Decware Appreciation Thread (MT review up on first page 2-10-12) - Page 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by AiDee 

 

In other news, my (formerly Mad Dude's) CSP2 apparently arrived in the country six days ago. It has taken customs that long to get a letter to me advising the customs charges 

 

Is your CSP2 in jail?

What did it do wrong?

Certainly sounds like it, the government wants you to post a bond, no?   LOL!

Chris you are so funny  Yes, bond posted. Customs are now writing a letter (!) to advise the postal service it can be released!! Goodness me, the customs and in-country delivery could take as long as the trip from USA to NZ did 

In more interesting news, I've found my Tung Sol 5Y3GT rectifier pairs well with one or two driver (12AT7) tubes I found too hard in the upper mids before. The sense of "being there" with well-recorded tracks is very noticeable.

Interesting what a difference it makes driving these tubes at different voltages...

I just bought a used CSP2+ off of eBay that should be here soon.  I've also got a pair of HD650's on the way, so that'll be the pairing for a while.  This is my first Decware amp.  I've long been a stereo guy, and up until about a year and a half ago, my best headphones were my AKG 240's.  I've now got (already in hand) Q701's, ATH-M50's, Mr Speakers modified T50RP's, and a cheap Chinese OTL amp and a Schiit Asgard.  With the CSP2+ and HD650's on the way, it's probably time for me to slow down a bit, but sometimes I can't help myself.

By the way, I'm not just here to say that I'm about to join the Decware community as I've been using Decware ERR's as my main speakers for the past year.  I've always been more of a stereo guy than a head-fier (until recently).  Instead of Decware amps/preamps, I've got a highly modified Dynaco ST-70 and a Modwright SWL9.0se.  For a 35 wpc tube system, I'm not really giving up anything to my friends who are also into stereo gear (Martin Logan/Conrad Johnson, B&W/Adcom, Vandersteen/VTL/Audio Research, Pass Labs/Wilson).  This humble little stereo even gives me about 90% of the performance of my friend's uber expensive all MBL system.  I actually think that the Decware ERR's make for a good comparison with the MBL 101E mk II speakers.  They're both radial/omni speakers and have similar soundstages and tonal balance.  The main advantages of the MBL's are improved bass impact and the ability to play extremely loud without being fatiguing or grainy (feels like you could listen at 110 dB for days on end).  The MBL's are clearly better, but they're definitely not $70,000 better.

Anyway, there's no real point other than to say, that Steve has made a world class (in my opinion) speaker for a very wallet friendly price (relatively) and that I'm really excited to get my second piece of Decware gear!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzerdave 

I just bought a used CSP2+ off of eBay that should be here soon.  I've also got a pair of HD650's on the way, so that'll be the pairing for a while.  This is my first Decware amp.  

My CSP2+ is "On the Bench" at Decware and I already have the HD650's. Looks like we're going to be enjoying the same rig. It will be interesting to hear your impressions once you have the pieces together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbowbbs 

 

My CSP2+ is "On the Bench" at Decware and I already have the HD650's. Looks like we're going to be enjoying the same rig. It will be interesting to hear your impressions once you have the pieces together.

I will definitely post some thoughts.  Everything should be in by next weekend.  I also feel like I got everything for a steal ($500 for the amp $250 for the cans plus the amp seller threw in a Decware power cord).

Unfortunately I have to report this theft to the proper authorities 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzerdave 

I will definitely post some thoughts.  Everything should be in by next weekend.  I also feel like I got everything for a steal ($500 for the amp $250 for the cans plus the amp seller threw in a Decware power cord).

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzerdave 

I will definitely post some thoughts.  Everything should be in by next weekend.  I also feel like I got everything for a steal ($500 for the amp $250 for the cans plus the amp seller threw in a Decware power cord).

I am going garage saleing with you! That power cord is $179 all by itself ....

Good job on the bargain hunting.

Originally Posted by WNBC 

Unfortunately I have to report this theft to the proper authorities 

Yeah.  I had made up my mind to not get any more gear until RMAF/CanJam.  Then I saw the CSP2+ and the HD650's just sitting there begging me to take them.  How was I supposed to resist?

They look amazing! I can't make it this year, but I hope to get there and take a tour anyway this fall. Cool to see these new beauties!

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbowbbs 

I am going garage saleing with you! That power cord is $179 all by itself ....

 

Good job on the bargain hunting.

I do seem to have a certain knack.  I got my ERR's used for half of retail.  I've also got a ton of tubes hoarded that I got on the cheap over the years.  The funny thing is compared to my dad, I'm the sucker who pays way too much for everything.

Just thought I'd let everyone know that I just saw a CSP2+ go up on eBay.  It's at $1 with a reserve on it right now, but there's a buy-it-now for $850.  It's not quite the steal I found for myself, but it has the oiled walnut "contemporary" base and looks to be in great condition.  With the wait times and at least one extra option on this amp, it's probably still a good deal at the asking price.  There's also an SE84C+ power amp packaged with the 944 speakers on eBay as well.

Anyway, it seems like someone from this thread might enjoy the CSP2+ to add on top of their Taboo.  I'll let everyone know if I find something like this again.  

I have the CSP2+ TABOO combination.  Totally black background.  My Taboo has the vcaps and sometimes after warming up really well, I get a glimpse of what they can do.  I have about 50 hours on em now.  I just changed the rectifier tubes to the something something GT's which the amps were designed for, and they opened up the detail.  I like the visual effect with the smaller GT tube too.  I would highly recommend the CSP2+ for anyone with a Taboo.  The volume control is smooth, and I like the input and output gain controls. 5y3GT rectifiers, Sylvania USA, $30 each.  

snapontom, any pictures of the happy couple?

My CSP2+ arrived yesterday.  I didn't get to do enough listening to give a full impression, but I enjoyed it.  I'm ready to get my HD650's in and then start my usual tube-rolling voyage.  I'll also eventually get around to posting a picture or two.