ZKIT2
Zen Triode mono SET amplifier kit


 Up to 3 boards can share one power transformer.

 Single-Ended Triode Kit can be used to create:

A stereo amplifier (as shown above)

A pair of mono blocks

A multichannel amplifier for home theater!

 You supply the TUBES and CHASSIS

 

The Kit comes as shown with proprietary Decware power and output transformers. Audiophile quality parts are used throughout, including ceramic tube sockets, 100K level control, standoffs, binding posts and components by Vishay, Dale, Nichicon, Sprague ATOM, Solen, and a high quality reversible board designed to work on a flat piece of wood, or upside down in a steel or aluminum chassis.  

The level (gain) control can be mounted on either side of the board, as can the input jack. You can also remote mount either in the chassis and run shielded cable to the circuit board.

This is a 2 watt mono amplifier configured as a single ended triode and operating in class A.  It uses a single output tube, EL84 or SV83 and a single input tube, 6922 or 12AU7.  The input tube is determined by installing jumpers on the circuit board shown above.

It features a horizontal AC buss design that allows you to connect up to 3 boards to one power transformer.


 

 SIZE = 3 INCHES X 9.5 INCHES
 


 

 Below are 7 possible configurations:

 

1) A single power transformer and 1 board for a mono amplifier that could be used for a center channel.

 


 

2) A pair of power transformers and a pair of boards for a pair of mono blocks.

 


 

 

3) A single power transformer and a pair of boards for a stereo amplifier.

 


 

 

4) A single power transformer and three boards for a 3 channel amp.

 


 

5) A pair of power transformers and four boards for a serious 4 channel amp. Note: The AC buss of all 4 boards can ALSO be tied together putting both power transformers in parallel for even more headroom / which btw, is the only way a 5 channel set up can be wired.

 


 

6) A pair of power transformers and five boards for a 5 channel amp. Each board is 3 inches wide making it possible to fit 5 of them inside a rack mount chassis as shown. The power transformers can be mounted either in a separate chassis or in the same chassis provided there is adequate depth.

 


 

7) A pair of power transformers and six boards for a 6 channel amp.

 


 


IDEAL SPEAKERS:

We have successfully driven hundreds of different loudspeakers ranging in efficiency from 90 to 100dB 1w/1m. On 90dB speakers it works nicely in smaller rooms or for late night out of body experiences. 94 to 96 dB speakers are ideal in that they let you play beyond a normal listening level and preserve the dynamic headroom. When the basic Zen Triode Amplifier (that these are designed after) was first released in 1997 there were a minimal number of "high efficiency" speakers to choose from. Today that is no longer the case - they are everywhere. We also offer several different types of loudspeakers that will work with this amp.  

SPECIFICATIONS:

This amplifier requires no adjustments or maintenance other than changing tubes every couple of years. It is a self biasing design. The SV83 (6P15P-EV) or EL84 output tubes wired in triode were chosen over 300B, 2A3, 45, and other triodes for having the better neutrality and speed.

 

Weight   10 lbs. ea. (power transformer, output transformer and 1 board)  Additional boards with output transformers add aprox 3 lbs per.
Aprox. Dimensions   Transformer 4" x 4" x 4"
Board 2.5" H x 3.00" W x 10.0" D
Circuit type   Single ended Class A Triode
Power output   2.3 watts  RMS into 4 ohms
Input voltage   2.0 volts for full output
Noise / Hum   Less   than 1.0 millivolts
Response   20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
Feedback   ZERO negative feedback used
Output tubes   SV83 or EL84/6BQ5
Signal tube   6N1P or 6922 or 6Dj8
Transformers   Edcor
Biasing   Self-Biasing circuit - never needs adjustment
Resistors   All resistors are precision WW/MF by DALE, VISHAY
Signal Cap   Poly 1.0 uf 400v
Consumption   65 watts at full power (2 boards on 1 transformer)
Output jacks   5-way binding posts accept 14 gauge wire
Speaker dB/1w   89 dB minimum / 96 dB is ideal

 

VOLTAGES

This unit comes standard with our World Voltage Compatible Transformer.  It can be wired for 100, 120, 220, 240 V 50/60 Hz.


TUBES:

This amp is designed for premium quality N.O.S. 6P15P-EV output tubes rated at 5000 hours. These Russian military spec tubes are the top grade of what we came to know in this country as the SV83. You can also use EL84's without adjustments of any kind. You'll find the SV83's to be unparallel in speed and detail - in part because it is a video tube with much wider bandwidth then a normal audio tube. We think these are the best sounding most transparent tubes available today. The EL84 (6BQ5) is a bit warmer sounding giving the amp a different signature by just switching output tubes.

The input tube is a single 6N1P, 6922 or 6DJ8 - your choice.  6N1P's have the warmest tone, 6922's have the best dynamics, 6DJ8's have the most air and micro-detail with a touch less bass. You can also configure the board for 12AU7 and or a 12AT7.  Again, a powerful tool for voicing your amplifier to your particular tastes.

 

 

WARNING - THIS KIT IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND CAN NOT BE USED IN A RESIDENTIAL HOME WHERE CHILDREN OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT.  FOR HOME USE IT MUST BE BUILT INSIDE A METAL CHASSIS.

