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| Model: | Zen Triode Preamp |
| Category: | Preamplifier (Tube) |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $895 |
| Description: | dual output line stage |
| Manufacturer URL: | Decware |
| Model Picture: | View |
|
Review by Audiophilander on December 27, 1999 at 12:12:55 IP Address: 209.197.193.53 |
Add Your Review for the Zen Triode Preamp |
I purchased this preamp direct from the manufacturer (i.e. Steve Deckert) during the summer of 1999 and returned it in early December for several reasons which will be described later. Decware is a small audiophile-based manufacturer whose products are designed around triodes.Description: The Zen Triode preamp is a minimalist dual-mono design utilizing two tubes and point to point wiring. In a rather novel concept, toggle switches are employed for switching between capacitors and high/low bias adjustments for shaping various sound configurations. Dual outputs provide a means for simultaneous running of a separate amp for subwoofer, surround processor, etc., if desired. Oddly, all functions except dual volume pots are accessed from the rear panel. The Zen Tride Preamp uses a separate black box power supply connected by a long turquoise blue umbilical (removeable). Dual inputs and outputs are top quality.
When I ordered the Zen Triode Pre I knew I'd have a long wait due to the nature of it's hand-built construction [Note: patience is a prerequisite in dealing with this manufacturer, as you shall see.]. My unit shipped some 12 weeks after I placed my order (i.e. two weeks longer than typical apparently, based on the manufacturer's claims), but the separate power supply arrived with broken on/off toggle switch making the preamp unfunctional. To Steve's credit, he overnighted me a replacement.
My initial impressions were good: the Zen Triode Preamp imparted a warm detailed signature to music. The switchable caps (i.e. a rel-cap, and an orange drop) allowed tappering of sound based on the music and the gear used to play it. The dual volume pots weren't overly difficult to balance, but the rear panel adjustments and having to shut everything down every time I wanted to switch capicitors/bias for different music was a bit of a nuissance. However, the biggest problem with this preamp in my system was an audible hum (i.e. audible in that it could be heard across my listening room). [Note: Unfortunately, this unit had to be replaced and then the replacement replaced over the course of two months due to either hum or frequency responce anomalies which the manufacturer had to troubleshoot. Steve was kind enough to extend the 30 day trial period accordingly and very prompt to provide a refund when things didn't work out.]
My decision to send this preamp back for a refund was not an easy one. Most of the time the Decware preamp sounded great in spite of the always present low level hum (i.e. usually only noticeable during quiet musical passages and between tracks). However, after one of my monoblock power amps blew fuses on two separate occasions (i.e. without damage resulting) I decided that the preamp was not well suited to my system.
Steve Deckert has been quick to point out in our e-mail and phone exchanges that his preamp is still in the developemental stage and that he fine tunes units based on his customer's feedback. This is something any potential buyer needs to be aware of: the Zen Triode Preamp is a preproduction model and it's very uniqueness does have a downside. While it has the potential for producing wonderfully warm rich detailed sound with a wide and deep soundstage it suffers from unit to unit anomalies. These anomalies are extremely frustrating and require a great deal of patience on the part of the customer. Therefore, IMHO, the Zen Preamp is a tweaker's dream, but may very well be a music lover's nightmare.
One personal observation: Mr. Deckert seems to be a rather happy-go-lucky manufacturer who's very courteous and supportive when discussing problems with his customers. From the conversations I've had with him I'm left with the impression that he sincerely cares about his customer's satisfaction and is quite disappointed when his products don't live up to expectations.
