| DECWARE SE-84C ZEN TRIODE MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIERS by Constantine Soo December 17, 2002 |
Specifications
Output: 5 Watt, stable into 2 ohm, zero negative feedback
Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 25 kHz (+/- 3 dB) 30 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 1.5 dB)
Hum and Noise: less than 1.5 millivolts
Input Impedance: 100K
Output Impedance: 0.8 ohms
Dimensions: 6" W × 10" D × 6.5" H
Weight: 10 pounds
Price: $499 each, fully assembled factory direct/$399 kits
Warranty: 30 years to the original owner
Address:
Decware/High Fidelity Engineering Company
1202 N.E. Adams Street, Peoria IL, 61603
Phone: 309-671-2428
Email: fidelity@Decware.com
Website: www.decware.com
Output: 5 Watt, stable into 2 ohm, zero negative feedback
Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 25 kHz (+/- 3 dB) 30 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 1.5 dB)
Hum and Noise: less than 1.5 millivolts
Input Impedance: 100K
Output Impedance: 0.8 ohms
Dimensions: 6" W × 10" D × 6.5" H
Weight: 10 pounds
Price: $499 each, fully assembled factory direct/$399 kits
Warranty: 30 years to the original owner
Address:
Decware/High Fidelity Engineering Company
1202 N.E. Adams Street, Peoria IL, 61603
Phone: 309-671-2428
Email: fidelity@Decware.com
Website: www.decware.com
CONTINUING THE JOURNEY
In my earlier look at the Decware SE84C Zen Triode amplifier, I examined and
recognized the petite amplifier's subtle but efficacious tonalities and excellent
contrasting dynamics during low to medium volume levels in the company of
the Klipschorn. Still, the persistent dynamic compressions and loss of
soundstage coherence during higher listening levels reflected its unsuitability
to drive most speakers. Thus, I concluded with the speculation that a pair of
them in monoblock configuration would probably be the more realistic option.
Disagreement from Steve Deckert's customers surfaced in the Decware online
Forum, and I responded to one reader's opinion in the following abridged
excerpt:
"I might have been exerting overly demanding expectations upon the Zen Amp.
Yet as a reviewer, I believe I have attained the task of scrutinizing the product
under review to the best of my ability. And to summarize and answer your last
question, while the SE84C has impressive merits in its design, for the merits and
shortcomings of its coupling to the Klipschorn, the single Decware/Klipschorn was
not an ideal combination playing music to my expectations, leading me to believe
neither will it be for the average room/listener."
As I further my investigation of the Decware SE84C in monoblock
configuration, allow me to reiterate Steve Deckert's claim as outlined in the
Owner's Manual.
"…it is usually a given that no other part of your hi-fi system is capable of
surpassing the fidelity of the SE84…You would have to spend around $10,000 on
a cost no object front end to actually hear the fidelity this amp is capable of…you
will never be able to actually hear the amplifier, it only passes signal (no
coloration's) so whatever you feed it is what you're going to hear."
MONOBLOCK OPERATIONS AND SYSTEM DETAILS
The second SE84C Zen amplifier Decware sent me was also pre-wired in the
standard stereo mode. Users can reconfigure the units to monoblock
operation by following 2 steps clearly outlined in the Owner's Manual.
The first step entails strapping each SE84C's left negative speaker output to
its right positive speaker output via a single jumper cable. I used my banana-
terminated Van den Hul MCD 352 speaker cable for the reconfiguration
strapping. The speaker cable then connects to the left positive and right
negative terminals.
The second step requires that the left channel output from the preamp be
presented to both the left and right inputs of the newly reconfigured left
monoblock, and similarly, that the right channel output from the preamp be
fed to both the right and left inputs of the newly reconfigured right monoblock.
Although the Manual suggested the use of a Y-adapter to facilitate this, I
made use of the Audio Note M3 preamplifier's two pairs of RCA outputs to
accomplish the task.
