REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp - Page 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank I 

 

But actually the LCD2 is very efficient at 91DB that would be considered not difficult to drive as you also said they did work on the CSP-2. Actually the D7000 I just switched to tubes the main difference I see is a little less sound stage but it is more transparent. I guess more than one amp is always a good idea.

Hmm, but in my book 91 dB is not very efficient.  A lot of headphone run much higher than that, like 100+ dB/mW.

Good idea is more than one amp   :D   it means, "I agree!!!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

Agreed - 91db can only be describes as "medium efficiency" at best, I think.

It still not inefficient like the 84DB HiFiman cans.  Even so they still need proper amplification to get the best out of them.

Aye 91dB wouldn't be efficient but then the LCD-2 isn't actually measuring at that if we believe Tyll.  90dB @ 120mV into 49Ohm... you do the math ;)

I do not believe the CSP-2 would be a good matcvh for the planar as it is not a good match for my D7000. The D7000 performs best with my SS amp and by a long shot. The T1 performs better with the CSP-2. I also have the Genalex Golden Lion 6922 being shipped tomorrow and will report on how they sound. EH 6922 did not fair well in the CSP-2

I received the Genalex Golden Lion 6922 tubes all matched and in the CSP-2 still need time to open up but there were not connection issue as I had with the EH 6922. These are well constructed and have gold pins. They need some hours to burn in but early impression is positive and with a different sound over my Sovtek 6922 or Sylvania 6DJ8. Will post more as they burn in.These tubes are close to 50.00 each for matched so there not inexpensive but built well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

Cool Frank - do post your impressions after run-in!

4hrs in and I really hear  some positives. Sound Stage is starting to open not sure how many hours but they are getting better. Great bass and highs. Nice detail Supposedly when Genalex had these were manufactured for Genalex by Amperex and the reissue has all Genalex tooling and these according to Jim McShane measured and tested better than any other 6922 thats out there. So far no minus all plus's

Has anyone owned or been able to listen to both the CSP2 and the MAD Ear+HD and can compare the two amps?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyramax 

Has anyone owned or been able to listen to both the CSP2 and the MAD Ear+HD and can compare the two amps?

I  would also like to hear some impressiom on the MAD. MH said it has a low and igh input and plays lowimpedance and high impedance cans. Pretty interesting as its an OTL. The CSO-2 does not do well with the D7000. SS is mor eopen and gives them a 3d sound stage which the tube amp it is really not playing to its potential. Interesting amp from Canada and MH loves it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank I 

Pretty interesting as its an OTL.

No, it's not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank I 

I  would also like to hear some impressiom on the MAD. MH said it has a low and igh input and plays lowimpedance and high impedance cans. Pretty interesting as its an OTL.

...

From what I've read the MAD Ear+ is not an OTL amp.

The genalex Golden Lions 6922 have been running since I  received them Friday and I have not wanted to change back to the 6DJ8 which is a good sign as the tube is satisfied my audiophile urge. It has detail,air and good bass. The question remains price. They are 46.00 tube for matched tubes which makes them more than twice what I paid for the NOS Sylvania matched 6DJ8. I would not say they are better or worse. Slightly different sound and built beautifully. This tube should last a long time. On another note I used the CSP-2 as a preamp driving my Outlaw 2150 and had very surprising results driving the maggies. It was like the Outlaw was on steroids and putting out so much more power. I hear dynamics more bass driving the sub and transparency. IMO tube stomp solid state in sound stage and transparency. It was pretty amazing  and now am thinking about using my main setup with the preamp. It scored big time for me in my system. I also am using the Sylvania 5U4G tube with the 6922 and will live with this for a little while.

I use my CSP-2+ as a pre amp as well, driving the power amp section of a Burson PI-160 integrated. I really love this versatility as I can get a taste of the tube sopund in both headphones and speakers.