AMPLIFIER for HIGH EFFICIENCY Speakers - DECWARE - Zen TUBE Amp Review
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
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► DECWARE SE84UFO2 - DECWARE ZEN AMP REVIEW
The SE84UFO2 Zen amp from Decware is among the finest HiFi amplifiers available on the market today, regardless of price. Now the reason we don’t all own a Decware amplifier already is because the Zen amp is purpose-built for a certain type of loudspeaker. So before you rush off and buy one, let’s find out first if you’re a candidate for the Zen or not. If you are looking for the BEST amplifier for high efficiency speakers, put the Decware Zen amp on your short list!
INTRO: 00:00
DESIGN & SPECS: 00:49
WHO THIS AMP IS FOR: 02:44
SPEAKER SENSITIVITY: 03:30
SOUND: 05:06
DRAWBACKS: 09:38
COMPARISONS: 10:12
CONCLUSION: 11:30
KRISTI'S TAKE & CONVERSATION: 12:15
SIGN OFF: 19:18
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★ *REVIEWING: **bit.ly/3iJbw1D** ADDITIONAL INFO IN THE DESCRIPTION⬆︎*
★ *QOTD: What other tube amps would you like to see in 2021?*
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Maybe something from Ampsandsound, or maybe from Bottlehead (although most of their stuff is DIY)
@@snowrang3r657 I had a Bottlehead piece YEARS ago that I purchased of A'gon. It was nice. Thanks for tuning in!
I love single ended triode amps,, for sure, but they are not for everybody.. There are some good alternatives out there,, though. Although they are push-pull and not SET, Primaluna makes some awesome tube amps, which because of their higher overall power, are possibly a better fit for those with somewhat less efficient speakers. They still have tons of tubey goodness!
Honestly, a first watt. You can get it assembled or as a kit. Or maybe a monoprice, Dayton dirty cheap shootout.*maybe I'm mistaken, I thought first watt had a tube amp. Do it anyways. Please and thanks.
Quicksilvers are great value and substantially higher-powered (mostly push-pull) designs. A lot of tube magic that play with a greater range of speakers. The higher powered Quicksilvers would likely sound great with the acoustic suspension designs that are making a comeback.
It said that good things come to those who wait. So true. I received my Decware Zen Amp this week after waiting 1 year and 9 months after watching this review. This amp is my silver bullet, my search is over. Many thanks Andrew and Kristi.
I am so glad you it was worth the wait, Robert.
I have basically the same amp without meters and wood wrap - SE84UFO for $995 - for my Heresy IVs.
It's everything Andrew claims it is! Customer service at Decware is Steve the man. Plenty of db from this unit.
You'll need patience after you order, I had to wait almost 6 months for build time but so worth the wait.
While I am avid and loyal channel subscriber, I don’t comment much..... but today I have to let you guys know. I love the passion pouring out of this review.
It left me excited and just reaffirms what a great channel can be.
Perfect.
Love from the uk 🇬🇧
🤗 I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY 😍😍😍
Thank you so much Mark! Appreciate it!
I’ve had my 341.5 amp from Decware for about 5 months and can’t say enough good things about it. Yes, I upgraded the caps and and a few other items pushing the price above $2K. Worth every nickel. Excellent with high efficiency speakers.
Great review! I think it's safe to say we've ALL been waiting for this one. I aim to get this amp in the future so it was really awesome having all my hopes and concerns validated/addressed, I'll definitely be watching this one more than once. I'd love to see your take on the Willsenton R8. Thank you for the wonderful channel, I'm so glad I subscribed
Appreciate the discussion regarding which speakers are not the best for this. That's going to be really helpful.
So glad you found it useful! Kristi really wanted to make sure we were clear who this amp is for.
Got mine 15 years ago and today still sounds better than ever. Steve is the master.
Wow! I have never understood, or really cared to find out more, about the efficiency/sensitivity ratings of speakers, but you explained it so beautifully. I totally get it now. Thank you! Love your videos!
Glad to help!