| Product Weakness: | Long delivery time after initial order, unit to unit variations in performance and QC problems, audible low level hum, rear panel switching is only recommended after the unit has been turned off for several minutes (i.e. to avoid possible damage to amps and speakers). |
| Product Strengths: | warm detailed musical presentation, high-quality parts, switchable capacitors, dual outputs, simple design and nice appearance. |
| Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
| Amplifier: | Transcendent Super Compact 150 tubed monoblocks |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | alt. source: Receiver pre-out |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Prism LD/CD Player; Pioneer DV-414 DVD/CD Player [Note: both utilized as transports] |
| Speakers: | Gallo Nucleus Solos (main); Velodyne ULD18B (subwoofer) |
| Cables/Interconnects: | VansEvers tfc network Type III speaker cables; std. gold RCA contact interconnects |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | various: rock (UFO, Yes, Argent, Steve Miller, King Crimson, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Genesis, Van Der Graaf Generator, Procol Harum, Liquid Tension Experiment, etc.), classical/instrumental (Holst, California Guitar Trio, Bernstein, Copland, Vollenweider, et al.), and female vocalists (Diana Krall, Patricia Barber, Kate Bush, Joan Osbourne, Jocelyn Montgomery, et al.) |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 24' x 18' x 8' 6" |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | bookcases with books organized to break-up standing waves, paneling |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | 2 1/2 months |
| Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | computer grade line filtering/protection |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Home Audition |
Was that I didn't get here fast enough to see Nigel's and Diablo's posts. I see you brought your fiend Slappy over from AR. Good for you.So what was the source of the hum????
So what did you use for a DAC, since you apparently used your disk players for transports only?
I guess it also would have been interesting to learn your opinion of how the unit sounded (other than "warm detailed"). But then again...
I've gotta say, all things considered, this is about the weakest review I've ever seen.
> > > I've gotta say, all things considered, this is about the weakest review I've ever seen. < < <Jim, you evidently don't read many reviews here, do you? I've seen several that were one short paragraph merely stating the reviewer liked (or disliked) the component under review. One that comes to mind contained only two sentences. Shouldn't you be a bit more accurate when your posts are bordering on flames. Ask yourself - would I respond differently if it weren't Auph? We have enough hypocrites here, we surely don't need another one.
There have been a number of weak reviews posted. I did not intend to single this one out as "the worst" and apologize if I came across that way. I probably should have stopped short of the last sentence.
I suspect you know some of the history here but the guy who reviewed this product has a history of "reviewing" products that he's never seen or heard. His credibility is highly suspect and he does as result attract a good deal of criticism. At one point he was challenged to disclose where he had heard a particular speaker. He gave the name of the retailer thinking no one would check. As it turns out, the retailer never sold that product, new or used.
with the circumstances surrounding the uncalled for flames against Auph and where they stemmed from. Pray tell, what does that have to do with the review in question? Absolutely nothing! Everything should be taken on its own merits - period.
I have nothing against Audiophilander and if you're feeling is that he
is qualified to "comment" on every imaginable subject, then more power
to you. Where I and others have been critical is when someone / anyone demonstrates an affinity to respond to questions or offer opinions / reviews on every conceivable subject. Now, I don't know this guy and he might be very knowledgeable, but I strongly suspect that he isn't an expert on every possible subject dealing with audio. If I asked you a question about Cold Fusion, unless you're a nuclear physicist, your probable answer would be that you don't know the answer. Not so for Audiophilander. He'll give you an answer to any question on any subject and if you think I wrong - just ask him - anything. I guarantee, you'll get an answer. The words "I don't know" are not part of his vernacular.
(nt)
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I'll assume that you're just repeating what you've heard, but wild allegations like those you're tossing out should be kept to one's self unless supported by evidence. Otherwise, you're just spreading rumour by innuendo.Allow me to make this very clear: I DON'T CONDUCT REVIEWS OF PRODUCTS UNLESS I'VE HEARD THEM, AND NEVER HAVE. Furthermore, the statement you made that I "gave the name of the retailer thinking no one would check" back during the Von Schweikert/Vandersteen debacle is simply false. Where's the logic of providing information which could be checked if I didn't believe it was accurate?
Any analysis of the facts will bear out my version of this: I provided both the dealers name and phone number and invited anyone to inquire because I thought I was correct. [Note: After the fact, the dealer was also in a position to verify our auditioning of the Vandersteen speakers.]
