REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp - Page 23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

Yes, I sold my CSP-2 when I bought the Decware Mini-Torii. But that didn't change that it was a great amp with the right headphones.

So I assume you are also on the LCD-2 band wagon?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 





Yup. That's what prompted me to move from the CSP-2 to the Mini-Torii.

Nice amp!  How do you make up your mind on tube selections?  The CSP2 is hard enough!

Do you have a review of the Mini-Torii and LCD-2 combination?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BournePerfect 

Thanks Frank. I figured as much, and I really don't like the idea of giving up this great amp.I suppose I'll get the Decware and new dac first and see how everything sounds with that final setup! I'm really liking everything I'm reading about Decware as a company, and it's products, and I'd really like to support them in the future if the CSP2+ is all it's cracked up to be. I actually just ordered their silver interconnects and they should be arriving next week. I did think it was kind of weird (lame) that those cables are also built to order, and that it would be a 3 week wait to get them though! Especially since they are only available in 2 lengths, you'd think they'd have a thousand or so ready to go lol.

 

-Daniel

I believe that DECWARE would make custom lengths if you needed something other than the meter or half meter standard lengths. 
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

Yes, I sold my CSP-2 when I bought the Decware Mini-Torii. But that didn't change that it was a great amp with the right headphones.

LOL and I am glad I coaxed you into selling it. Love the amp and cant wait to match it up with the Taboo

@Frank I

Recently  I found the Philip 6922 was a little bit thin and the soundstage was a little bit too far so I switch to the stock tube (Russian 6H1n-EB), and found the SQ was not as bad as I thought.  I actually like it quite a bit: more body and impact with realistic soundstage.  What I ended up with was using 6H1n as the front driver tube and Philip 6922 as the back two power tubes.  I got good body with still nice high freq extension.

Anyhow, I read your post about Gold Lion 6922 and many other good posts.  Would you be able to describe more about its sonic feature?  I am looking for clear transparent sound with good image and body.  Thanks!!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank I 

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 dukja 

@Frank I

 

Recently  I found the Philip 6922 was a little bit thin and the soundstage was a little bit too far so I switch to the stock tube (Russian 6H1n-EB), and found the SQ was not as bad as I thought.  I actually like it quite a bit: more body and impact with realistic soundstage.  What I ended up with was using 6H1n as the front driver tube and Philip 6922 as the back two power tubes.  I got good body with still nice high freq extension.

 

Anyhow, I read your post about Gold Lion 6922 and many other good posts.  Would you be able to describe more about its sonic feature?  I am looking for clear transparent sound with good image and body.  Thanks!!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank I 

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.

The Golden Lion is a very good strong and rugged tube. The biggest difference over the excellent Sylvania 6DJ8 was more bass a fuller sound and detail still coming through. They are around the same price as some NOS and a little more pricey than most but they have added. It also seems more powerful than the 6DJ8 but it just could be that the fullness and bass could make it appear that way. The sound has me relaxed and  I have not changed or rolled the tubes in the CSP-2 since I put the Golden Lion in. They really are a very nice 6922 and IMO worth the extra coin if they hold up over time. Beautifully constructed and nice to have a new production tube sound so good.The 6DJ8 have more air and are a lush lighter sound but the 6922 is fuller with more bass. Both excellent tubes and I do have both matched sets and do use all three the same tubes in the CSP-2. Hope this helps a little.Lets just say I have become a fan of the Genalex tubes and from what I have gathered all their tubes sound that way across the board. I will be trying the EL84 next in my Taboo but I do love the Sylvania EL84 and the tube 12HB7 that Rob recommended. That will be my last EL84 I try except for the Golden Dragon. I think my tubes are covered for a bit.

Thanks a lot, Frank I.  Your impression echos many others I read.  They are really appealing.  ATM, I am pretty happy with the lowly 6H1n front and 6922 back config.  It improves the impact and body quite a bit.

I also have some genalex EL84 to ttry in my Taboo. I hope they will perform as well or better than my EL84 Sylvania Blackgated. Will keep you posted

Recently, I just fall in love with CSP2+ with DT880/600 again!  About a week ago, I brought T1 back home to mate with it and wasn't really happy with the sound.  The sound was a little bit less body and dry.  That prompts me to change the tubes as I mentioned earlier.  Initially, I was just happy for more bodied sound.  But the more I listened to this tube combination, the more I love the current sound.  It sound intimate but with some "depth" to the sound.  In addition to the soundstage depth, it give me a means to hear the texture of the sound because the body of sound was so solid and not become more visible.  It is also quite thicker and weightier than Phoenix and I like it.

With this combo, I can easily hear the sonic difference between my DLIII and Ref-7 shoot-out.  I'll say this is the first time I start to feel the magic of tube amp. (I had CSP2+ for quite some time)

My T1 is currently out and I had this discovery after that.  Sorry to disappointed you now but I'll report back when I get T1 back later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukja 

My T1 is currently out and I had this discovery after that.  Sorry to disappointed you now but I'll report back when I get T1 back later.

Glad your still liking your CSP-2. I am very happy with my Decware stuff and have discovered you need to find  the best tube combo in my CSP-2 I usll all Genelx 6922 with a Sylvania 5U4G and in the Tabbo I have settled on my SV83 tubes and the GE 12BH7 as my choice and I have had enought tubes in and out but for me this is the right combo for both my headphones and speakers,