Decware CSP3 Zen Triode ($1440-$2940)
- Decware CSP3.jpg (333.84 KiB) Vist 82895 gange
Classic Stereo Preamp and Reference Headphone Amplifier
The CSP3 is a purist execution of a classic all-tube line stage and OTL headphone amp. It uses 6N1P/6922 triodes with zero negative feedback and is all point-to-point wired using boutique parts and wire. It is built so well that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Besides its incredible sound, what makes this preamp unique is its adjustability. You can adjust the output level for each channel to anywhere between 0 and 30 Volts RMS which is enough to drive any type of amplifier with amazing weight and control. It's a simple process. You just set your volume control to 12 o'clock and then raise the output levels slowly until you reach what you would consider your normal listening volume. Your preamp is now perfectly set and matched to the amplifier.
For headphone users, there is an adjustable input level control for each channel allowing you to compensate for high- and low- efficiency headphones. This way your master volume control can operate throughout its entire range without getting too touchy or aggressive.
There are two headphone jacks on this unit, which can be configured for 1/4" headphone jacks, 4-PIN XLR jacks or dual 3-PIN XLR jacks. That covers all known types of quality headphone cables that you might have. Many people will configure it with a 1/4" jack on one side and a 4-pin XLR jack on the other side so that both types of headphones can be used.
The headphone output is suitable for 32 to 600 ohm headphones excluding some planar headphones, which may become volume- limited due to their low efficiency. Features• Locking 1/4 inch headphone jacks - one for each side. Use either side or both. Optional XLR headphone jacks in dual 3 pin or dual 4 pin available.
• Left and Right Headphone Calibration Controls. These are used to calibrate the master volume control so that your headphones don't get too loud, too fast. Typically set so that the master volume control is half way up at your normal listening level. They can also be used to adjust the balance between the left and right ears.
• Left and Right Line Level Output Controls. These are used to dial in the gain of this preamp so that it is perfect with any amplifier. You can adjust the outputs to between zero and six volts. The trick to this is also simple. Just turn them all the way down, turn on your amplifier, raise the master volume to around half way up and then slowly adjust the output level controls to reach your normal listening level. This guarantees a perfect match with any amplifier regardless of it's input sensitivity and power. These can also be used to adjust left/right balance between channels.
• Left (Right) output Triode 6N1P-EB or 6922. This is the work horse tube for the left (right) channel. While it is a dual triode, it is wired in series with itself to lower the output impedance and improve transparency since the two halves of the tube no longer half to match.
• Rectifier Tube - 5U4 or 5AR4 or 5Y3GT or some 274B. This is the power supply tube that rectifies AC into high voltage DC. Compatible with those listed above tube rectifiers have three advantages; 1) They sound better 2) You can use different ones for different signatures when voicing your unit 3) They protect the amp from power surges. In extreme cases such as nearby lightening strikes they will fail to save the preamp. Easy and inexpensive to replace, they eliminate costly service and down time which is common with solid state rectification.
• Stereo Input Tube - 6N1P-EB or 6922 or 6DJ8. This is the main tube for voicing the unit. It is a dual triode and has both the left and right channels going through it. This makes tube rolling quick and inexpensive when you get in moods to experiment with the CSP3's sound.
• Master Volume. This is the master volume control located near the front for ease of access and only one inch away from the input tube which keeps the signal path as short as possible. Optionally you can configure your CSP3 with a gold contact stepped attenuator from within the shopping cart.
• Source switch. This simply selects between two line level sources. It has silver contacts and is located directly next to the volume control to eliminate long signal paths. This is a purist way of having two inputs. If you require more inputs, we sell a high quality switch box that can be used to expand the inputs from two to five. Often we'll run our best analog source directly into input A on the CSP3 and input B is the switch box containing all of our digital sources.
Options• Wood Base: Black figured, dark walnut, natural cherry/oak/maple, exotic zebra (ao exotic woods if obtainable)
• Knobs: Walnut, ebony, gold, black/cream chickenhead
• Volume control: 20 position stepped attenuator to replace the smooth action volume control.