Hey Andew and Kristi. Just happened on your review and it coincides nicely with the delivery of my Zen Triode UFO2. You helped me figure out the right speaker combo and I purchased a pair of Klipsch Heresey IV's. Thanks again!
Ordered one thinking about adding another for my Heresy IVs. What’s you verdict on it so far? Love? Meh?
And Steve Deckert is a great guy... So easy to work with... These are absolutely perfect for Klipsch Heritage Speakers...
Steve is a GREAT guy and the company is wonderful to do business with! Thanks for tuning in this morning!
He's a real gem!
@@KristiWright I had to crack up when you mentioned you are not a big fan of the looks... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ???? :D
@@ptg01 It really is subjective as I'm sure a lot of people really like the look of tubes.
@@KristiWright Absolutely.... For me, Steve's amps are almost like artwork.. simple yet elegant. Very low tech at that... BUT, I do get your point as my wife forces me to hide my SET amp inside an armoire as she does not like the exposed tubes ! It can be dangerous too if you have kids or pets.. Back before y'all were born, tube amps were covered too I remember my Dad's Fisher amp from the 60's was fully covered like today's solid state amp.. but with most tube amps, especially Class A, you can fry an egg on it !
I bought my first Zen amp for $500 in 1998. A couple of years later bought the Zen Select which was better. Then bought the Zen Monoblocks in 2002 and finally the Taboo Amp. Thank you Decware, what a sound!!
Man, I have been out of the game for far too long. Didn't know anyone was making old school tube amps. I love the old school looks of these things. Takes me back to the 70's when my dad used to make me run down to the corner store to test tubes. Very cool.
Our Zen SE84UFO2.1 recently arrived after quite a long wait. Hooked it up to our Klipsch Chorus II speakers ( 101db, 1 watt, 1 meter) and what an incredible experience! This video here pretty much sums it up alright. Wish I would have purchased before you , Steve G and Thomas got on it...... 😂 Take care Andrew, and Kristi 👌
Can I ask ? I have been looking for a good single ended amp, as much to 'tube role' potencial valves for my balanced Prima Luna integrated amp as for it's own joy(Listening).
It is important to me I can use KT88 or EL34 valve variants.
I could not see from the decware sight what valve types their amps take.
Could you spell it out to someone relatively new to tube rolling?
Also if you change the installed 'set' can you run KT88 or EL34's on a single ended amp typically? even if unfortunately I had to look elsewhere at another make?
Thanks in advance for any advice I receive.
Have an older se84 and it drives my old Energy 22’s at 87db efficiency no problem, my wife keeps telling me to turn it down...so I for one wouldn’t hesitate to say it will power less efficient speakers just fine. Thanks for the great video...
I bought a SV84b back in the 90s and still love it. Have it hooked up to my La Scala's... and occasionally a pair Lowthers. Amazing, but am thinking that it's time to upgrade to this version. THANKS STEVE!!!
I'm glad you finally reviewed the Decware! I have all of his DIY plans. I have modded drivers to build his Zen Open Baffle speaker once we move and settle in. I can't imagine a better combo for acoustic singer/songwriters than the ZOB and a Decware amp.
Awesome review. I can't wait to hear it with ZU Dirty Weekends. This combo should blow my wig off if I am not careful.I am glad I ordered the same amp in December in walnut. with a Decware ZP3 phono stage. The anticipation is literally killing me.
Right on schedule! Awesome insight, thank you!
Thanks! Thanks for tuning in!
ANDREW what can I say! No wonder I believe you best. You rock brother 🙏 I been waiting for my order of the zen. Thanks brother your the first one to turn me on to this beuty before anyone. I love your passion and expertise! ✌🙏
I built a SEUL KT-88 with plate to plate FB. I absolutely love it. I am hooked on tubes.
I had this amp, then bought the 25 watt Torii MKIV because moved into a house with a MUCH larger living room. With high efficient speakers, like Klipsch Heresy or Zu anything (I've owned both) and in a small to medium sized room, there is no better amp for the money in the world, not even close. If you need a little more power, the 6 watt Decware is also super great. Andrew's review is humble and honest. SETs + high efficient speakers, like turntables, are probably the best way to reach high-fi nirvana.