Once put into operation, I found the second SE84C to have roughly 10%
lower maximum output than my own unit, necessitating judicious volume
matching. Thus, for the duration of this review, I set the new SE84C to
maximum output while lowering that of my unit a little. Also, the second
speaker binding post polarity arrangement was curiously the reverse of my
own unit on the second SE84C.
Since the last Decware Review, the 47 Lab Flatfish/Progression digital system
has replaced the CEC TL1 belt-drive transport and Wadia 27 Decoding
Computer system as my presiding CD reference, taking the helm with my Sony
SCD-777ES SACD player.
Audio Note's double conductor 99.99% litz copper screened AN-La served
early on as the main speaker cable, with its own single conductor 27-strand
99.00% litz silver SPx and Virtual Dynamics' Nite speaker cable providing
additional insights. 2 pairs of Granite Audio #470 silver interconnects
performed the connections from the M3 initially, with VD's Nite interconnects
taking turns afterwards.
In order of efficiency, the Klipschorns (104 dB/8 Ohm), Audio Note AN-E SEC
Silver (94 dB/8 Ohm), Loth-X BS1 (94 dB/8 Ohm) and Genesis VI (90 dB/6
Ohm) were used to evaluate the Zen monoblocks.
The new SE84C went through a minimum of a 60-hour burn-in period before
the audition began.
AUDITION
The first set of speakers I paired the twin SE84Cs with was
the Klipschorns, and I promptly started off with the first
classical SACD release from Deutsche Grammophon,
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 [DG SACD 471 640-2] and
Sony Classical SACDs The Rite of Spring [SS 089062] and
Requiem [SS 000707], all at breathtakingly high volumes.
on the M3 was already loud enough due to the K-horn's superior efficiency.
The coupling also possessed microdynamics that helped to
preserve the DG SACD's inherent subtleties in instrument
depictions during passages of all magnitudes, diligently
reflecting the DSD-processed medium's finer texturing and
delicacy over the Redbook CD edition. Despite a residual
violin coarseness typical of DG's analog masters of the 70's,
the DG SACD offers the first high-resolution presentation of
the Ninth that is deeply rooted in the finest classical tradition with
interpretation authority and sonic might.
Whitney Houston's soaring voice in "I will always love you"
from the Bodyguard soundtrack [Arista 07882-18699-2]
came through with a highly potent mixture of body and
dynamic transients. The Decware/Klipschorn system
showcased Houston's incomparably adaptive and elastic
vocals with both tender delicacy and festive vibrancy. There
was also a meticulous retrieval of dynamics from the
vocalization and instrumentation, as the supporting band was heard in
contrast to the singer in discernible clarity without the slightest suppression of
vocal cues. This song represents pop singing at its best and continues to raise
goosebumps after all these years with its rare combination of expertly and
spontaneously exercised singing in both subdued and liberated manners,
complimented breathtakingly by lyrics of passion and sacrifice.
This time, the SE84Cs were also able to vanquish the Loth-X BS1. With this
dual mono configuration, they produced undaunted dynamics at very high
volumes in my medium sized room, pushing the minimonitors to impressive,
unprecedented sonorities. Because of the lower sensitivity of the Loth-X in
contrast to the Klipschorn's, the M3's output had to be consistently set at
near 11 o'clock. Rolling out waves of dynamics, the BS1 maintained tonal
integrity during complex passages, as its focus on both the delicacies of
strings and massiveness of brass did not waver.
Playing the DSD-recorded horns of the London Symphony
Orchestra from Les Troyens [LSO 0010 CD], the twin-SE84C
coupled BS1 imparted the meticulously preserved upper
midrange with a more fluidic substance, yielding
considerable instrument definition while subduing the
metallic bite slightly. Although operatic vocals garnered
magnitude in volume and exerted drastic demands in scale
from the BS1 over those of jazz, the monoblock set up harnessed the extra
drive capability to accord the singers and orchestra with persistent ease and
smoothness. The minimonitors were convincing testimonials to the Decware
methodology as this set up induced refinement from the Loth-X when
portraying the LSO DSD CD's vocals, albeit a relative aggressiveness from a
narrow band of the BS1's upper midrange.
which served to rid the BS1 of the confinement of its small cabinets
momentarily. In light of my experience and preference in using the Genesis
VI's active servo subwoofers, although the BS1's double bass conveyance
remained limited, the pairing had enough subjective energy in the mid-bass
region that it did not require addition of subwoofer for a fulfilling enjoyment.