Yes, I should have double-checked before commenting publicly, but I did apologize upon discovering my mistake. Finally, albeit old news, the Vandersteen speakers were the ones the wife and I found woefully lacking; that opinion hasn't changed.
Respectfully,
AuPh
I won't comment on your snipes, but I will answer your questions. First of all, the source of the hum was undeniably the Decware preamp, mostly RF noise which was apparently the result of poor grounding. Steve Deckert attemped on two occasions to eliminate this problem (i.e. first, by correcting a QC issue in the preamp where several units had been shipped with defective soldering, then by increasing the power supply and adding a resister), but there was still an unacceptable amount of hum, IMO.As for your second question, there is no place on the review form to specifically list the DAC. Besides, I bet if you ask 4 out of 5 people at this site they can tell you which DAC I use after all the posts last year at AR (i.e. in case you've forgotten, it's the MSB Link-DAC). Nevertheless, I'm sorry about this oversight (i.e. one should never assume anyone has facts not in evidence.)
Why would you want a more in depth description of the Decware Zen Preamp's sound? I thought that I made it clear that in spite of the warmth and detail it imparted that I felt it wasn't ready for prime time. If I raved about it's sound it might have given conflicting impressions. By the same token, if I went through all of my concerns about Decware's quality control and unit to unit variation, it would appear as though I'm unfairly slamming the manufacturer (i.e. and yes, there's more, MUCH more that I didn't go into) As it was, I said that I liked it and sending it back for a refund was difficult.
Now I think I'll go read some of your reviews, so I can learn how it should be done.
Respectfully,
AuPh
API had forgotten about the MSB Link. When you posted about the 2 units used as transport only it was like shining a flashlight on the question of "what DAC." Not knowing anything about the unit under review I went to their site to look for anything that could have been an explanation.
You might recall (then again, maybe not), I live in a somewhat remote region of France. I have little opportunity to actually listen to equipment in stores. The 2 stores I have found in Geneva do not have good acoustics: one concentrates on Golden Tube/Alon, and the other concentrates on Naim/JM Lab. Of the lot, I think the JM Lab have the most potential - but I'm not in the market for speakers. And, bottom line, anything I buy and bring home I pay 20.6% tax on. There are 2 consequences. First, I don't do equipment listening evaluations because I don't (fairly) evaluate any of the locally available equipment. I'm not interested in it. Second, and more importantly, I read the equipment reviews in the general asylum to see what I may consider as a future purchase. This is especially true of things I can buy directly from the manufacturer. One reason is that I can drop ship to the US mission and get things tax free. So, yeah, I'm interested in things like tube preamps in the $1,000-$3,000 range. Your explanation of the hum retains the mystery.
If you want to see any of my reviews, you'll need to walk down music lane.
> > You might recall (then again, maybe not), I live in a somewhat remote region of France. < <As I was planning a return trip to France this summer, this is good to know. Now I won't have to worry about booking a hotel.
I travel with a fairly large entourage, by the by. I hope it won't be any, errrr, inconvenience.
Cheers.
Nigel
Your entourage includes at least one pair of Sonus Faber Amatis (which you would pick up in Italy just before stopping by), in which case you and your entourage are most welcome.All the best,
Jim
If any one of us considered the Amati to be a listenable loudspeaker, a foray into Italy to pick up a pair would have been but a minor inconvenience. Ah well.If it helps sway your decision in our direction, we each travel with our own private supplies of Italian Mineral Water.
Cheers.
Nigel
Only if it's San Pelligrino, frizzante. The others have the taste of southern Italy, I'm afraid.And just what loudspeakers do you travel with? I can imagine that backpacking across France with a pair of Grand Slamms would be an ennobling experience.
a bientot
Jim
AuPh,You were doing good until that last sentence.
Why should Auph be judged any different than anyone else? Huh?? Methinks you are a tad too sensitive to what others have said. Take all things on their merits.