Yes. But let’s be clear. They’re not SETs they’re pentodes wired for triode.
Wow! I requested this review Monday; uploaded Thursday! Let me know when you're ready for my next request lol
We aim to please! Thanks for tuning in!
Andrew is by far my favorite reviewer on YT! Love his approach to reviewing gear. I watch other reviewers, but not are in his league!
Thanks for requesting the review...it was amazing. I will be buying one of these.
You guys do a fantastic job explaining sound, quality, details etc.. Just altogether well thought out reviews and videos. You two don't always agree and that just works. Thanks you two! Your review here is why we will be purchasing from Mr. Deckert. This will be paired up with our 1994 Klipsch Chorus II's. We've babied (they are still like new) these for so many years and they deserve this! ;-) All the very best to you and yours, ~Mike
edit: Purchased this particular model. 101db sensitivity aught to work fine.. I just hope I am not 85 years old by the time it arrives.... ;-) What a waiting list!
To Kristi: it's impossible to argue with taste but why I love the look of tubes is that the glass envelope and the glowing parts inside offer a visual representation of what tubes do so well: transparency and warmth. It just makes me know that it's going to sound good.
Decware makes brilliant amps! The sound is just beautiful with right speakers. Love 'em!
They absolutely do! These tiny amps have a quality to them that is just magical IMHO. Thanks for watching!
What's an example of the right speakers?
@@svalbard01 Please watch the review, we cover this extensively.
@@svalbard01 Zu Audio and Omega make some fantastic, high efficiency, speakers on top of Klipsch, of course.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Always watch your reviews, but, respectfully, I was asking Rick.
I ordered mine in March and was informed that it may be done in September. Delayed gratification is hard.
Anxiety is a bytch aint it! Took em 5 months and worth every second.
Pre-ordered this amp after watching your review Andrew and I believe it will be worth the wait. Ill be pairing it with Thise Klipsch Heresy IV speakers I also purchased in-part due to your review and love them. Thanks for your sharing as always.
One of the system types I use is low-powered SE amps with full-range single driver speakers. This puts the smallest possible number of components between the source and your ears. And it shows in the transparency and effortless realism of the sound.
I’ve been waiting for this review and I wasn’t disappointed. I have mine paired with DIY backloaded corner horns built for me by a friend, It’s clarity is only limited by source. I won’t be buying another amp!
I hear a lot of people say that the ZEN is their last amp. If I didn't run a review channel, it would be mine.
Now i want to swap my setup
I would love to see a review of a higher end Decware amp, and how it pairs with harder to drive speakers. For example, does Decware maintain the magic in something like the Decware Zen Torii Jr--20 watts per channel for under $3000.
Excellent review, thank-you Andrew.
I committed to a pair of 3W triode monoblocks in the late 90s and haven't looked back. They drove my 82db/w transmission line speakers surprisingly well but I weakened about 10 years ago and bought a pair of Lowther Acousta 115s (96db+ depending on drive unit choice). Apparently Jimi Hendrix listened to his Handel records through a pair, a decision I cannot fault. The low power/high efficiency route gets *me* closer to the music, I become absorbed in the performance and forget the electronics. As ever (particularly with HiFi), your mileage may vary.
Thanks so much, Andrew. You and Kristi are so thoughtful, articulate and well produced. Why else would a guy listening to his wife for five minutes still have me glued to the screen? You two are that insightful, so "right on" to you. One question for you: Given that you usually have high-efficency speakers on the floor, how come this isn't the amp you use all the time?
Good follow up video would be a review on a higher powered Decware like the Zen Triode Integrated or TORII Jr. for people with lower sensitivity speakers. I’m sure Steve would loan you one 👍
Tubes are a bit out of my comfort zone but great review and great information as always thank you both
Thank you for this rapport.
I have my own special build speaker cabinets with Fostex FE206En and I use now with a borrowed amp with EL84 with vintage OPT of 5k/8 ohm. The amp with these speakers creates a similar "magi" what this video talks about... it’s real magic and I cannot stop listening to it. So the EL84 has real true potential.