• Caps: Audiophile Grade film caps, Standard Beeswax, Copper foil beeswas, Copper foil VCAPs
• Outputs: Dual stereo outputs.. you can change the default mono output to a stereo output giving you two pair of stereo output jacks. This is handy if you run two amplifiers to power your speakers (Bi-amping).
• Headphone Jacks: Alternate headphone jacks.. you can change the dual 1/4 inch headphone jacks to dual 3 pin or dual 4 pin XLR jacks (or one of each) to accommodate different kinds of headphone cables.
• Anniversary Mod: Due to amazing sonics made possible by the technology used in our 25th Anniversary Zen Triode Amplifier an anniversary mod has been developed for the CSP3 as well. The mod introduces a pair of voltage regulator tubes to handle the high voltage for each channel and then the power supply is heavily bypassed with beeswax caps. The result is a resolution explosion combined with more juicy tone and weight.
Specifications• Weight: 16 lbs. ea.
• Dimensions: 8.5†H x 7.250" W x 14.75" D
• Circuit type: Single ended Class A Triode OTL
• Output: Adjustable 0 ~ 30 volts
• Input voltage: 250mv ~ 5.0 volts
• Noise / Hum: Less than 0.5 millivolts
• Input Impedance: 50 KOhms
• Output Impedance: < 60 ohms
• Response : 5 Hz ~ 70 kHz
• Feedback: ZERO negative feedback used
• Rectification: 5U4 tube rectification
• Signal tubes: 6N1P-EB or 6922 or 6Dj8
• Transformers: Transformers custom made by Decware
• Biasing: Self-Biasing circuit - never needs adjustment
• Resistors: All resistors are audiophile grade
• Signal Cap: Audiophile grade poly film caps
• Filter Caps: All filter caps are premium quality
• AC cord: Fused IEC connector provided with removable power cord
• Consumption: 65 watts at full power
• Input jacks: High Quality RCA type 24K Gold / Teflon
• Output jacks: High Quality RCA type 24K Gold / Teflon
• Headphone jack: High Quality dual 1/4 inch stereo jack or dual 3 pin XLR or dual 4 pin XLR or one 1/4 inch and one 4 pin XLR
• Warranty: Lifetime to original owner / 90 days on tubes
http://www.decware.com/newsite/CSP3.htmlhttp://www.decware.com/newsite/CSP3Manual.pdfDecware Zen Taboo mk IV ($2295-$2905)
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In 2011 we were asked to put a headphone jack on our Taboo amplifier to be used with planar headphones multiple times and since then the Zen Taboo has become a popular topic of conversation among Head-Fi users from all over the world. The tremendous feedback was encouraging and a year later we re-designed the Taboo from the ground up as a planar headphone amplifier that could still be used to drive speakers (instead of a speaker amplifier that could still be used to drive headphones). The resulting Taboo Mk III was so good it not only dominated the planar headphone market for those who appreciate the transparency of tubes, but developed a real following among dynamic headphone owners as well. Even one of the better headphone manufactures in the USA is using it as a reference to develop and test all their new headphones. We are now in the final chapter of the evolution of this fine reference grade headphone amplifier, with the release of this new model, the Taboo Mk IV.
You have to understand that what makes a Taboo so unique is a feature called "Lucid Mode" which makes things image. An essoteric form of crossfeed, it was originally intended to improve the imaging of loudspeakers. As we all know crossfeed is an essential ingredient in all great headphone amp designs so in 2013 we added a second "Lucid Mode" switch specifically tuned for the 50 ohm Audeze LCD-2. This made the Taboo a real force to reckon with if you had LCD-2, ZMF or similar impedance headphones. Now Lucid Mode is masterfully redesigned as a single variable control with a bypass switch. You simply dial in the amount of effect you want by ear as you listen. Lucid mode is a fully analog effect that occurs naturally within the circuit. There are no circuit chips, circuit boards, or solid state parts anywhere inside a Taboo to manipulate or posion the utter transparency of the music.Features• Lucid mode is now
fully variable and as a result the feature works with ALL headphones, Planar or Dynamic!