With the K-horn being a suitable match for the Zen amps, this fundamental
characteristic improvement of the Loth-X as accorded by the Zen amps made
listening to the minimonitors a most musically enchanting experience,
ultimately securing for the Decware monoblocks/Loth-X BS1 my highest
recommendation.
Next, to elevate the stakes a little, I hitched the Zen monoblocks to the
$20,000 Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver loudspeaker. Although with SACDs, the
AN revealed a surprisingly clear top-end to the Zen amps that was
exceptionally revealing on instrument localization, an accompanying
brittleness nevertheless persisted throughout. The manifest edginess plagued
strings and brass from both SACD and Redbook CD alike, from heightened
string graininess to overly bright brass, making for unnatural tonalities.
When compared to my $3,400 EL34-based low-feedback Music Reference RM9
II power amp, for example, the AN-E SEC Silver pairing with the Zen
monoblock configuration also revealed soundstaging more modest in scale
and spaciousness, which led to a less credible sonic picture. In this regard,
although DSD SACDs were capable of more resolute and more dimensional
delineation than regular CDs, differences between the formats became less
acute. Although the monoblocked output limitation could be the contributing
factor to the soundstaging compromise, the Audio Note speaker's resolution
capability played an inadvertent central role undoubtedly, as this
soundstaging phenomenon did not manifest itself through the Klipschorns.
The SE84Cs also produced dynamic distortions when pushing the AN-E SEC
Silvers to very high volumes during climactic passages from both SACDs and
Redbook CDs, a task at which the Decware/Klipschorn duo excelled.
Coupling the Zen monoblocks to the 4-way, 4-speaker Genesis VI sans the
subwoofers was another mismatch. In this case, despite the 90 dB/6 Ohm
sensitivity of the Genesis, the mid-bass energy proliferation so resplendent
with the Loth-X BS1 was curiously nonexistent, even from the Genesis'
otherwise benign specified 80Hz lower-end mid-bass coupler, and instances in
which dynamic compression and collapse of soundstage occurred were
bountiful.
CONCLUSION
The considerable superiority of using a pair of Decware SE84C amplifiers in a
monoblock configuration over the use of a single unit in stereo was
exemplified with the use of the $599 Loth-X BS1. The resultant punctual
dynamics, spacious soundstaging and expressive tonalities secured for the
Decware/Loth-X combo my top sub-$2000 amplifier/speaker recommendation.
For readers with the extraordinarily efficient Klipschorns, I also recommend
the mono pair of Zen amps, as the reasonable $1,000 investment may subdue
for some listeners an edge of forwardness in the K-horns, while imparting
encompassing frequency responses and undeterred dynamics.
Retrospectively, the $20,000 Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver permitted the most
infinitesimal and unfavorable scrutiny of these very affordable Zen amps.
While it would take consensual results from a listening panel to confirm or
contest Decware's claim of fidelity, I propose that the Zen monoblocks are
best suited to driving small and efficient speakers, as such designs usually
entail only one or two drivers with lesser bass and dynamic demands. As
differing but noteworthy as Decware's online customer testimonials may be
discussing the successful pairing with a variety of speakers, it is conceivable
that many audiophiles do not listen at the same volume I crave and therefore
would not necessarily agree with my priorities.
Last and not least, when compared to Audio Note's Quest 300B monoblocks
and my recently acquired Reference Line Preeminence One Signature power
amplifier, the SE84C monoblocks did not have the more predominant single-
ended tonality, solid-state or vacuum tube. Therefore, dependent on your
preferences, the Decware Zen amps can work for or against your goal.
