Decware CSP3

[jonathan c]

Thanks for the info!

I'll stay away from 7DJ8. Curious the CSP3 manual says that 6N1P is an ok substitute for the pair of output tubes. I guess not for the input tube.

**Am wondering if I should use the same tubes for all 3 or use a different input tube**

** electrically, it should not matter ... mix it up ... go with what sounds best.

 

[Lonson]

For many years, and maybe currently, the CSP3 has shipped with THREE 6N1P tubes. Perfectly compatible. Also many users are delighted with 7DJ8, no harm will come to the preamp and great sonics seem possible.

Yes, listen with your ears. I generally use the same tube type and brand for all three positions, but others swear by mixing between input and driver tubes. And I think that the rectifier tube plays a big influence in the overall sound on this preamp.

 

[G8torbyte]

Hello all! I managed to snag a used CSP3! Just received it today. Its an older unit (2017) but original owner says he has only about 100 hours on it.

Does anyone have any favourite tube rolls? Mine will come with the stock tubes. Am definitely going to be tube rolling.

I do have a Brimar and RCA 5R4GY rectifier that I use with my Aegis which I know are compatible, so will definitely be rolling those in and see.

Side note, the stock rectifier seems to rock a bit in the socket. Is that normal? Its not the socket, that seems very solid. Swapping in a Brimar rectifier and that does not rock.

Congrats! You have a good start with the Brimar 5R4GY. It has been my favorite rectifier roll since I received the CSP3 in November. Very luscious and analogue tube sound that I enjoy and the amp pairs so nicely with the 300 Ohm dynamic ZMFs. Atrium, Aeolus, Auteur and Verite all sound fantastic on it.
I have not tried many other input tubes on it other than I used an adapter to utilize 5670's which I had previously from other amps.

 

[mattiastomas]

Congrats! You have a good start with the Brimar 5R4GY. It has been my favorite rectifier roll since I received the CSP3 in November. Very luscious and analogue tube sound that I enjoy and the amp pairs so nicely with the 300 Ohm dynamic ZMFs. Atrium, Aeolus, Auteur and Verite all sound fantastic on it.
I have not tried many other input tubes on it other than I used an adapter to utilize 5670's which I had previously from other amps.

Thanks! It sounds amazing with my AO and AC!

I have a trio of Amperex 6922s on the way which should arrive next week. Excited for that.

I briefly tried the CSP3 as a preamp into my DIY Aegis and oh boy the Caldera sounded real good. But tube rolling and finding synergy between a tube preamp and tube amp is a whole different ball game

 

[G8torbyte]

X-post here at the Auteur thread.
Finding sweet coalescence of sound with the CSP3, a vintage Raytheon 5U4GB and the Auteur. Sourced by a Geshelli J3 Pro DAC (AK4499) with Sparkos SS2590 discrete op amp chip. It balanced out nicely on the digital conversion to a natural analog output that needs no EQ for my ears .

 

[mattiastomas]

So far I've been using Brimar 5R4GY for the rectifier with Amperex 6922 for input and output tubes.
Today I rolled in a Mullard GZ32 NOS that I got recently for my Aegis . Immediately am noticing better clarity and slightly better defined bass. Also it sounds more holographic than the Brimar.

Pairs wonderfully with ZMF Atrium Open and Closed!

I have also been having a blast preamp-ing the CSP3 into my solid state amps. Definitely gives them a nice oomph! CSP3 is such a wonderful preamp.

 

[G8torbyte]

So far I've been using Brimar 5R4GY for the rectifier with Amperex 6922 for input and output tubes.
Today I rolled in a Mullard GZ32 NOS that I got recently for my Aegis . Immediately am noticing better clarity and slightly better defined bass. Also it sounds more holographic than the Brimar.

Pairs wonderfully with ZMF Atrium Open and Closed!

I have also been having a blast preamp-ing the CSP3 into my solid state amps. Definitely gives them a nice oomph! CSP3 is such a wonderful preamp.

Nice, I've been considering a GZ32 rectifier as well. It's not on the CSP3's recommended list of rectifiers but I do see where many are using it with favorable comments in the Decware forums. And compared to other rectifiers in the series it is still reasonable in price for NOS.
Have you pre-amp'ed the CSP3 to your Homage yet? I'm loving how my planars are sounding in that chain.

 

[mattiastomas]

Nice, I've been considering a GZ32 rectifier as well. It's not on the CSP3's recommended list of rectifiers but I do see where many are using it with favorable comments in the Decware forums. And compared to other rectifiers in the series it is still reasonable in price for NOS.
Have you pre-amp'ed the CSP3 to your Homage yet? I'm loving how my planars are sounding in that chain.

Yeah I didn't see the GZ32 on the Decware list either, but searching thru the decware forums I found people were using them so I thought I'd give it a shot. So far so good. It's been about 4 hours and no issues

I brought the Homage home from work. Am gonna give it a listen this weekend!

 

[mattiastomas]

Has anyone adapted tubes for the CSP3? Been reading some good things about 5687 tubes. Been toying with the idea of RCA 6BQ7A input tube and Tung Sol 5687 output tubes.

 

[G8torbyte]

Has anyone adapted tubes for the CSP3? Been reading some good things about 5687 tubes. Been toying with the idea of RCA 6BQ7A input tube and Tung Sol 5687 output tubes.

I've been using 5670's with adapters. Mainly on the input stage since I found the stock 6922 a little edgy and wanted to smooth it out with a JAN GE-5670W I had used earlier with another amp.