• Another exciting upgrade over the previous Mk III model is an incredible dual volume setup with infinitely adjustable left and right controls. So far everyone who's tried it is saying they can't live without it despite being hesitent at first! Dual controls allow you to do some very special things that you won't want to live without.
• The Taboo Mk IV also features an updated layout requiring a new chassis design that facilitates a
more direct internal layout resulting in more breathtaking transparency through greater simplicity.
• Some features that were optional for an extra cost on the Mk III are
now included. These include the popular HI/LO option for running both high and low efficiency headphones, and rather than having a HI and LO headphone jack we added a switch so you can listen to any headphone in either mode and decide for yourself what sounds better.
•
Now available with optional balanced XLR inputs which have been optimized to take advantage of the higher signal voltages common with balanced sources. Having the ability to run your Taboo fully balanced would bring all the sonic advantages that a good preamp usually adds but with greater transparency.
• The Mk IV is now built with only
balanced outputs and comes with a
4 pin XLR headphone jack shown in the images below. This is the only way the Taboo Mk IV is available. There is no unbalanced 1/4 headphone jack on this machine.
• The Taboo is an easy amplifier to own because there is no maintenance and no bias pots to adjust. Tubes last a long time - typically several years. The chassis is build without vent holes to let dirt and dust contaminate the inside.
• Like previous models, you still have inputs for two sources and speaker level outputs for operating loudspeakers. Some hardcore headphone enthusiasts will also use these speaker binding posts in an unexpected way by using the amplifiers binding posts to further tune their headphones by installing various size resistors.
Options• Voltage Options: This amplifier is optionally available with our World Voltage Compatible Transformers. If you live outside the USA, simply select your voltage when you check out and your Taboo will be automatically wired and tested for the correct voltage of your country.
• Wood Base Options: You may select from two standard wood bases, either Walnut or what we call Black Figured, at no extra cost. Optionally you can get Oak, Cherry and Maple for a small up charge. Custom woods are also available, just check the box for Custom in the shopping cart and then let us know what kind of wood you want in the comments section of the order or in an email.
• Signal Capacitor Options: The amplifier comes standard with Cryo-Treated High Temperature Beeswax Capacitors with silver plated leads from the USA company called Jupiter Condenser. Alternately we have a type II Beeswax capacitor that uses copper foil that is claimed to be a notch better from the same manufactuer.
• Knobs: The knob choices are shown above. All are interchangeable so should you ever change your mind down the road, the knobs can be changed by you.
• Input Jacks: The Taboo Mk IV comes standard with dual RCA inputs featuring 24k Gold Plated Teflon jacks made in the USA. Silver RCA jacks are available for a slight up charge. These may be preferred by those running pure silver signal cables with solid silver connectors for the simple reason there is less dissimilar metals. Otherwise we hear no real difference.
• XLR Input Option: Selecting this option will allow you to run both RCA and fully balanced XLR inputs and switch between the two.
TubesThe stock configuration uses a single input tube of the 6922 family (such as 6N1P / 6DJ8 / 6N11 / 6N23P / 7DJ8) driving a pair of EL84 or SV83 (6P15P-EV) output tubes. The rectifier is a 5U4 but you may substitute 5Y3GT, 5AR4's or the new Valve Art 274B. You can expect over 6000 hours of pristine fidelity from the included 6P15P-EV tubes. Because this amp has the Hazen Grid Mod that activates only when SV83 (6P15P-EV) output tubes are used, we ship the amp with the best mil spec 6P15P-EV's made. These are Russian New Old Stock tubes with Gold grids, extra thick glass, plated pins, and tested in your amplifier. All tubes come with a 90 day warranty.
DECWARE always has the best quality hand selected replacement tubes in stock for your Taboo.
