I started out with plans to get a full 25th modded torii V with stepped atts, use my old Bellari phono stage and call it a day. After a few weeks of reading the forums, I decided that I was going to also get the ZP3 with the poly bypass. From there, I stumbled across rave reviews for the ZrockII, and given that lots of my late 70s, 80s era records sound a bit thin, decided that I needed it too! I justified this by deciding against tube regulation, but opting for the poly bypass. There ya go, everything was well thought out, so I placed my order.

A few days later, I got the notion to do some reading on the CSP325. What if I wanted to gain ride and add density to certain records? I'm currently running a Sherwood S5000II integrated tube amp, and can significantly alter the weight of records by fine-tuning the symbiotic relationship between the preamp gain and master volume pots. Would I miss not having that? If I did, would I have to wait another year (or more) to get a CSP325? But it ain't cheap. Egads.

This conundrum gnawed at my brain like a starved rat...increasing in intensity until I emailed Sarah and ponied up for a preamp. There. All was well. Right? Well, no.

With thoughts of weakest links, synergy, and all that other esoteric audiophile crap, I began to question a few of the mismatched components that would be in my chain. My Torii would be copper bypassed, and my CSP325 would be copper bypassed, but my ZP3 and Zrock would be poly bypassed.

Research on the forums proved that this wouldn't be a problem at all, and if anything might even be a better thing in regard to ease of listening and hyper-focusing on nuanced details. But the notion of 2 components sporting coppers, and the other 2 wearing polys kind of bugged me. I don't plan on ever selling my system, so why not go "whole enchilada," to ease regrets, if nothing else.

I emailed Sarah for the 3rd time to update my order. God bless her!

The exquisitely long lead times helped me justify the extra $. If these puppies were shipping upon ordering, my order would have been far more lean. So in a way, I'm thankful for the long lead times. Not only does it give me some cushion, but I know that Steve and fam are building the absolute best product that they can.

Now that all is said and done, I'm on the hook for the following:

TORII MKV full 25th, stepped pot
ZP3 full 25th  
CSP325
ZROCK2 full 25th
Copper caps and bypass across the board

Can anyone else relate to the mad balance existing between practicality/satisfaction?

Haha, thank you!

The fine-tuning never ends! But that's half of the fun, I suppose!

Right on Gig! Glad to hear that I'm in good company. If you're gonna do a thing, DO IT! RIGHT?

It sure would be a drag to get your system, realize you'd be better served with an additional component, and have to suffer in waiting for another year...maybe even longer, considering how Decware's popularity is growing!

At one point, I'd even convinced myself that I needed the Z line conditioner. This was before I decided on the preamp, and decided that the preamp would be better to get right now. I figure core components are first, and fine-tuning stuff like conditioning, fancy connects, and the like can come at a later date.

I can't imagine any audio-related circumstance that would lead me to sell any of this gear. It wasn't a matter of ordering unneeded things in the errant chance that I'd need it, but further education, which led to the realization of their benefit.

Initially, I mistakenly thought that gain riding was possible with the phono stage, then I realized that it doesn't even have a knob. Had I not realized this until delivery day, I would have been disappointed. The wealth of knowledge on the forums influenced me more than fear of missing out did.

Mission creep! It’s what’s for dinner  [smiley=icqlite20.png]

Congrats on your BIGLY stellar order.

BIGLY = makes the liberals catatonic, lol

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

In the meantime, thinking about taking a stab at building my own cables for cost effectiveness, and preoccupation. Haha. I'd also love to find a vintage Thorens TD124 and slowly refurbish it in the interim.

And yes, gonna spend some more time reading forum archives. Lots of info from many smart people to digest!

I was thinking along the same lines and glad to know this is not frowned upon. In line for a Racheal and thinking whether I should just order two and use them as monoblocks instead or at least request Steve to make sure the one I have ordered has whatever it needs to be used as a monoblock in the future (I want to say it’s the variable output option?).  Speaking of upgrades, I didn’t see the 25th anniversary mods to the Rachel as an selectable option when I was ordering? Do I recall that correctly or do I need to request that separately?  And this maybe just me, but I get a sense that Rachel does not get enough of a nod/mentions in the forums compared to the entry level Zen or the higher priced TORII’s.  It seemed to be placed at such a sweet spot of Decware’s product lineup of having a little more oomph then the entry level, yet comfortably below the higher priced items.

One reason the Rachel isn't talked about much is it isn't on the Tube Gear page.  At least, I don't see anything on there labeled "Rachel".  

I don't even know what one is.

This is what is nicknamed "Rachel" . . . .

https://www.decware.com/newsite/SE34I.htm

"I'm thankful for the long lead times"
Obviously young and healthy. I'm glad

I went ahead and upgraded all components that were eligible for full 25th (maxed out) mods. After reading hours of forums, the wisdom said to upgrade what can be upgraded. So I did.

Oh, and I threw in a ZLC for good measure. A 25 pound cherry on top, I suppose.

Now...I'm going to need a better source.

Famous last words.

I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need new interconnects

I don't know what interconnects you're using now, but you absolutely need good interconnects to do your Decware gear justice - all cables involved, in fact.

Best,

Geno

Quote:


They literally ARE a family.