Of equally paramount importance is attention to the proper matching of the
SE84Cs' output levels. Unless you are buying a matched pair of the SE84Cs
for monoblocking from the start , it is crucial that you send your own unit back
to Decware for calibration with the second SE84C. Furthermore, factory
reconfiguration will eliminate the need for extra interconnects and speaker
cables for strapping the amplifiers yourself.
Steve Deckert's concoction of hard-wiring his design and employing the
Svetlana SV83 tubes is certainly a breath of morning air in the valve arena;
but his choice of the $7 SV83 output tubes are undoubtedly the main factor to
the Zen amps' atypically mild tube induced overtones, despite the single-
ended topology.
I urge readers to take advantage of Decware's 30-day trial offer for a first-
hand account.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decware Manufacturer's Comments:
Dear Constantine,
I appreciate your continued interest in our entry-level Zen Triode amp for
$499.00. Sounds to me like your discovery of the $599 Loth-X BS1 speakers
will make it easy for audiophiles on a budget or with space limitations to enjoy
killer sound! I should mention too that with no crossover on the Loth-X driver,
the playback should be honest without artifacts like the accompanying
brittleness you heard on the AN-E SEC.
But seriously, the problems you heard may not have been the speaker
incompatibility at all, it could have been the preamp or source that has always
been masked until the combination of Zen Triode and SEC speakers. I wonder
if you had the same problem with the $2700.00 models?
A selling feature of Zen Triode amps is that they are more neutral, less colored
than typical SET amps.
"atypically mild tube induced overtones" are what exactly?
We understand reviews are a lot of work, and thank you for your sincere
comments. We hope you and all of your readers have a wonderful holiday
season!
Respectfully,
Steve Deckert (309) 671 2428
www.decware.com
Constantine Soo's Response:
I would like to thank Mr. Steve Deckert for taking the time to send us his
thoughtful comments.
As a designer, Mr. Deckert's opinions of the crossover-less Loth-X's
compatibility with his amplifier and the hypothetical inferiority of upstream
equipment are noteworthy. I fully endorse a system consisting of the efficient,
2-way speakers Loth-X BS1 being driven by the Decware SE84C Monoblocks.
Nonetheless, I also believe it will take an amplifier with more finesse than the
SE84C to exploit the Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver fully. Watch for my upcoming
reviews on Loth-X's own $15,000 JI300 integrated amplifier and Linn's $9,000
Klimax Twin power amplifier in driving the AN-E SEC Silver.
Merry Christmas to our readers and Steve and DeVon Deckert!
Respectfully,
Constantine Soo
In my earlier look at the Decware SE84C Zen Triode amplifier, I examined and
recognized the petite amplifier's subtle but efficacious tonalities and excellent
contrasting dynamics during low to medium volume levels in the company of
the Klipschorn. Still, the persistent dynamic compressions and loss of
soundstage coherence during higher listening levels reflected its unsuitability
to drive most speakers. Thus, I concluded with the speculation that a pair of
them in monoblock configuration would probably be the more realistic option.
Disagreement from Steve Deckert's customers surfaced in the Decware online
Forum, and I responded to one reader's opinion in the following abridged
excerpt:
"I might have been exerting overly demanding expectations upon the Zen Amp.
Yet as a reviewer, I believe I have attained the task of scrutinizing the product
under review to the best of my ability. And to summarize and answer your last
question, while the SE84C has impressive merits in its design, for the merits and
shortcomings of its coupling to the Klipschorn, the single Decware/Klipschorn was
not an ideal combination playing music to my expectations, leading me to believe
neither will it be for the average room/listener."
As I further my investigation of the Decware SE84C in monoblock
configuration, allow me to reiterate Steve Deckert's claim as outlined in the
Owner's Manual.