SpecificationsThis amplifier requires no adjustments or maintenance other than changing tubes every couple years. It is a self biasing design and self balancing meaning even unmatched tubes become matched when installed. The SV83 (6P15P-EV) or EL84 output tubes were chosen for their sound quality over all other pentodes - price was not a factor.
• Weight: 17 lbs. ea.
• Dimensions: 8.5†H x 7.25" W x 14..75" D
• Chassis: Steel/Wood
• Finish: Black Powder Coat Typewriter Finish
• Base: Solid hardwood / user interchangeable
• Circuit type: Single ended Class A Pentode
• Power Output: .5W@4Ω / 1W@8Ω / 1.2W@16Ω / 1.5W@24Ω / 1.6W@32Ω / 1.7W@50Ω-600Ω (figures are for headphones, doubles into loudspeakers)
• Input voltage: 2.1 volts for full output
• Noise / Hum: < 1 millivolt
• Response: 10 Hz ~ 80 kHz
• Rectification: 5Y3GT / 5U4 / 5AR4 tube rectification
• Output tubes: SV83 or EL84 / 6BQ5
• Signal tube: 6922 / 6N1P
• Transformers: Proprietary US Made UFO Transformers
• Biasing: Self-Biasing circuit - never needs adjustment
• Resistors: All resistors are precision WW/MF by DALE, VISHAY
• Signal Cap: Audiophile grade Cryo Treated Beeswax Paper Foil
• Filter Caps: Premium grade 500V electrolytic
• AC cord: Fused IEC connector provided with removable power cord
• Consumption: 75 watts at full power
• Input jacks: RCA type 24K Gold / Teflon
• Output jacks: Gold 5-way binding posts accept 8 gauge wire
• Warranty: Lifetime to original owner / 90 days on tubes
http://www.decware.com/newsite/TABOO.htmhttps://www.decware.com/newsite/Taboo4manual.pdfDecware Zen Mini Torii mk III ($2295-$3195)
- Decware Zen Mini Torii mk III.jpg (171.98 KiB) Vist 93591 gange
The Mini Torii was designed as an amplifier to be used in an exotic hi-end desktop system where physical size is a consideration. Of course we knew going in that it would also do favorably as the center piece of many listening rooms. One big feature that makes it unique is the way it creates it's own clean power with glow tubes. No one has room for a power re-generator on their desktop, but we needed the same or better performance. By using glow tubes to store and release power across a vacuum gap, all the noise and crud in your power line is blocked or lost in the gap. The Mini Torii uses four of these unique tubes to filter the power feeding both the input tubes and the output tubes separately. The result is a liquidity that you typically don't achieve without spending thousands on power conditioning.FeaturesSingle-ended integrated amp design featuring two volume controls and a selector for two sources.
Has enough range on the volume control that it can be driven directly from the headphone jack of your computer, tablet, or smartphone and sound better than you except giving it great flexibility. Of course the fidelity of this amplifier deserves the best source you can afford but in the real world you may find yourself using either or both.
There is also an adjustable treble cut with a bypass switch so that if you find yourself streaming compressed MP3 music to it, you can make it more tolerable by reducing the very top end where the jitter is most apparent.
The dual-mono design gives the amplifier a separate power supply and even a separate power switch for each channel. Basically it's two monoblocks stuffed into a single chassis. Dual- mono enhances performance and makes troubleshooting tube problems fast and painless.
• 6V6 based single-ended design giving around 5 watts per channel
• Point-to-Point wiring with no circuit boards
• Tube rectification for each channel using EZ81's
• Output stage regulation using OA3's
• Input stage regulation using OC2's
• Dual volume controls
• 8.5 inches x 11 inches x 5 inches
• Requires NO preamp
• Input for 2 sources
• Variable Line Level Output jacks
• Treble adjustment with bypass
• Adjustable feedback to control presence
• Our Proprietary UFO wide-band output transformers
• Easy to move around
• High mass powder coated steel chassis
• Solid hardwood base with wood options
• Enhanced tube life
• Self-biasing - nothing to set or adjust
• 4 and 8 ohm speaker switch
• Cryo-treated Beeswax caps
• Highest grade internals
• Output tube compatibility facilitates custom voicing
OptionsVoltage: Choose the voltage for your country. The appropriate power cord will be selected for your location and included with the amp.
