Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
Decware Audio Forums
03/29/24 at 00:27:32 




Pages: 1
Send Topic Print
Using my Zen Triode to play flac files. (Read 2818 times)
galtjunk
Verified Member
**




Posts: 13
Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
08/30/21 at 14:46:09
 
I have a self built Zen Triode with the Hazen mod.
I used Edcore transformers.

Should I consider adding the anniverary mod?

I ordered a set of the Tiny Radials for the speakers.


I use Jriver Media to play flac and wave files at this point through a set of Klipsch Promedia speakers.
It sounds pretty good.

I would like to use the Zen as the amp to power my Tiny Radials for my desktop at my office.

I think this will sound much better.

I am usually alone here late at night so I can crank it up if I feel the need to.

Do I just use an 1/8 stereo plug to RCA's to send the audio?
Do I need a DAC?
Do I need a preamp?
Do you think I will need a subwoofer?

Thanks




Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
derekinla
Verified Member
**




Posts: 39
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #1 - 08/30/21 at 21:08:53
 
For the best sound, I would connect your computer via USB to a small DAC (Topping or SMSL) and then to your Zen amp. I don't think a preamp is needed with your setup. You could connect a Sub that accepts speaker level outputs but perhaps see how your set-up sounds first with the Tiny Radials?
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
galtjunk
Verified Member
**




Posts: 13
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #2 - 08/31/21 at 13:46:07
 
The topping E30 looks like a good choice without breaking the bank.

Thank you.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
bobc
Senior Member
***




Posts: 64
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #3 - 08/31/21 at 14:08:01
 
I feed my self built version zen triode with a raspberry pi (usb) blusound (rca) and topping e30. The E30 sounds much better than my blusound node internal DAC and is a great value for an office system. PS I have applied hazen, bypass caps in the power supply (anniversary type mods) and eliminated the 10k / 3.3 uf divider. I have no complaints! Best upgrade was a 6NS7 (not pictured) as pre tube.

Back to top
 

B8F8E3FC-88BD-4916-98D0-6711D5CD5D54.jpeg
  IP Logged
galtjunk
Verified Member
**




Posts: 13
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #4 - 08/31/21 at 14:50:44
 
Very nice build.
I will have to try the 6ns7.
Is there a socket adapter available?
What speaker wire and interconnects do you use?
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
bobc
Senior Member
***




Posts: 64
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #5 - 08/31/21 at 15:35:37
 
Thank you. It is laser cut stainless plate. I use blue jeans cable interconnect and speaker wire. Not crazy esoteric, but high quality cable, termination and connections. the socket is just a standard adapter socket. 6SN7->6922.   6SN7... sorry for typo. Klipsch RP-600m in my office. Transcendar custom  OPT.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
galtjunk
Verified Member
**




Posts: 13
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #6 - 09/01/21 at 10:22:08
 
I ordered a Topping E30 Dac, some silver plated speaker cables and interconnects.
We'll see how well it works when everything gets here.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
galtjunk
Verified Member
**




Posts: 13
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #7 - 09/02/21 at 11:36:34
 
What caps did you use for the bypass mod?
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
JimJ
Verified Member
**




Posts: 16
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #8 - 09/08/21 at 18:09:33
 
DACs can be a bit of a rabbit hole, after lusting after one for years I finally got a Benchmark DAC2 last year, first to function as a headphone amp/DAC and now just serving as a DAC in my main system. Couldn't be happier, it's one of those "I'll never upgrade it as long as it's working" things.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
drford
Seasoned Member
****




Posts: 197
Re: Using my Zen Triode to play flac files.
Reply #9 - 09/08/21 at 20:46:18
 
One DAC I've had a lot of luck with is the iFi Zen DAC v2. I know everyone's got an opinion on these, but I've running it side by side with Topping's D50s and it kills it. I needed a cheap upgrade while I save for a big R2R DAC and with Rachael it's especially nice as its output voltage is up to 3V, which brings her to life beautifully.

Anyways... just my $0.02. Anything based around your core components will sound great.
Back to top
 
 
  IP Logged
Pages: 1
Send Topic Print