"…it is usually a given that no other part of your hi-fi system is capable of
surpassing the fidelity of the SE84…You would have to spend around $10,000 on
a cost no object front end to actually hear the fidelity this amp is capable of…you
will never be able to actually hear the amplifier, it only passes signal (no
coloration's) so whatever you feed it is what you're going to hear."
MONOBLOCK OPERATIONS AND SYSTEM DETAILS
The second SE84C Zen amplifier Decware sent me was also pre-wired in the
standard stereo mode. Users can reconfigure the units to monoblock
operation by following 2 steps clearly outlined in the Owner's Manual.
The first step entails strapping each SE84C's left negative speaker output to
its right positive speaker output via a single jumper cable. I used my banana-
terminated Van den Hul MCD 352 speaker cable for the reconfiguration
strapping. The speaker cable then connects to the left positive and right
negative terminals.
The second step requires that the left channel output from the preamp be
presented to both the left and right inputs of the newly reconfigured left
monoblock, and similarly, that the right channel output from the preamp be
fed to both the right and left inputs of the newly reconfigured right monoblock.
Although the Manual suggested the use of a Y-adapter to facilitate this, I
made use of the Audio Note M3 preamplifier's two pairs of RCA outputs to
accomplish the task.
Once put into operation, I found the second SE84C to have roughly 10%
lower maximum output than my own unit, necessitating judicious volume
matching. Thus, for the duration of this review, I set the new SE84C to
maximum output while lowering that of my unit a little. Also, the second
speaker binding post polarity arrangement was curiously the reverse of my
own unit on the second SE84C.
Since the last Decware Review, the 47 Lab Flatfish/Progression digital system
has replaced the CEC TL1 belt-drive transport and Wadia 27 Decoding
Computer system as my presiding CD reference, taking the helm with my Sony
SCD-777ES SACD player.
Audio Note's double conductor 99.99% litz copper screened AN-La served
early on as the main speaker cable, with its own single conductor 27-strand
99.00% litz silver SPx and Virtual Dynamics' Nite speaker cable providing
additional insights. 2 pairs of Granite Audio #470 silver interconnects
performed the connections from the M3 initially, with VD's Nite interconnects
taking turns afterwards.
In order of efficiency, the Klipschorns (104 dB/8 Ohm), Audio Note AN-E SEC
Silver (94 dB/8 Ohm), Loth-X BS1 (94 dB/8 Ohm) and Genesis VI (90 dB/6
Ohm) were used to evaluate the Zen monoblocks.
The new SE84C went through a minimum of a 60-hour burn-in period before
the audition began.
AUDITION
The first set of speakers I paired the twin SE84Cs with was
the Klipschorns, and I promptly started off with the first
classical SACD release from Deutsche Grammophon,
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 [DG SACD 471 640-2] and
Sony Classical SACDs The Rite of Spring [SS 089062] and
Requiem [SS 000707], all at breathtakingly high volumes.
on the M3 was already loud enough due to the K-horn's superior efficiency.
The coupling also possessed microdynamics that helped to
preserve the DG SACD's inherent subtleties in instrument
depictions during passages of all magnitudes, diligently
reflecting the DSD-processed medium's finer texturing and
delicacy over the Redbook CD edition. Despite a residual
violin coarseness typical of DG's analog masters of the 70's,
the DG SACD offers the first high-resolution presentation of
the Ninth that is deeply rooted in the finest classical tradition with
interpretation authority and sonic might.
Whitney Houston's soaring voice in "I will always love you"
from the Bodyguard soundtrack [Arista 07882-18699-2]
came through with a highly potent mixture of body and
dynamic transients. The Decware/Klipschorn system
showcased Houston's incomparably adaptive and elastic
vocals with both tender delicacy and festive vibrancy. There
was also a meticulous retrieval of dynamics from the
vocalization and instrumentation, as the supporting band was heard in
contrast to the singer in discernible clarity without the slightest suppression of
vocal cues. This song represents pop singing at its best and continues to raise
goosebumps after all these years with its rare combination of expertly and
spontaneously exercised singing in both subdued and liberated manners,
complimented breathtakingly by lyrics of passion and sacrifice.