Daryl,Methinks you don't know what you are talking about. I was simply telling AuPh that his response was good up until the last sentence. The last sentnece was an invitation to another flaming response. Based on his response, I think he understood my comment.
Since I should be "Taking all things on their merits", Methinks that I probably should not respond to your post because it does have any....merit that is.
His last sentence, as you so inappropriately stated, was an invitation to a flame only to those who have a propensity for flaming. Tne average person in no way would consider it "an invitation to flame." What's your excuse?
Sorry, it was hard to completely ignore that apparent level of arrogance. I was much nicer to Jim in a response to another assertion he made about my reviews above. In all seriousness, I am going to read his reviews; if they're that much better than those I've written here and elsewhere, I'll be sure to tell him so. Honest.AuPh
Jim,Snide comments like yours will make anyone have second thoughts as to whether or not to post a review. Maybe a simple non-critical question will elicit an elaboration on the DAC which was used. Do you suppose that maybe (just maybe) the listing of the DAC(s) was an oversight?
He made a point of listing his players as transport only.Snide comments? The "review" spent about 10x the bandwidth listing what he used as source than what he heard through the preamp. Warm and detailed??? What kind of review is that? For pete's sake. My cat is warm and detailed. The whole post was a winge about how AP tried to get a cheap deal on something and he got what he paid for - a pre-release product that wasn't ready for prime time. No discussion whatsoever of why the unit hummed. Or why the subsequent fixes didn't work.
Sorry, but IMHO there wasn't much review there.
What kind of cat do you own? I have 3, and they are all, to varying degrees, "warm and fuzzy" not "warm and detailed." The long-haired one is especially fuzzy. In fact, after he has returned from his quarterly shampoo-and-conditioner treatment at the "Pet Barn," (maybe that's what you mean by "detailed" in reference to a cat; like when you have your car "detailed" meaning "thoroughly cleaned and waxed??") he's so irresistably fuzzy that I defy ANYONE not to have an uncontrollable urge to pet him on first sight.But seriously, your comment was kind of scorch, if not a flame, don't you think? Assuming the truth of what was said, I found the review informative, even if most of the discussion was not about the sound of the product. As far as I'm concerned, the matters that were discussed are relevant to an equipment review.
Well, actually I own sort of an orange mutant variant of the standard US domestic shorthair. (De-tailed would have been apropos if I owned a Manx... hehehe)I think the "review" might better be classified as a "winge," but I'd prefer to stop rabbiting on about it.
Are you the appointed grader of all reviews that are posted? If so, I will refrain from reviewing--I will keep my equipment opinions to myself.
The "appointed grader of all reviews that are posted". Nevertheless, please don't let that stop you from keeping your equipment opinions to yourself.
JUST what I was thinking. Thank you!Cheers.
Nigel
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I was just goofing on Auph, you're far too kind.
I couldn't thinly veil a hard-on at a lesbian rights rally.
the Audio Prism Mantissa (now owned by Mark Levinson's Red Rose brand at a 50% mark up)? Or was that someone else back a few month's ago? I think you sent the Mantissa back and kept the Zen. What are you gonna do now that neither one stayed in your rig (and the Mantissa is definitely in the expensive category)?Enjoy,
Bob
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... my audio-karma isn't bereft of such ironies. The very same weekend I returned the Decware Preamp I discovered, much to my chagrin, that the model which I'd targeted as it's replacement was being discontinued by the manufacturer! [Note: It was to be a modified version of the Transcendent Grounded Grid Preamp. Sadly, Bruce Rozenblit decided to discontinue this model due to slow sales (i.e. in spite of glowing reviews); the last one shipped mere days before my order.] :-(More than likely I'll end up purchasing a used Audible Illusions Modulus 3A or some other reputable preamp with the functions I require (i.e. if the price is right).
