Eddie Current Zana Deux owners - Page 92

My listen was on a non switch version of the ZD. From talking to Craig, a switch can be put in if I want but it is still mainly for high impedance HPs and wouldnt make a huge difference. Still works well with TH900 and W3000anv.
Edited by dallan - 10/22/12 at 1:37pm

Yeah I realized that guys-that was the main point of the 'SE' I believe-adding the low impedance switch.  I gotta admit I didn't really notice much difference with the hi-lo switch with the AD2K-but I never really listened to it on hi because I had almost no play on the attenuator.

 

-Daniel

I am waiting on my audiophilleo to clean up the sound, but got the Zana Deux in last night. Using stock tubes for now. Sounding great!

 

Very initial impressions, I will elaborate later. The B22 sounds bigger with more soundstage. It's more detailed, and definitely has more power up top in the high end. The ZD is darker, has a more robust low end with more bloom to it. The B22 low end is a bit dryer and cleaner. The B22 sounds solid state to me, and is very technical. I can imagine the B22 would be more fatiguing in the long-run, especially with those powerful highs. Highs on the ZD are still very present, but smooth and musical, not harsh. Mids are more present on ZD, and more euphonic, lush. I find with the B22, I am listening to the music and evaluating the sound more. With the ZD, I find it I am caught up in the music more, want to turn it up, and just find it more engaging and musical. 

Just traded for a Beyer T1, will soon be able to find out how they play with the Zana. Always have the CSP2+ just in case 

the T1 and HD800 are fantastic with the CSP2 as is my AT3000anv

And so is the DT990 600 ohms. Very fast with expansive bass. :)

Frank,

What combination of tubes do use in your csp2 with your T1's?

And Clayton you have a WA2, CSP2+ and Zana? What's your preference with the Beyers?

In order of amp preference this is it:

 

First of all my CSP2+ was modded by 2359glenn so obviously the sound stage is nowhere near Decware's stock CSP2+ (see 2359glenn's mods):

 

1) CSP2+ offers an up-front, very dynamic sound -- pleasantly in-your-face, if you will;

2) the WA2 has a very cleaned-up sound. Just as dynamic as #1 but more analytical to my ear. I got the WA2 with Black Gate capacitors.

3) The Zana Deux SE's sound stage is more calculated than #1 and #2. It has a personal touch; and although its sound is clean and almost solid state in presentation, it is never disagreeable nor fatiguing.

 

Edited by Clayton SF - 10/23/12 at 8:21pm

I used the Genelex 6922,Sylvania 6DJ8 and Mullard 2492 . I am using Bugle Boys with my CSP2 right now and they are my favorite tubes overall.

Holy cow! Looks like an absolute, steroidal monster! 

 

Those preferences are an overall ranking or particularly with T1's? 

Edited by ericfarrell85 - 10/23/12 at 9:18pm

I sold my Bugle Boys back when I had my Lyr, also my IEC Mullard 6DJ8's (which I now regret). Have any extra bugle boys you want to sell? 

Wow....That would be a fun amp to listen to compared to stock.

 

Those preferences are particularly with the DT990 600Ω. I do not own the T1. :(

sorry  Only 3 in the amp

Does the Zana power supply always hum? I don't know if mine just started or now that I noticed I can't stop hearing it.  Come something be done - like tightening the transformer screws or something.  It's interesting that if you turn the zana off at the amp, the hum in the p/s goes away.  This may seem like it makes sense but normally transformers hum whether they're under load or not.