My first project was this speaker and I got the results what is overall expectations... I'm very happy about this... and I enjoy
every day how the music should be music.
My second project will begin now to make a 300B SE amp and later on another own EL84 SE amp. (The EL84 amp just for fun) I'm sure the 300B setup will produce higher sonic magi and more "control" with a wider and deeper 3D field.
I'm definitely putting this on my wish list for either this year or the next. Great review! Thanks Andrew!
I believe the build list is about 9 months now so place your order now. A deposit is needed to place the order and full payment is due when ready to ship. The packing is very impressive. I ordered mine in July of 2020 and received it in January. There have been a number of RUclips and magazine reviews in the past 18 months so the waitlist has grown.
OUTSTANDING REVIEW ANDREW! One of your all-time best!
I'm very happy that Steve is finally getting his due ... Decware is by far one of the best and true sonic bargains in all of home audio.
I've owned my SE84UFO for about a year and a half and paired with another sonic bargain, my Zu Omen MKII DW's (97 db 1w/meter efficiency) creates "you are there" audio like no other I've had in my home over a 60 year journey with audio equipment.
I use a Conrad Johnson PV5 Preamp that I purchased new back in 1985. 3D sound? You bet and with so much micro detail, dynamism, natural timbre.
Steve makes his own transformers and will suggest that's a big part of why his units have that control you mention..
As Sean Casey of Zu talks about in his RUclips interview with John Atkinson, crossovers, heat and other mechanical issues eat up most of that wattage so that maybe a watt or two actually powers your average sensitivity speakers. Sean says high sensitivity speakers are more dynamic as well and ... If you eliminate the issues (as Sean has), it makes a Decware amp very viable for home audio with wonderful results as it has in my case. From where I'm sitting, The Decware/Zu combination cannot be beat for price to performance.
Herb Reichert loves the Decwares with Klipsch RP600's, Zu's and other more sensitive speakers.
Great job Andrew... I'm glad to hear how well the Decware has worked with all your speaker systems and ... Just wait until you get into some serious tube rolling!
Thank you so much Don! Appreciate you sharing your personal experience.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Sorry if I'm over the top on this stuff. I'm just glad Steve's getting the recognition he deserves. He's a good and humble guy about all of what he produces.
As well, keep doing what you're doing. The world needs men like you to bring some truth to an industry that's too often been long on hyperbole and a little short on delivery.
I believe the high speaker sensitivity/low power approach of actually pre- WWII is the way of the future (Back To The Future?)that should never have been abandoned in the 1960's with the acoustic suspension speaker.
Check out Steve's open baffle speaker offerings if you have a chance.... thanks again... Vic aka Don Vito.
My dirty weekends are due to ship in 2 weeks ordering my zen next week
@@tplank216 You won't be disappointed. These components need "play-in" time so as the weeks go on you'll start to hear more and more detail, nuance and natural timbres.
Excellent review!
Thanks!
Hello Andrew, I have just recently come across your channel, and am very impressed. I saw the DECWARE - Zen TUBE Review for the first time today. I wish I had seen it months ago. I would have spent the $6800 I gave to Crutchfield very differently. Keep up the great work.
I understand everything you are saying about this beauty, the Decware UFO integrated amplifier because I am using two 7watt per channel Sony solid state receiver. I am using a 98, 100 and 103 dB speakers and they play loud, warm and detailed. I know how a tube amplifier sounds like having owned a Zenith SET from a Cordoba console and a Heathkit that has its On/Off switch via its only 'tone' control. I know exactly what you are describing Mr. Robinson and when I use my Coral 12TX with my Sony, it bring me ¾ to tube sound warmth and some detail to go with it. There's no Decware dealer where I live but your review is spot-on. Greetings from the Philippines 🇵🇭👍👌.
Coincidence: Steve Guttenberg used a Decware amp in his latest video when revisiting the Cornwall 4
I noticed that too!!!