AuPh
I'll build you Bruce's "Grounded Grid Peamp" as it is termed (pg 83) in AR for $300. It will cost me about $150 to build it so I think the markup is reasonable (no guarantee on aesthetic quality). The darn thing looks simple enough that I think you ought to be able to DIY.BTW, Just kidding, lest Bruce sues me for copyright infringement or something. I may build it anyway just so I can say I have a peamp.
Tom §.
Have you demo'ed the VAC LE standard preamp?
"Bruce Rozenblit decided to discontinue this model due to slow sales (i.e. in spite of glowing reviews)"
Hahaha.. now there is a statement for you.. I'm sure your idol Bruce designed a wonderful preamp. So wonderful that nobody bought it. But the world is full of dummies.Why not try a SS preamp. With the shrill output from your compact 150's, I'm sure it would be a perfect synergy. All that negative feedback, class AB operation, PP design, circuit boards would be a perfect match up.
Not to worry, your speakers and magical bookcases will muffle the brightness
FrankPS. Sorry to see you return. Go back and play at AR where you belong
Frank,I suspect that it would be much nicer at the Asylum if you performed your playing at AR.
Why so much venom?
Frank S's post is out of line with the policies of this forum - no personal attacks - and should be trashed. As Diablo's should be. They both were totally uncalled for, and unprovoked, and should not be tolerated here. That's AR kind of junk.
I've dealt with people of that mind-set before, and you can't win arguments with them (i.e. either they produce enough steam to get the thread pulled or bait a response which gets someone banned). In all fairness, I'm sure Frank is an expert on Transcendent gear or he wouldn't speak so critically of it.Respectfully,
AuPh
Actually, depending on one's perspective, a lot of things might fit the category of "okay." Not everyone will agree, of course. And rightfully so.And this is not a neat black-and-white issue, though many folks will feel capable of identifying (in and out of context) the villains and victims.
Look at your "it's okay Dave" post, for example. First, you pump yourself up as an innocent, which based upon your posting history (and many people's responses to you now will reflect heavily upon past events) is not an entirely accurate depiction, even though your post prompting the fanging was by its own merit tame and generally harmless. Your own mindset in the past was seemingly such that you did not see (or want to believe)your own role in tangled threads at AR and AA. Second, your final line is an awkward sarcastic remark, phrased in such a manner as to look like an attempt to pass itself off as a generous assessment of someone who had just written a scathing attack not warranting any generosity. Do you think stuff like that is going to change people's views of you, or suggest to them you have matured and grown in wisdom and tact?
My short question was an honest one, with me wondering why someone felt compelled to strike out in the fashion he did. It wasn't meant as a judgement of him in any fashion, or an invitation for anyone to plead their own case, or take an opportunity to fire a return volley. I personally don't view myself as a sage or anyone with any less foibles than everyone else; nonetheless, I will offer these observations in case they are of any value to you.
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Please help me to understand. Auph gets this little lecture from you w/ the blessing from a moderator based on his comeback to an obvious, straight forward insult. Where are your fine words to the likes of Nigel, Rich, Diablo and Frank S. who act like they're incapable of posting w/o, at the very least, a veiled insult. I simply find this whole return of Audiophilander and the host of insults directed at him while you same people say virtually nothing to people who seem to be here for the sole purpose of trying to turn this site into a AR clone grossly hypocritical.
There is too much humbug from too many people here. Leave Auph to put his point over.
Those who attack him all the time just show there themselves up.
If you look at a single snapshot, you can form a different opinion than the one you would when looking at the whole album.Nigel, Rich, DiabloET, and others have popped in from time to time with their less-than-kind and unproductive comments. Folks have seen that kind of stuff for what it is, and for the most part comment about it when it happens...but not always. Some folks will overlook it because they like the transgressors, or feel the posts are humorous (though at someone's expense), or because they believe the people in question to be much more knowledgable than themselves. Others will lay low, because to challenge folks like that is an open invitation to being attacked, etc. But, the effect of their actions is like a bad head cold...it's unpleasant...it directly effects the one person, unless they pass it on to someone...and it's soon gone, if not forgotten.