 

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

SCHEMATIC


You supply your own parts - putting you in charge of the sound quality and performance.

We recommend the following power transformers for this amplifier:

120V POWER TRANSFORMER

EDCOR - XPWR107-120
Power transformer for a 120V, 60Hz. line to 600V (300-0-300) at 150mA center tapped and 6.3V at 4A.

Aprox cost $58  (JUNE 2011)

240V POWER TRANSFORMER

EDCOR - XPWR066-240
Power transformer for a 240V, 50/60Hz. line to 600V (300-0-300) at 200mA center tapped, 6.3V at 4A and 5V at 3A.

Aprox cost $64  (JUNE 2011)

OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS

EDCOR - GXSE10-6-8K
10W, single ended tube output transformer for 8K Ohms to 6 Ohms.

Aprox cost $27  (JUNE 2011)


SUGGESTED PARTS FOR THIS CIRCUIT BOARD
 

1
Mouser #:    75-516D108M035-E3   
Mfr. #:    516D108M035PS6AE3
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Leaded 1000uF 35volts 20%
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
3
Mouser #:    647-TVX2W330MCD   
Mfr. #:    TVX2W330MCD
Manufacturer:     Nichicon
Desc.:    Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Leaded 450volts 33uF 18x41 20%
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
2
Mouser #:    539-150104J400EC   
Mfr. #:    150104J400EC
Manufacturer:     Cornell Dubilier
Desc.:    Polyester Film Capacitors 400V .1UF METAL POLY
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
1
Parts Express #: 027-544
Mfr. #:    3.3uF 400V
Manufacturer:   Solen
Desc.:    polypropylene capacitors
RoHS:     No
2
Parts Express #: 055-540
Mfr. #:   
Manufacturer:  
Desc.:    PC mount 9-pin miniature ceramic tube socket. Gold plated pins.
RoHS:     No
1
Parts Express #: 090-475
Mfr. #:   
Manufacturer:   Cliff
Desc.:    Standard .75" dual binding posts made for chassis mounting
RoHS:     No
1
Mouser #:    161-4217    or  568-NYS354
Mfr. #:    161-4217
Manufacturer:   
Desc.:    Phono (RCA) Connectors PHONO R/A PCB
RoHS:     No
1
Mouser #:    313-1240F-100K   
Mfr. #:    RV122F-20-15F-A100K
Manufacturer:     Alpha (Taiwan)
Desc.:    Panel Mount Potentiometers Audio D-Shaft 100K
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
1
Mouser #:    262-6.8K-RC   
Mfr. #:    262-6.8K-RC
Manufacturer:     Xicon
Desc.:    Metal Oxide Resistors 6.8Kohms 5% Tol
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
1
Mouser #:    71-CW5-1.0K   
Mfr. #:    CW0051K000JB12
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Wirewound Resistors - Through Hole 5watts 1Kohms 5%
RoHS:     No
1
Mouser #:    71-RL20S-G-1.5K/R   
Mfr. #:    RL20S272GRE5
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Metal Film Resistors - Through Hole 1/2watt 1.5Kohms 2%
RoHS:     No
3
Mouser #:    71-RL20S-G-2.7K/R   
Mfr. #:    RL20S272GRE5
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Metal Film Resistors - Through Hole 1/2watt 2.7Kohms 2%
RoHS:     No
1
Mouser #:    280-CR5-10K-RC   
Mfr. #:    280-CR5-10K-RC
Manufacturer:     Xicon
Desc.:    Wirewound Resistors - Through Hole 10Kohms 5% Tol
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
2
Mouser #:    625-RGP10M-E3   
Mfr. #:    RGP10M-E3/54
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Diodes (General Purpose, Power, Switching) 1.0 Amp 1000 Volt
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant By Exemption
1
Mouser #:    71-CP0005300R0JE14   
Mfr. #:    CP0005300R0JE14
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Wirewound Resistors - Through Hole 300ohms 5% 5watts
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
1
Mouser #:    66-RC20GF473J   
Mfr. #:    RC20GF473J
Manufacturer:     IRC
Desc.:    Carbon Composition Resistors 47K OHM 5%
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
1
Mouser #:    660-MO2CT631R102J   
Mfr. #:    MO2CT631R102J
Manufacturer:     KOA Speer
Desc.:    Metal Oxide Resistors 2W 1K 5%
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
6
Mouser #:    561-L41.0   
Mfr. #:    561-L41.0
Manufacturer:     Eagle Plastic Devices
Desc.:    Circuit Board Hardware - PCB SPCR HEX 4-40X1.0
RoHS:     RoHS Compliant
1
Mouser #:    273-330K-RC
Mfr. #:  273-330K-RC
Manufacturer:    Xicon
Desc.:    Metal Film Resistors - Through Hole 1/2watt 330Kohms 1%
RoHS:     No
2 Mouser #:    71-RN65D-F-100  
Mfr. #:    RN65D1000FB14
Manufacturer:     Vishay
Desc.:    Metal Film Resistors - Through Hole 1/2watt 100ohms 1% 100ppm
RoHS:     No

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ZKIT2-BO

   $35.00

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Circuit board with NO parts.  Board uses Edcor power and output transformers.


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 Decware products are proudly hand made in the USA by High Fidelity Engineering Co.
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