I guess you wife review is the most honest opinion from “outside” audiophile people. If She make her own video review, definitely will sell 😀👍
Wow, you have made me reconsider the direction I will go jumping back into the hobby
Ordered mine - spoke to Steve to get insights on 25th anniversary mods versus base model. Finally based on listening style/preferences and speakers (forte iii) Steve recommended base model.
Summary: Christy is a Yamaha girl.
Great video! Really enjoying it, well done both of you!
Kristi is definitely a Yamaha fan.
Hi, I'm rocking yamaha's too. Yamaha ns333 powered by yamaha as500 with a yst350 sub. I'm wondering if I buy a kilpsch r51m, would it be an upgrade over my ns333? I usually stream through ifi zen blue. Thank you 😁
Pay attention to what Andrew says here about speaker matching with this amp. It is important to understand this.
I've spoken with Steve several times- he is very personable. Good review.
Wow you really make the education about Amps super fun ti listen too. I wish most of my college professors were as engaging. Thank you again for sharing your talent
Great review - it would be interesting to compare this tube amp with a low power Class-A solid state amplifier
Maybe stay tuned...
Fantastic, I have been waiting for this! 😃 I really like this somewhat steampunk/1920's mesh-up look.
Would love to see a review of the Cayin CS-88A.
Hope the review was worth the wait! Thanks for tuning in!
finally a proper decware tube amp review...I am studying the headphone amp option for a while, and honestly the review of the loudspeaker amp version is enough to convince me.
If I ever pull the trigger and get high efficiency speakers, I am pretty much convinced to opt for the Decware amps simply based on your review. I would still have to audition them first ( both amps and speakers) but I know where to start looking. I was considering Prima Luna amps until I just learned that they are made in China and only come with a 2 year warranty. But before I would buy the Decware, I would most certainly try out the speakers with my Crown pre and power amps that I am currently having recapped. Thanks so much for the great review!! I appreciate what you do and how you do it.
...sounds like this could be an ideal pairing with the Omen Dirty Weekend (97 dB-SPL 1W, 1m). Yeehaww!!
YES! Decware + ZU is a great combo.
My present system! I've had this pairing for about a year and a half and it only keeps getting better and better ... especially with rolling different tubes.
Works beautifully... true to life sound. Very revealing to good sound sources. Tough to beat at any price but I say save yourself time and money... buy the Zu DW's with clarity cap upgrade and SE84UFO and spend the rest of your time and money on listening to the music you really enjoy.
You know DecWare has other Higher Power Amps that I never see reviewed anywhere.
I know they cost much more, but do they sound like they are as good? - m.
Thanks for the great explanations! As someone kinda jumping into the audiophile frey with only enough knowledge to be dangerous, it's really nice to have terms explained in a way that doesn't assume too much of an understanding already.
In short, thanks for not assuming we all already know the basics.
So glad to hear you found the video helpful! We try to make our videos approachable to everyone. Thanks for watching!
I was very happy you reviewed the Zen, Great Job! (I am on their waiting list for the 84UFO2.1). Sorry if I missed it, but I did not see if your Zen had the cap upgrades they offer. Thanks in advance.
Will this amp work with the 8000F?
Great review! I've got a Zen on order (from like Dec 2020) It does take some time to get one, but then again it's a piece of art and hand-made, so I was expecting that wait to be honest. And actually I have the perfect pair of speakers already that'll pair beautifully this this amp: I have Caintuck Audio open baffles with the Lii F-12 drivers (no cross-over at all) essentially 100db sensitivity. Already I'm using them with a 6.3 Watt tube amp (and frankly I think that tubes look beautiful with their romantic, mysterious glow) and they sound awesome and I dare not turn up the volume too loud. With a review like this I KNOW that the Zen Triode is going to rock my musical world. :)
Great review, I am most definitely in the high efficiency camp. I use a single ended type 45 amp and a preamp with 1930’s type 27 tubes. These sound absolutely magical with my Klipsch Chorus II’s. To me, there is no better combination than horns and tubes :)
I always hit the like button while multitasking and not even realizing I'm obeying lol.
