Hi guys

Placed my order for a pair of these mono amps on Black Friday. Ordered them with upgraded caps and with the stepped attenuated as well. Since I live far from Decware I haven't heard them, but I'm pretty sure they are as good or even better than Select I heard a while back, and also a step up from the MiniTori I have and will keep. No pre-amp in this setup, not sure if will get one either, not for a while at least.

So if anyone else has bought a pair please chime in

I do wonder if it can be built with a meter on them though, I like the detail, but that will maybe be a mono select version later

Keep us apprised of what you end up doing. I would love to hear those monos.

JD

I thought that Decware keeps a list of what everybody ordered. You might see somebody on there who is waiting but won't post on the forums. These are not a high volume item because most folks look at the cost, currently around $2400 per pair and see 2.7 watts and go "hmmmm?" Is it worth it? Especially when you can get a 20 watt Torii Jr., for the same price; a 4 watt Mini Torii or a 6 watt Rachel for less.

One has to be a purist to want these mono blocks. The magic of the Super Zen and its new UFO version is undeniable. So I can see why a few would want to take that to the logical final highest level which is found in the mono blocks.

I think that Steve should offer the mono blocks in a single chassis with meters and adjustable bias. Maybe a Rachel sized platform would do.

As to bias, I liked the hot bias setting in my Super Zen when I had it. It just is more alive sounding.

Jorgan- Please keep us informed when the amps arrive. I would love to hear Omega's with Alnico drivers sometime. I do enjoy the heck outta our  Super 7XRS mk2's and going up to the Alnico drives would have been too much $$$(have to keep the bike running well also) but maybe someday. Very interested in hearing about your system. Happy listening, Chris.

Reading up on tubes and looking to get a few to roll, it's a pretty expensive hobby. I have a trick up my sleeve whenever my wife raises an eyebrow though, whatever I buy and she wonders the cost I say 500, no matter what.

Jorgen,

And that works?  

Zygi

The Mono's are now on bench, and I checked the waiting list, and from what I can tell, I'm actually the only one so far to order these...so this will be a lonely thread...

Still looking for tubes for some rolling, is the 6922 tube the one with most impact on sound?

Agree with Mark. My fav of all time is Amperex 7308 made in USA with USN CEP written on the tube. Recently noticed that the top of the tube is also crimped. I think they would be awesome in your application.
Would love to jump on the mono wagon but funds do not allow.

JD

You are spot on to my plan, but I have a need to have replacement tubes for each spot just in case and I might aswell get some which are an upgrade it at least different. I do trust Decware to supply a good combination, but gonna get some that's interesting.

Quote:


That's how I ended up getting a CSP3 to use in front of my ZMA.  By the time I factored in the cost of a quality switch box, I figured, why not?

And on the bottom it says #002/003

The first couple of days I was a little worried about a small transformer vibration in one of the amps. Steve answered me quickly and he wasnt worried, the vibration went away after a few days, as he suggested. Wasn't a big issue, and didn't affect sound quality. Still very satisfied when it went away. The amps are more quiet than my miniTori, close to no hum in speakers. At the moment I'm very impressed with power I can squeeze out of them. I'm getting plenty of headroom for my use with 95 (or so) dB sensitive speakers. Keep in mind my speakers are new and developing as well as the amps so I don't know the potential yet.
Even though I was happy with sound quality straight out of the box I notice development. With a very good source as the ZP3 and a good jazz recording I'm sitting with the musicians and can separate each performer and instrument from the next.

The other amps I have had from Decware has been better and better with use even after first and second year, so this is what I'm expecting with these as well.

Hi Jorgen,

Congrats on the new amps.  Like you, I have a Mini Torri too.  My Zen sounds very different than the MT.  There definitely is a midhall (MT) vs front of the hall (Zen) difference between the two amps.  For me, I often think that the MT goes a little too far in the spectrum and sometimes can sound too thick.  That said, with a good recording, the MT can really shine, but overall, I definitely prefer my SE 84, and yes it's also much quieter then the Mini.

Keep us posted with your impressions.

I'm telling ya Lon...They're a bargain at $2390 for a pair.    Mark.

The "issue" with only one set of inputs was just me not paying attention so i never asked. A bit stupid of me. That said, i can use my MT as pre i guess, read somewhere in the forums users have tried that with positive results. For now im very comfortable with switching cables. Maybe a dedicated pre will come later.

i ordered these with upgraded caps, and stepped attenuators. The ZP3 has this aswell so i was opting for making them as good as possible.


Im looking for tubes but havent decided anything yet, and any advice will be very welcome.


I have to say this is sonic bliss and cant find enough hours to sit down and just listen

Jorgen, I went through the research phase on the EL-84s for my Taboo MK III and Zen Monoblocks, and after reading others experiences, I decided to stick with the Russian tubes and roll everything else.  I stocked up on the Svetlana branded SV83 and the Military Spec tubes and called it a day.  I have enough for my lifetime...maybe a few more lifetimes too  :)  Lon here does use EL-84s and is very happy with them...might do a search for his impressions.  

