[SR-71Panorama]

OK, so it is clear both amps are superb, and sound fantastic. That is a given. But....
Which one has the most sonic qualities you prefer?

For simplicities sake, Single Ended impressions only please.

Just a friendly reminder, please [size=small]vote only if you have actually heard BOTH amps[/size]. This poll is by no means a survey of favorite looks, features, price, etc, ONLY SOUND QUALITY PREFERENCES.

I am not particularly interested which name you think sounds cooler, etc.

 

[granodemostasa]

The Zana Deux! (well... maybe, I'd have to hear the apache again)

 

[vcoheda]

balanced/solid state v. single ended/tube. a lot of differences between the two. the zd is a sweet sounding amp, the few times i have heard it. not have listened to the apache, yet.

 

[Icarium]

Single ended? Why even bother with an apache ;p Just get an HR-2 or whatever the single ended version is called, but then again a Zana Deux will crush it so hard that it wouldn't even be a contest ;p

 

[ctemkin]

Not having heard the Zana Deux, I can't respond directly to the question. However, I have been spending time with a new Apache, and I want to point out that it is sensational single-ended. I have been listening with UE 10 pros, and the resolution and naturalness of the sound of acoustic instruments are arresting.

Intrigued by the question, I took a look at the eddie current website and then read the 6 moons review. As it happens, yesterday I listened to Dave Brubeck's Time Out, and the reaction I had to listening to it with the Apache was the same as the reviewer in the 6 moons review listening to it with the Zana Deux. So maybe the two amps aren't all that different.

 

[Fafner]

I must confess I don't really understand such polls. Unless one owns both amps, a comparison can be based only from quite short listening sessions (at a meeting?), and there are so much things to consider when evaluating an amplifier that I seriously doubt such listening sessions can be useful. I guess some will vote because they own one of these amps but never even heard the other one...

 

[Sovkiller]

Some time ago while I posted regarding the use of the OTL solutions in tube amps, and the ideal solution, and called for "non audiophile" tube complents, using the 6cc33 (same as the the Zana Deux use today) a few of the tube gurus here stated that those tubes were not as good sounding and other ultra well known topologies. And that was the main reason they still preffer the use of more known tubes as the legendary 6SN7 (and many others tube complements) in well known topologies (even while they use transformers output solutions) over the atypical 6C33 military demanding tube (that BTW was used by some other manufacturers far before...)

Now suddenly by black magic, those same gurus had changed their minds, and love the sound of the 6CC33, and praise the Zana Deux...that is really funny, what a deception guys...Sorry for the rant!!!

 

[bhd812]

apples and oranges...

single ended only with no need for Pre?
Zana with an HR-2 for the best of both worlds..Great Tube amp and a GReat solid state..

i am moving my Vinyl rig off my Main rack for better isolation soon, which means i have an extra rack for another toy to the main rig..hmm



whats this i hear of new piano black on the Zana? someone have pics?

 

[Absorbine_Sr]

Quote:

whats this i hear of new piano black on the Zana? someone have pics?

Just the front dress plate, but it sure is pretty:

The gold screws were not the ones it came with, Craig sent the wrong ones. Those were the best I could find. And someone else has mentioned that Craig does not have any more of the dress plates? But no confirmation on that. It also came with the "chicken head" knobs you see on mine, as well as the originals.

And I agree that these polls can be mildly pointless. I've heard the Apache briefly at a meet, but in no way could I make a comparison based on that.

A_Sr.

 

[SR-71Panorama]

I realize the single ended requirement sells the apache short, only utilizing part of the design, etc, but I thought it would be simplest for the poll, as I figured the majority of people who have heard these have probably all heard single ended. I figure only a fraction of people have heard either balanced, due to the popularity of single ended phones.

So I take it the HR2 guys feel that it is as refined a sound single ended as the Apache?

 

[MaloS]

Oook, based on those meet impressions, Apache does not sound like an HR2 single-ended...its alot more O.o The idea might look similar, but not quite. I voted Apache because mostly after I try tube amps and like them, I end up going back to SS and liking it more. I don't think either amp is superior to the other, they have different sounds, and the choice is basically purely based on that.

 

[909]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhd812 /img/forum/go_quote.gif apples and oranges... single ended only with no need for Pre? Zana with an HR-2 for the best of both worlds..Great Tube amp and a GReat solid state..

the zd has two preamp outs

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absorbine_Sr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just the front dress plate, but it sure is pretty: The gold screws were not the ones it came with, Craig sent the wrong ones. Those were the best I could find. And someone else has mentioned that Craig does not have any more of the dress plates? But no confirmation on that. It also came with the "chicken head" knobs you see on mine, as well as the originals. And I agree that these polls can be mildly pointless. I've heard the Apache briefly at a meet, but in no way could I make a comparison based on that. A_Sr.

thanks for the pic. If I had a choice I would get the Zana. I know that the Apache is awesome, but I feel that the Zana would suit my tastes more.

 

[sacd lover]

What happened to the original poll with the voters for each amp and the numbers for each amp?

This one doesnt even tell you the numbers for each amp.

 

[derekbmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover /img/forum/go_quote.gif What happened to the original poll with the voters for each amp and the numbers for each amp? This one doesnt even tell you the numbers for each amp.

Try clicking on the "view poll results"