Forums - Decware ZSB vs. Schiit SYS?

HiFi Bri

Senior Member

Posts: 86

Decware ZSB vs. Schiit SYS?
02/21/26 at 15:44:49

I'm currently using a Schiit SYS (RCA switch box) in my system and am considering replacing it with a ZSB.

The SYS is obviously a budget device at $49, but I'm wondering if this forum feels that a more premium RCA switch box would add any sonic benefit.

The SYS was always meant to be a temporary solution in my system (being a clear weak link, objectively speaking) but I've gotten used to it.

What do you think?

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CAJames

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Posts: 3211

Re: Decware ZSB vs. Schiit SYS?
Reply #1 - 02/21/26 at 17:36:37

Quote:

Posted by: HiFi Bri Posted on: Today at 07:44:49
I'm currently using a Schiit SYS (RCA switch box) in my system and am considering replacing it with a ZSB.

The SYS is obviously a budget device at $49, but I'm wondering if this forum feels that a more premium RCA switch box would add any sonic benefit...

Full disclosure, I don't own nor have I ever heard a ZSB. But I feel like if you don't need the volume control getting a ZSB that only does switching would be a real upgrade. If you use the volume control, I think Decware's is going to be better, but spending 600ish bucks for an upgraded volume pot doesn't seem like good value to me. I'd rather put the money towards an actual preamp, or transformer based passive, but JMO/FWIW/YMMV and all that.

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hdrider

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On the path with
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Posts: 713

Re: Decware ZSB vs. Schiit SYS?
Reply #2 - 02/21/26 at 19:08:41

HiFi Bri - I do have a ZSB in front of our CSP3 (on one of the two inputs) that handle our CD/DVD dac, the TV dac and my wife's bluetooth for Pandora streaming. I added it when I added the CSP3. The first input on our CSP3 is the turntable (ZMC1>ZP3). I do not have a volume control on the ZSB, but I feel the box is as transparent as anything that Steve makes. If you do not need the VC, don't pay for it. But I have always felt that anything Steve designs and brings to market is very good. Yes it adds another IC, oh well. It will not be the weak link IMO. Happy listening, Chris.

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Dominick

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Re: Decware ZSB vs. Schiit SYS?
Reply #3 - 02/23/26 at 12:12:37

I own a ZSB and must say that it is very transparent. I have plugged and unplugged it, essentially bypassing the unit, and I do not hear any degradation in the audio signal. It’s biggest use for me is the dual output to send the signal from my DAC to my CSP and simultaneously sending that signal to my subwoofer.

In terms of the volume control on the SYS… if you do not need it, then that is one less internal connection point on the circuit board that could poison the signal.

Hope this helps

Dom

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HiFi Bri

Senior Member

Posts: 86

Re: Decware ZSB vs. Schiit SYS?
Reply #4 - 02/24/26 at 01:38:13

I figured the best way to get an answer to my question was by removing the SYS from the chain entirely and listening for any improvement from a direct connection. I didn’t hear any change, which tells me the SYS isn’t introducing any audible degradation. Based on that, there’s likely little to gain sonically from replacing it with a ZSB.

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