On Telefunken and Siemens tubes, after reading Joe's Tube Lore and falling in love with the Amperex input tubes...6DJ8, 6922 and 7308....I decided to not do much searching...did get some Mullard 6DJ8s, maybe a few others.  But I'm currently in the stocking up on spares mode. Hope this helps and saves you some time and money.  Mark.

http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html

Yeah the title sort of reveals the type of amps.

I'm getting more and more impressed with this new system. Both amps and speakers have developed properly and amongst other factors detail and resolution is very impressive. Big difference when goes from digital to analog source. I'm hearing more in each and every recording, and lots of fun finding this in material I know very good. Instruments are very easily to follow, and I can choose what instrument I want to focus on. I'm very aware to cost per watt is pretty high with these amps, but to me it's very much worth it.
I think I had pretty nice setup earlier, but it is those small steps in the right direction that drives guys like us, and I'm getting quality back for the investment. It's kinda of fun to be the only owner of this version, but to any lurkers, go for it.

I have a question though, when close to clipping, would the OA3 start pulsating? I have noticed this when I turn volume to between 2 or 3 o'clock so to speak? Not sure what is the max setting. I'm using stepped attenuators. Can't her any noticeable clipping tendency at that point, but wanted to ask if any of guys would know.

Did my first "modification" in a tube amp today... Steve shipped the new covers with etched symbols. He took the time to talk to me a little on the phone and we had a ten minutes conversation about the amps and how I liked them. I really wish English was my native language, a little afraid to not understand and be able to explain my thoughts. He wanted to know how I liked the amps and we spoke a little about what find in terms of difference between these and my MT.

I was able to switch the covers, but was a little nervous that I might screw up and was very careful. Still easy enough.

Tonight I have planned to just spin records and enjoy. It ain't difficult. Even though I find them to be really good with a entry level DAC I very much prefer vinyl and the ZP3. Very reaveling in terms of quality with the recordings. That also means very rewarding with good ones. Fabulous in  soundstage and detail, and I like systems that offers this kind of detail and transparency. Very very good when I play with low SPL, that is must for since I often listen to music at night when the others are sleeping.

Using; ortofon 2m black with a mission 774 tonearm modified with silver tonearm wire and WBA RCA output. Deck is a modified Thorens 160mk2. Daves cable from TT and from ZP3 to amps. I have replaced input tubes (telefunken NOS) and rectifier with NOS from Western Electric. Amps with same rectifiers as ZP3. Speaker cables also from Daves cables. Speakers are now properly burned in over > 300 hours I guess but not counting. I really like these HO Alnico drivers from Omega. I will before summer try some HQ and expensive gold pin input tubes from telefunken but these are pretty expensive, on the other side they will last a really long time so no worries.
Still waiting to hear from others who have bought these amps...

I would switch to the monos. The sensitivity of the speakers would not be a problem with 2.7 watts. The Rachel is really mild. You should ask Steve to bias the monos on the hot setting.

Jorgen it appears there is a silver and a gold rca connection on each block from the pictures.  I assume 1 is an input, is the second a preout or another input or something else or perhaps imam just confused. No online manual for these,

Well Jorgen, I'm glad to see how much you enjoy your monoblocks. I added a ZP3/TT and a CSP3 to my 2008 modded version of the Monoblocks which until now had only been playing CDs with a Jolida 100 CD player.

The CSP3 changes things a bit...more weight and density, a fuller, warmer sound with an enhanced bottom end.  I just started tube rolling this morning so things will get even better.

As to your earlier comment on pulsating OA3s, I've got it again...now when I use the ZP3 through the CSP3, with even moderate volume, no where close to clipping, I see pulsating.  I don't see it when playing CDs.  I'm pretty sure it's harmless and it doesn't seem to affect the sound quality.

I have two sets of RCAs and a toggle switch but in setting up the CSP3 I wasn't able to figure out which was a bypass...when the volume is off on the Monoblocks, the CSP3 didn't have sound as I would expect with a bypass RCA.  So what I have is the same as with my Torri...a situation where both the Monoblocks' and Torii's volume controls work and I "ride the gain" for optimal results.

The first tube roll was a Beckman labeled 1964 Amperex 6922 replacing one of the 6n1ps that Steve sent as stock in the CSP3...a very nice upgrade in sound.  I'm using a pair of these in the Monoblocks as well.  Mark.

RR ; Had to google the reference. LoL. I'm not Victor..
But I can confirm I'm having really fun with them. I am considering a pre as stated earlier. Mostly because it would be easier changing between sources. And also because I would like to max out the potential of my system.

True, but I used both a CSP2+ and a ZSTAGE with a C amp and the CSP2+ yielded better sound imo.

Nice update. Please share the link when it's up.

Well, I'm now waiting for the Mono Zen Amps; I ordered a  pair of SE84UFO3 with the 25th Anniversary upgrades and I'm eager to hear them!

I'm really enjoying my Taboo Mk IV driving my HR-1s and I know this will be a great step up.

