REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp - Page 25

 

I like the Sylvania 5Y3G and use the 5U4G the most I have Mullard 2492 try changing to Genelex 6922 sound fantastic and may be better than the Mullards I own also another is the Sylvania 6Dj8 which Rob turned me on too also/

Edited by Frank I - 6/26/11 at 7:11am

You talk highly of the Genalex 6922's! Maybe I should give it a go when I have enough funds for it. I was thinking about changing my input tubes into 6922's. Thanks fo the heads up. Any other tubes that people might recommend?

Does anyone have any experience pairing this Amp with the Matrix Mini-I DAC?

 

Thanks guys

It will be 5 weeks on monday that my CSP2+ has been on order ... the wait is killing me !

 

But I have managed to start a small collection of tubes to roll. As far as rectifiers has anyone had any experience with a Bendix 6106?

Thanks Skylab. This is another purchase I made because of your recommendation. I even ordered it in Dark Red Mahogany and named you as the advertising source.

 

I also added the stepped attenuator so this machine set me back a little bit of coin

Question to Skylab and the rest of the headfi community,

 

I just ordered a CSP-2 to go with my Audio Technica W1000X headphones. What tubes would you recommend? Also was the CSP-2 a good match with the W1000X? Also how can I get the best bang for my buck i.e. should I upgrade the rectifier and stick with the stock power tubes or should I upgrade the power tubes first and stick with the original rectifier that Decware sends with the amp?

 

I do not want my sound to be too bloated in the midrange. I like the sound to be transparent (but hate it to be thin and lean), have lot of resolution and to time very well.

 

Sky were you able to try the W1000X with the CSP-2 and how did it mate considering the AT has an impedence of 40 ohms but are easy to drive?

 

Thanks,

 

Sam

Rob the new CSP-2 has voltage adjustments that ours did not have. According to Steve it  will now play any headphone but I am with you on this my D7000 sounds good on it but I use the Taboo more with the D7000. Now on the 880 600 ohms I am hearing sound closer to the T1 synergy and the OTL really is a special amp with high impedance cans and not too ideal for the lower impedance cans but it will work with the D7000. I am using the Genelex 6922 and the Sylvania 5Y3G little bottle and the sound is black and quiet and very very musical. The Genelex 6922 even though they are new production They are the best new production 6922 since I had the Sovtec in there and those are discontinued but so good also. The 2492 I purchased  are not as good IMO as the Genelex but nice  sounding but IMO New Sensor did something very right with this rugged and  great sounding tube and these are matched and no noise I can hear anoth kudos to Jim Mcshane for his efforts on these gold pin treasures.

Edited by Frank I - 6/27/11 at 12:55pm

doesnt seem many people have tried the + version with low imp headphones?

I'm curious as well. Looking for something to drive an AD2000. This would hopefully be a great alternative (at half the cost) to a Zana Deux if indeed the CSP2+ version can drive the AT's with ease...might have to shoot Steve an email...

 

-Daniel

Hi Daniel I would call Steve the Taboo may be better if it is low impedance . But he will tell you for sure.  I like the CSP-2 with Beyer 600 ohms and it did well with the Sennheiser 300 ohms also.

or you can be like Frank and get both! =D

Frank I:

 

I would just be concerned with the gain for the AT's-I wonder how much play I'd have on the volume know. Sure wish you or Rob had heard the + version with the trim pots and whatnot! Although I had the AGD SA-2 (ortho, 6W/50ohm) and I could get up to 9:L30-10 on that with low gain IIRC. I was all set on the Zana Deux, but the CSP2+ and Taboo down the line would make more sense for a future speaker setup. I would love to support Steve-I just wish Head-fi had more Decware impressions, whereas Eddie Current has tons. I REALLY like the look/construction of the Zana Deux-and the fact that it is known to match perfectly with my favorite 'phone (AD2000) makes it seem like a no brainer, but is much more $$. However I would probably be getting the Decware HDT speakers down the road, and am sure the matching amps would be the most ideal in that setting. Decisions decisions.

 

Any AT owner's have impressions with the Decware amps?

 

 

-Daniel 

Edited by BournePerfect - 1/6/12 at 1:12pm

If anyone is interested steve offered a new coupon and gave me the okay to post it here. Wait list is 6-8 weeks.

However, I have created a coupon for head-fi readers for $25 off a CSP2+ that expires in 30 days (AUG 5th 2011) that you can post if you want!

Code: 08UT1C44

Originally I was gonna go with a premium wood base but I decided not to and just take the discount. Really great guy and I'm happy he has a good number of builds to make

Edit sorry the first code was used up. This code works. .
Edited by caracara08 - 7/5/11 at 9:14am