This time, the SE84Cs were also able to vanquish the Loth-X BS1. With this
dual mono configuration, they produced undaunted dynamics at very high
volumes in my medium sized room, pushing the minimonitors to impressive,
unprecedented sonorities. Because of the lower sensitivity of the Loth-X in
contrast to the Klipschorn's, the M3's output had to be consistently set at
near 11 o'clock. Rolling out waves of dynamics, the BS1 maintained tonal
integrity during complex passages, as its focus on both the delicacies of
strings and massiveness of brass did not waver.
Playing the DSD-recorded horns of the London Symphony
Orchestra from Les Troyens [LSO 0010 CD], the twin-SE84C
coupled BS1 imparted the meticulously preserved upper
midrange with a more fluidic substance, yielding
considerable instrument definition while subduing the
metallic bite slightly. Although operatic vocals garnered
magnitude in volume and exerted drastic demands in scale
from the BS1 over those of jazz, the monoblock set up harnessed the extra
drive capability to accord the singers and orchestra with persistent ease and
smoothness. The minimonitors were convincing testimonials to the Decware
methodology as this set up induced refinement from the Loth-X when
portraying the LSO DSD CD's vocals, albeit a relative aggressiveness from a
narrow band of the BS1's upper midrange.
which served to rid the BS1 of the confinement of its small cabinets
momentarily. In light of my experience and preference in using the Genesis
VI's active servo subwoofers, although the BS1's double bass conveyance
remained limited, the pairing had enough subjective energy in the mid-bass
region that it did not require addition of subwoofer for a fulfilling enjoyment.
With the K-horn being a suitable match for the Zen amps, this fundamental
characteristic improvement of the Loth-X as accorded by the Zen amps made
listening to the minimonitors a most musically enchanting experience,
ultimately securing for the Decware monoblocks/Loth-X BS1 my highest
recommendation.
Next, to elevate the stakes a little, I hitched the Zen monoblocks to the
$20,000 Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver loudspeaker. Although with SACDs, the
AN revealed a surprisingly clear top-end to the Zen amps that was
exceptionally revealing on instrument localization, an accompanying
brittleness nevertheless persisted throughout. The manifest edginess plagued
strings and brass from both SACD and Redbook CD alike, from heightened
string graininess to overly bright brass, making for unnatural tonalities.
When compared to my $3,400 EL34-based low-feedback Music Reference RM9
II power amp, for example, the AN-E SEC Silver pairing with the Zen
monoblock configuration also revealed soundstaging more modest in scale
and spaciousness, which led to a less credible sonic picture. In this regard,
although DSD SACDs were capable of more resolute and more dimensional
delineation than regular CDs, differences between the formats became less
acute. Although the monoblocked output limitation could be the contributing
factor to the soundstaging compromise, the Audio Note speaker's resolution
capability played an inadvertent central role undoubtedly, as this
soundstaging phenomenon did not manifest itself through the Klipschorns.
The SE84Cs also produced dynamic distortions when pushing the AN-E SEC
Silvers to very high volumes during climactic passages from both SACDs and
Redbook CDs, a task at which the Decware/Klipschorn duo excelled.
Coupling the Zen monoblocks to the 4-way, 4-speaker Genesis VI sans the
subwoofers was another mismatch. In this case, despite the 90 dB/6 Ohm
sensitivity of the Genesis, the mid-bass energy proliferation so resplendent
with the Loth-X BS1 was curiously nonexistent, even from the Genesis'
otherwise benign specified 80Hz lower-end mid-bass coupler, and instances in
which dynamic compression and collapse of soundstage occurred were
bountiful.
CONCLUSION
The considerable superiority of using a pair of Decware SE84C amplifiers in a
monoblock configuration over the use of a single unit in stereo was
exemplified with the use of the $599 Loth-X BS1. The resultant punctual
dynamics, spacious soundstaging and expressive tonalities secured for the
Decware/Loth-X combo my top sub-$2000 amplifier/speaker recommendation.
