Yep, that's me, new guy here.

I just purchased the Torii Mark II that was for sale. I am coming from a Line Magnetic 518ia integrated. This should be a good shootout since the LM is an excellent amp. I have no idea what to expect having never heard a decware product, but I have followed Steve's work for years now. I've just never had speakers sensitive enough to give a decaware amp a spin.

I tried to contact Steve through the website on Monday with a few questions about my new purchase. No reply thus far. I know he's a busy guy. But even though I am buying a used amp, I'm certainly a potential customer for new products in the future

Anyway, just wanted to join the forum and say hello!

Shakey

Thanks Lon.

I was wondering if my amp had the Hazen mod. I didn't know if it was all Mark IIs, or just some of them. (SN 040)

I was also curious about the inputs. Mine has two inputs and since the amp is dual mono, I assume both left are on the left and vice versa?

There is a switch up front behind the attenuator that I think switches between inputs. I was wondering if both inputs are attenuated by the pot, or if one of them is fixed? I have two sources and would like to have them plugged in simultaneously, switching as a preamp would.

Lastly, how good is this thing w/o a preamp? I know it depends on the source output and capability, but what are most people doing? Preamp or no?

Thanks,

Shakey

Hi Shakey,

I think that by the time #40 came along the Hazen Grid Mod was standard. . . but I'm not sure. That's maybe a question for Steve himself.

Yes, both the inputs on the left are for the left channel of the source, and both the inputs on the right are for the right channel of the source. The switch is the input selector switch and both of the positions are attenuated by the volume knob. (My Mk II is one of the very first sold, to Bob Zeigler who builds the speakers, and it has a middle position on the switch which is NO source, freaks me out sometimes when I don't remember to flick it twice and no sound comes out! Mine also did not have the Hazen Grid Mod originally but it was added by Steve when I bought it from Bob.)

I'm not sure how many here on the board are using the Mk II so I'm not sure how many are using with a preamp or not. It works quite well without one, still a great preamp adds some nice qualities. I used mine most of the time with a CSP2+ pre am which added a bit of heft and allowed me to play with the gain and alter the sound somewhat.

I haven't used mine for some time. The last time I used it a lot was when I was being a caregiver for my parents and had it in a system at my parents' house, which ended three years ago. It really sounded great with a California Audio cd changer I gave him, a CSP2+ and ERR speakers. We had some really good listening sessions!

Steve is open to phone calls, in fact sometimes I think it's easier to reach him by phone.

My guess is that it does have the Hazen Grid Mod. What date does the amp have on the sticker? I looked on the forum and Steve introduced the Mod at the end of May or beginning of June in '09, and I'm pretty sure any Torii built after that would have the Mod.

Likely your guess is good that there are few here posting on the forum using the Mk II. The Mk III and Mk IV ARE different. I have had two Mk III and have not heard the Mk IV. The differences between the Mk II and Mk III are not huge. The Mk III has treble and "bass" controls and the Mk II did not have either at first, and never had the "bass" controls. To my ears the Mk II has a bit more "romance" than the Mk III, has a bit more of a classic tube sound, a bit less of the modern clarity and openness of the Mk III. But just a bit.

I tried selling my Mk II this year and only got a few nibbles, no bites. I may try selling it again as someone should use it, it has spent way too much time in a closet this decade. These are very enjoyable amps, and though the Decware sound has evolved since these are musical, revealing and dependable amps!

Welcome Shakey,

I haven't been out here much.  I cruise the forums much more after the kids go back to school.

I don't know much about the MkII, but I have an MKIII and really enjoy it.  I will be interested in your shootout.

Hi Shakey,

Welcome to the forum, I think you’ll find a tremendous amount of info and knowledge here you will truly 😊

best,
Scott

Welcome Shakey! Enjoy that MkII....I have no doubts that you will.
What speakers will you be driving with the MK?

Thanks Steve. The amp was built in 08/09, so from what Lon said it should already have the hazen grid mod, correct?

Shakey