Do Decware ship these to Australia? I can't seem to find any info on their website that they ship internationally. I'd love to pair one of these with Klipsch Cornwall IV's.
I have a friend in NZ ,hes bought one so assume they will
Love the sound and the glow of tubes. Wish the tubes in my Bugera guitar amp were visible.
Hi Andrew, just wanted to thank you for the great review, as well as for the code to save $100, I just ordered this baby!
Can’t wait to sit down with a nice cup of tea and watch this, I have been looking forward to it
I can't wait to hear what you think of our review when you do!
Okay, who just bought the Decware amp that was for sale on USaudiomart for $550? I asked the seller a question and then it was gone. Darn :(
Loved this review. Love that analog tube amps, especially class a, reveal the effort musicians put into their performances.
I like Bottlehead. Makes high quality SETs available for budgetminded.
I’ve had one for almost four years, paired with Omega super high output alnico monitors and love it. I listen mid-field in a smallish room. I never feel like I need more power. I do sometimes wonder about the 25th anniversary model….wonder if it would be worth the money to upgrade.
I’ve messaged paradigm, to pester them to give you their new speakers to review lol.
Appreciate it! We've emailed them many times to no avail.
I messaged AnthemAV too about their Integrated! Hopefully they'll get the message.
I messaged Paradigm for you as well a while back. They’re being very impolite for Canadians. When I get my license back (medical issues) I may just take a 30 minute drive and knock on their door about it.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews have you tried contacting Totem for a review? Would love to see your take on them. A great Canadian speaker company
I want this, even though I only have powered speakers. I'd have to get new speakers, I think.
With powered speakers, try their preamp 😉
@@andrewrobinsonreviews thanks! Still learning all these things!
Laughed out loud at the carnival barker reference with the shaky cam edit added! Nice work.
I just bought the Willsenton R8 because I need a fine amp for not a lot of money. Having said that the Decware is an artisan product inside and out that I would LOVE to have in my sight every day.
I put my order in for one of these back in Feb. Can't wait to get it!! I own Zu Audio DW's What caps did you get with your amp and did you get the MOD for it?
Thanks , great review Like to see PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube amp :)
Mine is stock with respect to caps. I only customized the finish and volume control as I wanted this unit to be as close to stock as possible. Obviously you can customize it quite a bit for even better results.
Please review the PrimaLuna EVO integrated tube amplifiers. Thank you.
OMG after listening to this I was shock over price. Unbeilable Great review love it keep up the good work.
Saw the Instagram post on this and couldn't wait till my lunch break. Lol. Great review. Thx again.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Hello! Hope your day is off to a great start!
Because some know the vintage quality tube amps were and are still better,
Good review. I can't tell you how many times I had one of these teed up to "click" to buy back when I had Altec Valencias. But alas, didn't keep the Valencias, and went to those Maggies you mentioned - I'm a little on a bucket list track at the moment and I literally went from one extreme almost to the other. I hope I'm around long enough, to swing back through the Forest of Zen. Thanks!
Hey Andrew, since you loved the Decware, you should also try one of the ampsandsound offerings, designed by Justin Weber. His amps are also all PTP wiring and he winds his own transformers. I own the Mogwai SE (5-8 wpc depending on tube complement) and I use it with my Cornwall IV's. The pairing is magical as you might expect!
I enjoy Kristi's comment. I wish she were on camera when she's talking. You didn't mention one non sonic issue with Decware amps, it will take them more than half a year to build and send it to you! They don't charge 90% of the cost until it is almost ready, but that's a long time to wait :(
I had no issues with the amp sonically. As for the lead time, we discussed it in the video.
why bother with tubes if it doesnt do anything to the sound
wdym?
Back to this thread after two years. It took me eighteen months to get this amp. This gave me time to DIY my speakers with Lii F15 drivers. It is up to my expectations which were right over the top. If you do the same, make sure you have not only the speakers but also a high end source with clean power, then it is phenomenal.
For those who want a bit more power, Decware just built a new amp which should be even better, a 300B made expecially for the new Western Electric 300B tube.....end game for ever !
Waiting list is even longer now.