For readers with the extraordinarily efficient Klipschorns, I also recommend
the mono pair of Zen amps, as the reasonable $1,000 investment may subdue
for some listeners an edge of forwardness in the K-horns, while imparting
encompassing frequency responses and undeterred dynamics.
Retrospectively, the $20,000 Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver permitted the most
infinitesimal and unfavorable scrutiny of these very affordable Zen amps.
While it would take consensual results from a listening panel to confirm or
contest Decware's claim of fidelity, I propose that the Zen monoblocks are
best suited to driving small and efficient speakers, as such designs usually
entail only one or two drivers with lesser bass and dynamic demands. As
differing but noteworthy as Decware's online customer testimonials may be
discussing the successful pairing with a variety of speakers, it is conceivable
that many audiophiles do not listen at the same volume I crave and therefore
would not necessarily agree with my priorities.
Last and not least, when compared to Audio Note's Quest 300B monoblocks
and my recently acquired Reference Line Preeminence One Signature power
amplifier, the SE84C monoblocks did not have the more predominant single-
ended tonality, solid-state or vacuum tube. Therefore, dependent on your
preferences, the Decware Zen amps can work for or against your goal.
Of equally paramount importance is attention to the proper matching of the
SE84Cs' output levels. Unless you are buying a matched pair of the SE84Cs
for monoblocking from the start , it is crucial that you send your own unit back
to Decware for calibration with the second SE84C. Furthermore, factory
reconfiguration will eliminate the need for extra interconnects and speaker
cables for strapping the amplifiers yourself.
Steve Deckert's concoction of hard-wiring his design and employing the
Svetlana SV83 tubes is certainly a breath of morning air in the valve arena;
but his choice of the $7 SV83 output tubes are undoubtedly the main factor to
the Zen amps' atypically mild tube induced overtones, despite the single-
ended topology.
I urge readers to take advantage of Decware's 30-day trial offer for a first-
hand account.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decware Manufacturer's Comments:
Dear Constantine,
I appreciate your continued interest in our entry-level Zen Triode amp for
$499.00. Sounds to me like your discovery of the $599 Loth-X BS1 speakers
will make it easy for audiophiles on a budget or with space limitations to enjoy
killer sound! I should mention too that with no crossover on the Loth-X driver,
the playback should be honest without artifacts like the accompanying
brittleness you heard on the AN-E SEC.
But seriously, the problems you heard may not have been the speaker
incompatibility at all, it could have been the preamp or source that has always
been masked until the combination of Zen Triode and SEC speakers. I wonder
if you had the same problem with the $2700.00 models?
A selling feature of Zen Triode amps is that they are more neutral, less colored
than typical SET amps.
"atypically mild tube induced overtones" are what exactly?
We understand reviews are a lot of work, and thank you for your sincere
comments. We hope you and all of your readers have a wonderful holiday
season!
Respectfully,
Steve Deckert (309) 671 2428
www.decware.com
Constantine Soo's Response:
I would like to thank Mr. Steve Deckert for taking the time to send us his
thoughtful comments.
As a designer, Mr. Deckert's opinions of the crossover-less Loth-X's
compatibility with his amplifier and the hypothetical inferiority of upstream
equipment are noteworthy. I fully endorse a system consisting of the efficient,
2-way speakers Loth-X BS1 being driven by the Decware SE84C Monoblocks.
Nonetheless, I also believe it will take an amplifier with more finesse than the
SE84C to exploit the Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver fully. Watch for my upcoming
reviews on Loth-X's own $15,000 JI300 integrated amplifier and Linn's $9,000
Klimax Twin power amplifier in driving the AN-E SEC Silver.
Merry Christmas to our readers and Steve and DeVon Deckert!
