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REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp - Page 7

post #91 of 463
10/18/09 at 3:29pm
ciphercomplete, let me know if you're interested in one. I'm might be putting mine up for sale soon. It's a great amp, but I need re-coup some funds from a 300B amp that I recently purchased.
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post #92 of 463
10/29/09 at 11:51pm
Almost pulled the trigger on a Woo 3+ with the Teflon tube base upgrade and then I see this thread using the search button. Man something to really think about now?? I will order something in the next week or so. Gotta love this hobby!
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post #93 of 463
11/8/09 at 3:15pm
After hundreds of hours of research (mostly on head-fi), I decided to pull the trigger on this product. I'm fairly new to the high end HP scene but I think I will like the qualities of this amp based on the input from you guys. I am also in the market for a new set of cans so input on the best match to the CSP-2 would be highly appreciated.

I have a set of Sony MDR-V6 cans that I have been using for years (18?) that are not a bad product IMHO. I have spent some time with the H650s on several occasions, and maybe it was the amplifiers used, but I was not impressed (sources seemed distant). I like the K701 cans better because they seem more engaging, but not sure if they are a good match with this OTL amp?

I have a huge sellection of JDJ8, 6922, 7308 tubes (one of the reasons I bought this product) but specific input would be great especially when matched with HP recommendations.

Thanks for all thoose who posted to convince me to plunge!
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post #94 of 463
11/8/09 at 9:41pm
Thread Starter 
I've had pretty good luck with a wide variety of headphones and the CSP-2. I'd say overall get the headphone you like the most - the CSP-2 should be able to do a decent job with it no matter what.

As for tubes, I liked the Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8's best, and I am using the Sophia Princess 274B rectifier, although the Mullard 5U4G sounds at least as good if not better.
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post #95 of 463
11/8/09 at 9:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skylab View Post
I've had pretty good luck with a wide variety of headphones and the CSP-2. I'd say overall get the headphone you like the most - the CSP-2 should be able to do a decent job with it no matter what.

As for tubes, I liked the Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8's best, and I am using the Sophia Princess 274B rectifier, although the Mullard 5U4G sounds at least as good if not better.
OK I'll go for the AKG K 701 (or maybe 702?). I've got several Bugle Boy 6DJ8 tubes and I am very fond of these in other equipment. I've got some old Tesla (non JJ) E88cc tubes from the 60s that I am also very fond of. My favorite 6DJ8, 6922, 7308 tubes I use in my First Sound Line stage are Mullard CV2493 E88cc tubes. These are military spec gold pin tubes that I get out of Europe. They are not cheap but I have found nothing better.

I've read up on the rectifiers so I'm sure to try a few of those also.

Again, thanks for the recommendations!
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post #96 of 463
11/8/09 at 10:05pm
Thread Starter 
I have some CV2492/3 and they also sound great, for sure.
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post #97 of 463
11/13/09 at 1:27pm
I wonder how this amp sounds when paired with HD800s. Also, being an OTL design, how does it compare to Zana Deux? I would not be surprised if Zana is better, but still I am curious about it.

I was checking Tubedepot and I have seen a lot of 6DJ8 variants. Telefunken, Siemens, different amperex tubes etc. Does anyone have an experience with Telefunken and Siemens variants?
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post #98 of 463
11/13/09 at 1:41pm
Thread Starter 
Telefunken and Siemens 6DJ8's are of the clean/bright/detailed sort. The ones I have tried in the CSP-2 tipped it too much to the bright side.

That said, using Amperex tubes, the HD800's sounded very good on the CSP-2, IMHO.
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post #99 of 463
11/13/09 at 2:03pm
Thank you for the reply. There is one variant of amprex at Tubedepot, a NOS one, priced at $120 here: 6DJ8 / ECC88 AMPEREX
Is this the one you are mentioning? When I listened to the HD800s, I loved their detail and soundstage a lot. However, I also wanted a bit more lows in addition to all its sonic qualities. BTW, Beyer cans are too dark for me and I did not like the sibilance with GS1000s for example, just to give an idea. Will this amp with the amperex tube do the trick then?
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post #100 of 463
11/13/09 at 3:56pm
Thread Starter 
I think you'd like them, yes - but you can get them for way less $$$ if you work at it.
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post #101 of 463
11/13/09 at 10:01pm
Thank you for the information. Greatly appreciated.
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post #102 of 463
11/15/09 at 10:05pm
Some Beyerdynamic DT880 600 Ohm on the way (along with the csp2).

What is burn in time on these?
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post #103 of 463
11/15/09 at 10:10pm
Thread Starter 
120 hours should do it.
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post #104 of 463
11/17/09 at 2:24pm
Can this drive hd800 sufficiently?
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post #105 of 463
11/17/09 at 2:25pm
Thread Starter 
IMHO, yes.
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