My understanding that a key to decware zen sound is the output transformers. How are you going to source those? Aren't those custom made for him?
Not sure who the question is aimed at. In my case where I'm building a clone it will ofcourse not be a real copy since as you correctly point out I don't have the same output transformers. I don't think he sells them seperately. So that is that. But I have several good output transformers in my 'collection'.
especially the new 2016-curently spec UFO seems to be superior sounding, but the earlier versions sure wont be a slouch either, and i guess comparable with other high spec output transformers that you can source yourself. im no specialist though.
I used to have very early version, was not impressed. I built clone with edcor on outputs, exactly the second schematics posted. Sounded much better to me. Sold decware.
Ps: those were my years with lowthers, long time ago 🙂
Ps: those were my years with lowthers, long time ago 🙂
Wired in triode:
RH-style — where we ended up, 4.9w @clipping.
When i rebuild my Akai/Roberts tape recorder amps i think i will do something different (not parafeed) and something meatier at the front (i hope my 6H6∏ are still in hiding). Or, more pedestrian, at Eli’s suggestion that 12AT7 tranfer curve tends to linierize the EL84 so one has distortion cancelation between stages. I’d figure out DC coupling, use choke in the supply, and no elco caps are keys to performance.
dave
RH-style — where we ended up, 4.9w @clipping.
When i rebuild my Akai/Roberts tape recorder amps i think i will do something different (not parafeed) and something meatier at the front (i hope my 6H6∏ are still in hiding). Or, more pedestrian, at Eli’s suggestion that 12AT7 tranfer curve tends to linierize the EL84 so one has distortion cancelation between stages. I’d figure out DC coupling, use choke in the supply, and no elco caps are keys to performance.
dave
Well, this turned out to be a very informative thread. 👍 I play mainly with solid state stuff but have heard through online reviews that the Decware Zen Triode was supposed to be this fantastic piece of gear. It is interesting to hear your guy's take on it.
Hi Dave,Wired in triode:
RH-style — where we ended up, 4.9w @clipping.
When i rebuild my Akai/Roberts tape recorder amps i think i will do something different (not parafeed) and something meatier at the front (i hope my 6H6∏ are still in hiding). Or, more pedestrian, at Eli’s suggestion that 12AT7 tranfer curve tends to linierize the EL84 so one has distortion cancelation between stages. I’d figure out DC coupling, use choke in the supply, and no elco caps are keys to performance.
dave
Excellent feedback. However, I have a few questions on the designs:
1. What are the requirements for both the parafeed and output transformers? Can I assume that any 5K EL84 OPT will work and the higher quality the better?
2. Is the EL84 in the RH design really triode strapped? If so, can you get 4.9W @ clipping? If not, can you revise the circuit?
3. There is no value for the RH feedback resistor, can you give us some suggestions?