD on SD or CD)


WBT - RCA Kimber Select KS1030 ~.5 meter

Decware PAC -S

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030 ~.75 meter

......the correct Speakers, capable of stellar dynamic's - are needed too.

After getting completely derailed with other matters, I finally placed an order for the gold version of the pills.  My intent is to use them after a(n) USB DAC which is dedicated to a 320kbps Spotify stream.  I am hoping my assumption is correct for the selection of the gold pills.  It is predicated on Spotify qualifying as 'low-fi'.  I wasn't completely clear on the distinction and criteria for the selection between the two choices however.  

Therefore, if this is an incorrect assumption, I welcome input to change to the silver pills. I just placed the order on Friday and I assume it can be amended, if required, to the silver pills post facto.  

I do also intend on purchasing the silver pills for my main system which is Redbook CD based and above but thought I would get some experience with the gold at the lower bit rate conversion to decide whether to keep them or not.  If the silver is indeed the correct application for both, I can keep one variable constant in the evaluation.

My justification for this purchase was based on the input in this thread which I find well-written and thoughtful.  It appears every little bit helps when it comes to D/A conversion and I am all for that.  I have learned over the years, that what may appear to be a very subtle change can make a huge difference in the listening experience over the long haul. Less grating on the nerves, so-to-speak.

With best regards to all...

Yeah, replies have been slow.  I have an email question into Steve about the ZLC and it has been over 10 days with no response.  I know the amount of Black Friday orders was record breaking for Decware so I give them slack knowing intimately (having visited Decware at 2017 Decfest)  how family-based this business is and the amount of resources they have on hand.

That being said, if you call into Sarah, and ask to speak to Steve personally, you will get a quicker response - in my experience.  Bottom line, stay the course.  You will get the information you are seeking and it will be well worth the wait.

Hi Keesue and welcome to the forum!

My email is a never ending challenge because I stubbornly like to answer it myself.  When you first posted here in the forum I had 435 emails (after spam) and have since chewed it down to 258.  I can get as many as 100 emails a day so if I want to do anything else, like QC all the amplifiers that leave here for a day or two, my poor inbox just explodes.



All that said, I have an idea that will solve the problem of trying to decide between them.  I have built a couple pairs of Gold models using silver jacks during one of my brain-dead moments and if you end up re-ordering the Silver ones, I will give you the Gold ones in exchange for your analysis of the differences you hear between them in the various possible situations you would use them in.  I think your experience would help a lot of people here on the forum better understand the differences between them.

So far literally almost everyone orders the silver ones.  I guess fear of what might happen if they don't gets the best of them so this would likely lend some real credibility to the gold ones and their applications.

If that sounds cool to you, just tell Sarah that I said I would include a "defective pair that I have" at no extra cost.

Thanks,

Steve

Will, did you ever end up buying a set after you tried them out?

Hey ZZ. No I never did buy a pair. I would be glad to try a burnt in pair again to see how they seem to me a few years later in my system development. My system is more transparent and revealing, and more musical, including very good playback of lesser recordings without any sacrifice to speed and detail....the contrary actually, where notably more speed, space and detail don't seem to do anything but help most recordings. I guess it is so good, I don't really want to mess with it. On reflection, I am wondering, I may have many of the best traits the pills offer without them.

Initial impressions of the Silver and Gold:  They do nothing wrong.  More to follow when I take them out and determine if they made a difference.  

A followup to my initial impressions of the silvers:

I was casually listening to my system giving them time to break in when I stopped reading to turn over the record.  Problem was, I was listening to CD.  I got so caught up in the music I forgot about the media.  

My initial assessment is consistent with the analogy: the bits go through a funnel and come out more aligned - smoothed out, if you will - similar to what a re-clocker does to jitter in the digital domain.  (I have a Genesis Digital Lens in front of my Theta Pro Basic and and I feel these pills are as equally effective, really compliment it in the analog domain and are the icing on the jitter-removal cake).

I do suspect they are probably most effective on Redbook CD and internet streaming which is why some thought they did not perform as well on higher bit rate playback.  The higher up the sampling rate, the effect may lessen.  I have a large investment in Redbook CD and listen to Spotify quite a bit so these are perfect for my system.

I'll post a more in-depth critique about bass, mid and treble, soundstage etc. as I promised but I actually feel I don't need to pull them out (nor do I want to) to see if there is a difference without them, don't need to conclude if the difference is pleasing and I'm clearly not sending them back.

I probably sound like a shill but I have no experience with Decware products nor an affiliation.  I have lived with my tube-based system for 25 plus years. I'm not given to hyperbole, not gob-smacked by new differences for difference-sake nor wowed by some hyper-analytical music rendering that distracts from the music: these pills make the media irrelevant and it becomes all about the music.

More to follow...

Quote:


  We all sound like shills!  

I would like to share a few anecdotal comments:  A friend came by to borrow something and my main system was playing some big band jazz. He is very familiar with my system and very familiar with the material. I said nothing about the pills. I just let the music play.  

Well, he got completely caught up in the music, forgetting what he came over for and said, "this music is swinging!"  I continued to putt about trying to find what he came over to borrow.  After a few more selections he said that what was missing was the sense of hyper-detail.  He described it as the absence of glare.  What was amazing was he then used the same word I used - smooth.  He concluded that details were there minus the glare and what was left was the music - smooth.

