A Visit to Decware - Page 6

 

Rats... lightning quick sale. Would also like to try one of these puppies.

 

Very rare tube. It's one of those buys were it helps to know in advance that one wants it... and pounces! 

Great pictures, I feel drawn to the glow of the tubes like a moth to a lightbulb!

BTW guys, has anyone heard the ZBox? I am thinking of using it (should I get it) between my NAD m51 and GS-X. The GSX is wire with gain and very transparent so I assume that if the ZBox is half of what Steve makes it out to be on his site, theoretically speaking the sound should get fuller. Interestingly though I read a post on Audiogon that the Zbox is rather thin sounding and more detail focused than tubby. So if you heard it and can clarify this statement, please help me out.

 

I also read (on Decware site) that it actually improves detail. Can someone explain this to me? How can this thing add detail? From what I understand, after the source you only lose information. This would suggest that somehow you gain info. I suspect I am putting 2 and 2 together and getting a 5 here so I would appreciate explanation from someone who has head the Zbox (in an otherwise SS system, preferably) or someone who understands electronics enough to explain this gain in detail thing. 

 

Thanks guys! 

 

I can't claim to have heard the Zbox, but I'll confirm your assumption that you'll only lose information after the source.  However, if the detail exists in a certain part of the spectrum that is slightly suppressed coming from the source but is accentuated later in the chain, you would hear more detail after that component than straight from the source.  The most extreme example would be with turntables: all of the information is present coming from the turntables interconnect, but until you apply the RIAA equalization in the phono stage, there will be a massive amount of information that sounds like it's missing.  

 

Did that help at all?

big help! thanks!

+1 what jazzerdave said. Can be other way round too - a part of the spectrum slightly lifted by the source, thus covering up detail elsewhere in the spectrum. I experience this with one of my dacs. The zbox might do a little judicious EQ, though I'm speculating.

Doesn't the zbox have two selectable sounds, or am I thinking of the zstage?

For anyone interested I started a Taboo MK111 appreciation thread in the amp forum and there are pictures and impressions in there of the day we spent with the new Taboo MK111 and some initial observations

thants the zstage

These are great people to deal with. I purchased a Mini Torri from another member, it is fantastic by the way! With every kind of headphone, Senn800, HE-6, audeze2-3s, fostex 900, grado Ps1000, etc. I had some questions about tubes, circuits, and other items and Steve graciously spent 45 minutes with me on the phone. Besides his great generosity with his time and advice, he is extraordinarily knowledgable and passionate about all things sound related! I have owned many amplifies and consider the Decware and their people among the very best! 

 

Best

 

Alex

lot's of really cool photos....nice review

Meh. I am kind of leery about the quality. For the price of those mono blocks, I can get some replica western electric mono blocks. 

Interesting comment on quality. I have never before bought an electronics component with a lifetime warranty! To me that indicates that this company has absolute faith in the quality of its products. Now, if you are commenting on build quality or component quality, I don't know if there are places where Decware is known to cut corners. I have only read and heard positive reviews about their gear. It certainly wasn't a fear or worry when I made my purchase decision. It isn't the cheapest gear out there, but I feel the value is very good for a handmade in America product complete with lifetime warranty.