Auph is a different kind of nut to crack. At heart, his posts and attitudes are not mean-spirited like the others. But, as seen on AR and AA, they are like a domino effect, and can draw out a lot of counterproductive threads, etc. Some of that happens just because people have taken to ridiculing him or outright disliking him. But, some of it happens because of the way he posts. But, in case you have not seen what happens when he becomes the consistent target or prompter of tangled threads, the end results are not like a head cold. They are more akin to a plague or such, in that the effects linger...many people get involved...and a lot of nasty sniping takes place, and not just between himself and his attackers (folks tended to take sides, start separate feuds, and lose track of the initial post that started the thread). That was more true, in awful fashion, at AR. But, some of it carried over to this site. Again, while much of it reflected the nature of the attackers rather than Auph himself, the end results didn't take sides---they were unpleasant for everyone.
Everyone gets to choose their own crusades, whether or not they are tilting at windmills. I could have been quiet (the easy thing to do) or could interject my thoughts. My aim was not to come down as a load of bricks on everything that seems counterproductive, but instead to chime in on what I personally thought was a potential flashpoint. Anyone else reading has the same opportunity, for any given issue regarding any given person or persons. You did so, and that's great. If you want to view me as hypocritical, that is your privilege; if I choose to disagree with you, that is my privilege. I personally don't see inaction as an automatic component to hypocrisy (ie, I didn't actively support some individuals you named). But, your point is well taken, and I thank you for your insights.
(though at someone's expense).Sorry Dave, but I view the above quote by you as hyprocital. Decent people never see humor when it's at someone else's expense. And, it's a shame that you "don't see inaction as an automatic component to hypocrisy..." If you will recall the statement by Burt Lancaster's character in Judgement at Nuremberg - "Where were we?" That refers to the inaction of the German citizens to the Nazi atrocities against the Jews. So yes, inaction is tantamount to hypocrisy whether you want to accept it or not.
Though it's not productive, I will still reply. Perhaps my mental instability is a product of approaching Y2Kaos.One, I never said decent people laughed at other peoples expense. I said some people will not challenge other people because they see humor in what they say at someone else's expense. Never was there any implication such people are decent. Just that there are many reasons why certain people or issues worth challenging are not always challenged.
Two, your definitions sound very nice on paper, and would make for a better world, but I wonder if they are entirely fair or realistic. For example, say someone wanted to help the needy, said as much, and gave to one person standing on a street corner. But, he didn't give to every needy person he came across, which in one interpretation would equate to inaction. Is he a hypocrite? Should someone expect him to give to all needy people? Should he keep from giving to one such individual because he cannot possibly give to all? Does he have a right to choose which person he helps?
It may be that I am more than a tad slow upstairs, but I thought hypocrisy meant saying one believes something they don't actually believe, or trying to pass themself off as something they are not. I don't understand why not acting on one's beliefs at every opportunity for action should brand a person a hypocrite.
Also, is there a sense of obligation in one's posting at AA? For example, I would expect that a parent should treat all of his or her own children similarly (as situations best allow) when they misbehave, as the children are the parent's responsibility. But, if they see some other parent's kids doing wrong things in a shopping mall, are they obligated to take those kids to task in the same fashion they would their own kids? Note that I ask these as conceptual questions based on your stance...I'm not implying some parallel to the issue in the thread. And I am not thinking or acting negatively in any way towards yourself.
As usual, your analysis is thoughtful
and commentary is right on the mark.
As a bonus, your motives appear to be
well-directed, too. Even so, given that
you are aware of the history, I can't
help but be curious about how much energy
you will put into helping the subject see
how he continually contributes to the
circumstances in which he finds himself.I ask, because many, many efforts have
been made in this direction in the past,
yet, as the current situation demonstrates,
none have borne any positive fruit.