I have to qualify his input.  He is a professional musician as are many of my friends and family.  I have been around live music all my life from opera to jazz.  For him to say what he said without knowing anything about the pills was revelatory.  

The absence of glare. You don't know its there until its gone.  The music was swinging!  I think that covers PRAT and musicality succinctly.  Next up, opera, the ultimate test.  

More to follow...

I have the silver pills on my main system after a Theta Pro Basic DAC and the golds on my PC Spotify streaming system after a SMSL DAC.

With respect to detail, I've also found the converse to be true:  Hyper-detail does not always equate to music; which to me means detail can be revealing but sometimes at the expense of being nerve-racking and fatiguing if out of balance, much in the same way overly pronounced bass and recessed midrange can make the listening experience sound out of balance.  Personally, I don't hear hyper-detail, I hear instruments that are a part of the whole.  A brutally revealing system can prove this in a dramatic way.

What I find is the silvers allow the natural timbre of brass cymbals to shmmer, horns to blare and shine, bells to ring true and voices to better resonate all without the glare that seems to accompany CD.  Reeds are sweet and a sax sounds just like a sax would sound in a night club setting.  Most notable are violins which sound sweet, seductive and soar just as they should. No hair pulling so to speak.  I also had to give a quick listen to a few arias with both sorpranos and tenors.  You want to talk about hair pulling if timbre isn't correct.

I am inviting a few of my operatic colleagues over for an 'oh-by-the-way-have-a-listen' not telling them anything.  They have always enjoyed the system, are neither audiophiles nor equipment savvy, and I'll bet dollars to a donut they'll be immediately impressed. I'll post their anecdotal comments.  Timbre...

The system always sounded enjoyable and acceptable before but nothing like it sounds now. I was always aware I was listening to CD.  I never disliked it, I simply accepted the media.  I bought the Genesis Digital Lens to mitigate jitter and the Theta for its filter.  They made digital alive and vibrant.  There was something about the simple concept of the pills addressing jitter in the analog domain that was appealing and I thought I'd check it out.  Can't even remember what drew me to the Decware site.  Ah, yes...I came to investigate the portable headphone amp and got side-tracked with the pills.

I thought I was in for a long evaluation, trying to determine if these pills made a difference, were a good difference and what those difference were. Well, my immediate and summary statement is: The silvers are subtle, subconsciously and sublimely smooth and very satisfying in representing music as music. They are the last stage of the digital jitter removal process right after the signal is converted to analog.  I swear I think I'm listening to records without those artifacts.

The golds have the identical same qualities but not as demonstrable. The effect is the same though that system is not as brutally revealing. They simply make the stream listenable and enjoyable, without the glare. The music just emanates from the speakers with no distraction. I was always aware I was listening to Spotify before the golds.  Now, it sounds like my main system in musicality.

As agreed, after the next few listening sessions, I'll swap out the golds and silvers on the streaming system to try to determine what those differences might be per Steve's request.  The question was the cutoff from gold to silver in the lower bit rates.  I can adjust the bit rate so maybe I'll be able to tell. I'll even put the golds on the main system just for completeness.

At long last I was able to gather my opera buffs over for a causal listen.  They were actually coming over for an entirely different reason unrelated to audio.  I 'oh-by-the-way' suggested a listen to a recording of a compilation of arias during a break in the goings on and we settled in for a session.

After several arias, I paused for an intermission to continue the discussions.  Without asking, one of my friends said the music was so seductive it was a real pleasure to hear his favorite tenor and wanted to hurry up with the proceedings so he could finish the disc.  He is a singer and knows first hand the demands of those roles and how they should sound.  I took that opportunity to ask how the system performed.  He replied with the most poignant answer of all, "I wasn't hearing the system, I was hearing the performance".  The others all nodded in agreement.  They know music.

I am resting my case.  I have nothing more to add save a recapitulation of my prior conclusion. These pills take the analog signal out of the DAC, and buffers, smoothes and removes the analog 'jitter' out of it (for lack of a better way of putting it).  My one-word description remains: sublime.  

I suppose one could buy a super high end DAC and achieve the same result - dunno - but for me and my money, these pills are just the ticket to an incredibly enjoyable digital music experience.  They are truly transformative.

With respect to the differences between the gold and silvers on the lower bit rate stream, the golds are a better match.  The difference is subtle but audible if you compare the two.  It seems the silvers are a bit over the top, if you will, too much of a good thing is how I would describe it.  
They make the digital stream 'toe-tappingly' good.  

I thank you for your indulgence.  I am extremely satisfied with the pills and glad I purchased them. They are indeed the icing on the cake.  

Now, onto the headphone amp which brought me here in the first place.  

Best regards to all...

Thank you, Steve.  

Your product is very satisfying and it was my pleasure to review it.  My system has always sounded good, built with solidly engineered products of their day by very talented engineers whom you know well.  They pioneered outboard DACs with custom digital filters, jitter reduction and reclocking concepts and ultra sonic noise reduction when these concepts were not well understood and poo-poo'd by many of their peers.

The addition of your pills complimented those efforts, taking my system to another level of musicality and in no uncertain terms, completed it.  I knew it immediately.  It just got better as it settled. Any one with an ear for musicality can hear it without having to A/B it. Funny how something so innocuous can have such an impact.  

I'll order the headphone amp shortly when I recover some time in my schedule to use it.  

With best regards....

Thank-you so much for your update!  It does really put a point on it, and for that we thank you!

Steve