The 25th anniversary mod adds $1360 to a pair of the SE84UFO3 amplifiers.  If anyone want's a pair prior to the release of the stereo model, you just have to write that you want it in the comments section of the order.

Steve

You know me, I won't be withholding impressions.

Great Juan! Look very nice. The first pair of 25th Anniversary, eh? I'm looking forward to mine.

Oh sorry, I thought perhaps yours was the one that was shipped out. Good idea to break these in and get to know them if you do decide to send them in for the upgrades.

I agree. The SE84UFO3 are great amps. I do not think I will be upgrading them because I would have to ship them back.

I thought long and hard before I pulled the trigger on the original purchase. I have no regrets now that something better has come along.

I have put the SE84UFO back in my music system while I wait for more details on 25th anniversary editions.

My SE84UFO3 are now in my TV system continuing to burn in.

My SE84UFO3-25 Monoblocks are built, tested, and packed! Should ship soon. Exciting!

Hello Juan,
Are those Mapleshade platforms under your amps ?
If so, did they make a difference ? ;
Inquiring minds want to know !!

Cheers,                  Crazy Bill  

Look beautiful Juan. I get my Monolocks tomorrow.

Hi guys and happy new year!!

I wanna ask a question concerning one of my monoblocks. A couple of times i have noticed a repeating "thump" sound in one speaker. First time i turned them off and later back on again the sound was gone. Later it happened again.
'
Last night it once again occurred and i also noticed the VR tube was "blinking" and in the same pace as the sound in the speaker. So changed that tube and everything seemed ok. Later the same symptoms occured. But maybe the rectifier tube didnt seem to glow, not sure though..

Anyone with an idea what this could be?

All OA3 tubes will blink on and off during start up and do it again during shut down.  The volume should be turned down during this period.  Once the output tubes begin to conduct current and the OA3 blinks on for the first time or two, you might hear a thump through the speakers.

Additionally, in order to keep an OA3 (or any VR tube) lit, the tube or tubes it serves must be drawing current.  If for example, the input tube started drawing less current because it is wearing out or failing) this would create the condition you described during operation.

Steve

My CSP3 with the 25th Anniversary Mods has done the same thing. My wife likes to pretend it's ME passing gas. . . .

Hilarious!  It is a really funny sound.  Totally unexpected.  (The CSP3 I mean.   )

Have you tried swapping out all the tubes with known, good tubes?

Finally i got the opportunity to ship my monos back to decware for upgrades. Really looking forward to hearing them, when i get them back in a few weeks. . Since my last post I also bought a CSP3, without 25th ann upgrades.
What do you guys think, will i have the full effect of the upgrades before i upgrade the pre? Best result without pre? The CSP and my miniTori is next in line for a trip to Peoria

HI Lon

Im sure i will get great sound with upgrades, but if in my shoes would you use the pre, if not upgraded?
In my system I guess i will, just because of my need to have two sources, and because i think the pre added some favorable qualities, at least before any upgrades.

Main system; Upgraded turntable from Thorens. ZP3 to CSP3 to monos to HO Omega speakers with Dave Cables all the way. Streaming is Tidal HIFI to Auralic Vega DAC.

For headphones: MiniTori feeding LCD 3 from Audeze. But in retrospect maybe i should have chosen a Taboo....More usage as a headphne amp than as a stereo amp.  Using PC to DACmagic plus. The MT makes a little hum, and the CSP3 isnt enough power.
BUT then...  really like my MT. Like really

Im pondering if I should get long RCA cables and place mono amp close to speakers. Not sure if identifiable in terms of soundquality with short speakescables and long RCA as an alternative to short RCA and long speaker cables, but would be a way to have room for everything.

I have asked if possible to get meters added to the monos, i dont think it would be possible, but doesnt hurt to ask.  Also asked if it is possible to have adjustable voltage on the pass-through RCA

Chheeezus my computer is set for Norwegian, im not really this bad at spelling...

My monos has RCA out, one on each amp, i thought they was called pass-throu RCA. i also thought they have a fixed output of 2 or 2,5v. When i tried with a sub, with 0.7V needed input, i had very little gain control for the sub. I might be wrong on several of these assumptions though..  

My monos have the pass through as well. Mine is variable, not fixed. Inside jack is input and outside jack is output. I’m using the output jacks to feed a Klipsch subwoofer. Thanks

Jorgen, as I understand it (and as you can see from the manual below) either of the two input jacks can be used as an input for a channel, only one to be connected at a time I assume. Here is what the manual for the SE84UFO3 says:

The RCA input jacks are arranged with both a silver and a gold jack. Both of these jacks do the same thing and only one should typically be used at a ?me. If your interconnects are gold, use the gold jack. If your interconnects are silver, use the silver jack.

It's interesting that you both have used this as a pass through. I don't see how that is possible according to the setup outlined in the manual. I guess I'll try it. . . shouldn't harm anything to try I suppose.

I have #14 & #15. I think there was a change in jack functionality on later models. I would get the 25th Anniversary mods if you can.

Cool. It’s a neat function to have.