Base style: The standard base is natural walnut. Custom woods can be selected for an up charge. Exotic woods would be anything not listed, like for example; Zebrawood. Just write in the kind of wood you want in the comments section of the order.
Volume Control: Smooth action volume controls are standard and allow for better adjustability. Our stepped attenuators feature a 20 position gold contact switch with precision 1% resistors allowing the volume to be adjusted in steps.
Headphone Jack Type: No headphone jack is standard, however one can be added. It's located in the front and is available in 1/4 inch TRS standard format only. The headphone jack option works well with planar headphones.
Knobs: There are three controls on a Mini Torii... Left Volume, Right Volume and Treble shunt. You have five knob choices for these controls. You can select the knobs from a list when you add to cart.
Signal Capacitors: Select from four types of coupling-caps.. Audiophile Grade film caps, Standard Beeswax, Copper foil beeswas, or Copper foil VCAPs.
TubesEverything needs a center, so the stock tube compliment that ships with the amplifier is carefully tested and voiced for the amplifier. They are of the highest quality and ideal for those who wish to not worry about tubes and just enjoy the music.
If you decide to change the way this amp sounds despite the fact that we ship it with hand picked top quality tubes that we like, that's ok. The truth is that a great single ended amp is the amp you can't hear leaving you the rather empowering opportunity to experience the unique and delicate signatures of a large variety of tubes. In other words, it becomes an experience of listening to the tubes and about the tubes... not the amplifier.
To that effect... All of these tubes [40 different tubes listed with name and picture] will work in a Mini Torii - each pair sound different.
There are huge sonic differences between the 6V6, 6Y6, 6K6, 6F6 and 6L6 output tubes in the Mini Torii II amplifier. The differences are not unlike owning a completely different amplifier with every change.
All are compatible with the Mini Torii. These are just the output tubes, of which the amplifier uses only two, one for each channel. The above list is only a sample of some of the really good sounding N.O.S. tubes you can enjoy in this amplifier. Of course there are also lots of the standard 6V6 tubes that the amp was specifically voiced for that also sound great.
Your amp will ship with an OA3 Voltage Regulator tube for each channel. This is the best performance of the four. The remaining three (OB3,OC3,OD3) can be used to take the tube rolling experience to a deeper level. The four voltage regulator tubes above all modify the operating points of the output tubes they supply high voltage to. This in turn changes the way the output tube sounds.
SpecificationsThis amplifier requires no adjustments or maintenance other than changing tubes every couple years. It is a self biasing design and dual mono - meaning tube matching is not required.
• Weight: 17 lbs. ea.
• Dimensions: 6.50" H x 12.125" W x 9.125" D
• Circuit type: Single ended Class A Pentode
• Power output: 3.9 watts RMS
• Input voltage: 1.0 volts for full output w/ 12AU7
• Noise / Hum: Too low to hear
• Response: 20 Hz ~ 80 kHz
• Regulation: OA3 and OC2 / tube voltage regulation
• Rectification: EZ81 tube rectification
• Output tubes: 6V6
• Signal tube: 12AU7
• Transformers: Decware
• Biasing: Self-Biasing
• Resistors: Precision WW/MF by DALE, VISHAY
• Signal Caps: Cryo Treated Beeswax & Foil Jupitor caps with Silver Leads
• AC cord: Removable power cord
• Consumption: 75 watts at full power
• Input jacks: RCA type 24K Gold / Teflon
• Output jacks: 5-way binding posts accept 12 gauge
• Speaker dB/1w: 90 dB minimum / 94 dB is ideal
• Warranty: Lifetime to original owner
http://www.decware.com/newsite/minitoriise.htmhttps://www.decware.com/newsite/MINITORIIMANUAL2018.pdf