Your voice makes every review worth listening to regardless of how the component sounds! About this item, I''d love to see you put the Decware amp on the Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. That may be the ultimate combination. I know the Cornwalls can break the back of a camel (no offense to camels intended) but perhaps you can bring the amps to a Cornwall IV owner and check out the results. BTW, speaker sensitivity is only measured at 1,000 Hz. But you say that the low end is still good (not compressed and not distorted) on your speakers?
Only dudes can relate to tubes and things sticking up 🤣.
NO, NO, NO ! ! ! !
IT's NOT TWO WATTS,
IT's TWO THOUSAND MILLIWATTS !!!!!
Turn it on and lights dim for miles around your house !!!!
AR, excellent review. My 2022 project is Decware & Heresay IV!!!
You’re likely going to be in hifi heaven.
Glad this company is getting the critical recognition it deserves and their full order book shows they are doing well. American designed and made, no nonsense designs, and they're perfectly competitive with the stuff coming out of China.
AMAZING and INFORMATIVE Review. Well done Sir.
What I think is that with your info one is still ahead financially by pairing the right components for a fracture of some companies as for in order to get there. Hand wired 🤔 I'll take that all day long. Being a musician I understand your language loud and clear. Thank you 😊
Man Ur amazing. I love your voice. Your reviews so good. Thank you for doing great work
Thank you so much, Haris Shaikh! We appreciate you watching.
I have Italian Casta B Speaker . I love music and radio love my old vintage Restored Fisher push pull tube Receiver 800c . Thank you so much
Ordered mine in December. The wait struggle is real. Purposely scored some Heresy II's and restored them for this amp. Can' t wait!
Did you get your zen amp yet and how is it with your Heresy’s?
@@Steveh817 yes finally! It sounded great but I ended up trading them for a set of Original Forte’s….Which sound sublime
@@splaff79 👍 glad to hear you received it. When did you receive? Only asking because I ordered a zen amp in May and figure early next year based on what people are saying now. I’m in no hurry so not a big deal.
I have never heard an amp even close to the performance of the Decware amp. Truly jaw dropping!
Yes, yes ... YES. I have the UFO2 (not 25th anniversary) and my speakers are simple, vintage Large Advents - two pair stacked. I’m in a small room, so YMMV. And I’ve tube rolled (try a NOS Sylvania type 80 rectifier with adapter!) and wow, wow, WOW! I’m using a Rogers Canada 6JD8 and 7189 power tubes. It is a stunning rig. I’ve auditioned it with Triangle Gaias and it’s a good match, but I’m next going to try Wharfedale Lintons.
Awesome review, thank you! I have been looking at purchasing this exact Amp or possibly an Inspire amp to go with my Klipsch bookshelf’s and Zu Omen speakers. On another note... I just saw Zu is launching a new Soul speaker. I bet that would be an interesting review and compare it with all the heritage line using some SET tube amps.
Another awesome review!
Andrew I can only imagine your voice being just that extra measure of silky smooth in person when compared to the convoluted chain of devices, transcoding and reproduction required to hear you as well as I am capable currently. Also, your review would lead me to believe the Decware as a desktop amp, or a similarly powered headphone amp would be spectacular.
Decware makes some headphone amps in this same style and I hear they're AWESOME. But for desktop use, minus the heat, the ZEN would be great!
Wonderful review, thank you. I'd really love to see you review the VTA ST-70 tube amp. Available both pre-built and in kit form, the VTA ST-70 is the best sounding amplifier that I have personally heard to date and has a rich history (as the number 1 selling amplifier of all time) dating back to 1959.
Andrew and Kristi...well done. I play piano as well as use both tube gear (Wavestream Kinetics, MFA) and solid state (Audio Research); I also DIY (BottleHead amps, Siegfried Linkwitz speakers , and Nelson Pass crossovers from diyaudio). I think a "good bake off" would be to compare Decware heads up against First Watt and AmpCamp amplifiers (solid state JFETS from Nelson Pass) and Bottlehead's Stereomour tube amps. The aformentioned amps are all very low power and can drive the Scalas etc.