Respectfully,
Constantine Soo
| Associated Equipment: Digital Front End 47 Laboratory 4713 Flatfish CD Transport/4705 Progression DAC Audio Note DAC One 1.1x Signature CEC TL1 CD transport Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player xt Amplification Audio Note M3 preamplifier Decware SE84C Linn Klimax Twin Loth-X JI300 Music Reference RM9 II Reference Line Preeminence One Signature amplifier Z-systems RDP-1 Reference Digital Preamplifier Loudspeakers Apogee Duetta Signature Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver Celestion SL700 ELAC 518 Genesis VI Klipschorn Loth-X BS1 Cabling Audio Note AN-La copper speaker cable (8 feet, bi-wired) Audio Note AN-V silver interconnect (RCA 1m, 2 pairs) Audio Note AN-SPx silver speaker cable (8 feet, banana bi-wired) Audio Note Sogon silver speaker cable Aural Symphonics AS-One (RCA 1m pair, 0.5m pair) Canare L-5CFB 75-ohm digital cable (RCA, 1.5m) Canare D206 110 ohm digital cable (AES/EBU, 1.5m) Cardas Quadlink 5C (8feet) Granite Audio #470 silver cables (RCA 1m, 2 pairs) Granite Audio #560 AC Mains Illuminations Orchid (1.5m, AES/EBU XLR) Illuminations D-60 75 Ohm digital cable (1.5m, RCA) Loth-X Van den Hul MCD-352 (8feet) Virtual Dynamics Nite Series complete cable system Accessories ISO, Salamander Synergy 20 (2), ASC Tube Traps, Flat Traps |
| REVIEWS OF OTHER EQUIPMENT MENTIONED: |
Trumpeter Tiger Okoshi's 20-bit K2 CD Two Sides To Every
Story [JVC 2039-2] also validated the twin-SE84C coupled
Klipschorn's dynamic competency with a rendition of the
trumpet's soulful liquidity and incisive spontaneity
in "Yesterdays." Despite a less vivid tonality and simpler
texturing when compared to the solid-state 47 Lab Gaincard
S, the Zen induced from the Klipschorn a most full-range
and believable depiction of trumpets and brass alike.
Story [JVC 2039-2] also validated the twin-SE84C coupled
Klipschorn's dynamic competency with a rendition of the
trumpet's soulful liquidity and incisive spontaneity
in "Yesterdays." Despite a less vivid tonality and simpler
texturing when compared to the solid-state 47 Lab Gaincard
S, the Zen induced from the Klipschorn a most full-range
and believable depiction of trumpets and brass alike.
From the DMP jazz CD Further Adventures of Film & the BB's
[DMP CD-462], the Zen amps' rendition of the brass carried
efficacious luster and punctual dynamics. In "Jazz Patrol,"
the trumpet/alto sax/tenor sax trio had differentiated
dynamic contrasts while in concert with each other, thus
imparting a more realistic sense of wielding of instrument.
One memorable character of the Decware/Loth-X pairing was
the soundstage spaciousness,
[DMP CD-462], the Zen amps' rendition of the brass carried
efficacious luster and punctual dynamics. In "Jazz Patrol,"
the trumpet/alto sax/tenor sax trio had differentiated
dynamic contrasts while in concert with each other, thus
imparting a more realistic sense of wielding of instrument.
One memorable character of the Decware/Loth-X pairing was
the soundstage spaciousness,
This time, I am glad to report that I was not able to
reenact my negative experience related to one Zen in
stereo operation. Dynamic compression was all but
eliminated, and the hellish snare drums from Verdi's
Requiem landed thunderously through the 15-inch bass
of the Klipschorns, attesting to the dynamic compatibility
of the match. For the record, a half past 9 volume setting
reenact my negative experience related to one Zen in
stereo operation. Dynamic compression was all but
eliminated, and the hellish snare drums from Verdi's
Requiem landed thunderously through the 15-inch bass
of the Klipschorns, attesting to the dynamic compatibility
of the match. For the record, a half past 9 volume setting