æ
My intent was to avoid making Frank's remarks into contentious issue, as I had assumed you were. Your question appeared rhetorical and therefore critical of Frank's off the cuff remarks. From your response to me though, it would appear that your quiry serves some other purpose. Why would you seriously want to know his reasoning if you're not trying to fuel his remarks?My apologies if I've misunderstood your intent.
AuPh
Does a man looking close for possible guilt or ill intent in others have a guilty conscience? Or is it more akin to a dog that has been beaten so many times, that it will view any future approach by humans as another likely attack? Or is it honest misinterpretation?My original short question was not rhetorical. The best way to seek healing or peace is to understand the illness or the reasons behind the discord. My priority was not him...myself...or you. It was AA. Similarly, my post to you also had AA as the main priority...history often repeats itself if people do not learn from it. In the past, though likely with no conscious intent, you have served as a lightning rod for a number of reasons. A lot of messes could have been avoided if you had understood how your manner and methods inflamed certain people. If both sides learn to compromise, might the waters be a bit calmer??? A secondary priority, whether you realize it or not, was for your own well-being. AA is a fine site, and folks stand to gain a lot and give a lot. Arguments are fine, and add spice and an opportunity for introspection, etc. But personal attacks, sly innuendo, etc, are not constructive or pleasant. Like I said, it's not my intent to judge you unless I feel a need to be judged myself. By I think my observations ring true, even though constructive criticism is not always a tasteful tonic.
What I said about constructive criticism goes for everyone, in my opinion. If you or others think my interpretations of things is way off the mark, or is just so much nonsense or aimless chatter, let me know. There are opportunities at AA to learn about oneself, not just other people, equipment, etc.
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I could wright the same review, word for word.
Stev is great to deal with, but the pre amp is still in my opinon not ready for the audio community.
When he does get it right,it will be a giant killer.
I returned my for a refund.
I will consider purchasing one at a later date when all the bugs are out of it.
Thanks for the candid review and for your unfortunate experiences. I was toying with the idea of buing from Decware, but most certainly will not now. The moral of this is you get what you pay for.
HI Mitch, I also bought the Decware and have had it for about a month and have had absolutely NO problems whatsoever. I went from a passive to this tubed unit and the tubed is better in everyway. We're not talking massive sonic gains but what is there is very nice. Really brought a warm, natural, organic sound to my system. But Auph is right in that there is a lot of gamble from unit to unit. But when it works, it works wonderfully.
Hey Guys,In defense of the PREAMP, yes I own one, in fact I was one of the first buyers and got a great discounted prototype...Steve has always been fantastic and fanatical about cusotmer satisfaction and audio as we are.
I own the Sub, the ZEN AMP, two, in the original aluminum chassis's...I've never had any problems with any of it...ever...I am listening to Pat Masseney (sp??) right now via the Tannoy Westminsters and the dual Zen amps, one per speaker...the ZEN preamp driving them...I switch between a number of modified caps I've added, tweaked with Steve's recommendation...I've even made the modification to different version's of the amp and preamp as he evolves with NO TROUBLE EVER...I use ASC polycarb. caps, westcap Oils' and two other sets. via an extra switch I added....please note the amps I use are not common and fairly rare, esoteric, etc...
I love Steve's attitude and equip....especially since Steve sold me bench models that needed work and thye still sound grand...
I've run the PREAMP with the following on the fly changes to bias, cap and mute switches with no problems, and NEVER SHUT DOWN:
Mesa Baron
All Manner of Marshall and Ampeg amps...Mesa Tigris,
Dynaco all models,
Heathkit A9c, w5m, w6m
Homebrew SE DHT 45, 2a3, 245, etc...ZEN amps...even a B*K, gulp solid state amp and an old Pioneer...
My speakers are VOT Altecs, Tannoy Westminsters, all manner of Marshall stacks, Klipsch Horns, Tannoy M2, etc, etc, B&W nautilus....
Never a problem...try it again.
See my Reviews at www.decware.com ZEN AMP
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