Eddie Current Zana Deux owners

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by humanflyz You should ask Earl on where to get tubes, because he seems to know everything about tubes.

I would get my 6c33's at Upscale even though they charge more. They test them the best and insure the tube wont self destruct in your amp.

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/product....d=513&catid=39


I would look for 6sl7gt's here .....

http://www.vacuumtubes.net/

 

[granodemostasa]

k thanks on the recommendations

here is a page of 6sL7 options: http://www.tubedepot.com/6sl7.html
basically with "testing":
1. Sovtek $6.95
2. Nos 6SL7WGT- 14.95
3. Nos 6SL7WGT Jan Philips - 24.95
4. Nos 6SL7GT - 12.95
5. Tungsol CTL 6SL7GT- 49.50

 

[tyrion]

Upscale Audio makes a point that they try to match the 6c33 tubes if you buy pairs. The price is $40 each which is only $2 per tube more than the thetubestore.com, which sells them as single tubes. Conus Audio carrys them but are out of stock at the moment. Someone on Audioasylum recommended Conus. It looks like sacd_lovers suggestion of Upscale Audio is the way to go for the 6c33 tubes.

 

[ironbut]

Hmm,.. I didn't think about the deposit thing. I could budget half now ! Get it by Xmas. Where's the line for the second run? BTW, I've been buying tubes for years and I have to agree that Kevin @ Upscale does the best testing for tubes. He's highly opinionated and a bit pricey,but I've never had a problem with any of the tube sets (my preamp uses 10, amp 11) I've bought from him. Sometimes it takes a little longer to get what you want because of additional testing though so if your expecting your Zana in a month, order now!

 

[augustwest]

granodemostasa -

Congratulations on your new ZD amp! It's a great sounding amp, and I know you will be very happy with it. . . . . . The hardest part now will be waiting for it to be delivered.

- augustwest

 

[granodemostasa]

-i just ordered the 6c33 tubes from upscale... still looking for reviews of different 6SL7 tubes....
-yea, sorry about that, David (and Mikhail), this is a case where i just had to jump on it. (upgraditis at it's worst).
some reviews:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/arc...hp/t-2880.html
http://home.att.net/~chimeraone/6sl7sound.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/t...tubes&m=148936
http://audiokarma.org/forums/archive...php/t-173.html
although, finding the VT-229 6SL7 tung-sol is nearly impossible...

 

[ironbut]

Yeah, I haven't not researched upgrade paths before buying a new piece in years. I used to think that it was a bit over the top, but I really think that not being able to leave well enough alone is one of the things that makes audio a hobby and not just shopping! I think that ss is getting closer to tube gear all the time but, not being able to tailor the sound to me and the rest of my system would be boring. NOS tubes are getting more expensive all the time but, so is gas! The better tubes last longer in many cases too ( built with a harder vacuum).

 

[granodemostasa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironbut Yeah, I haven't not researched upgrade paths before buying a new piece in years. I used to think that it was a bit over the top, but I really think that not being able to leave well enough alone is one of the things that makes audio a hobby and not just shopping! I think that ss is getting closer to tube gear all the time but, not being able to tailor the sound to me and the rest of my system would be boring. NOS tubes are getting more expensive all the time but, so is gas! The better tubes last longer in many cases too ( built with a harder vacuum).

well, that's one of the down sides of the ZD. whereas the Singlepower amps can be rolled with 3+ tubes, and come with a laundry's list worth of possible upgrades, the ZD has only one tube to roll... i havn't seen how much of a difference one tube could make, but i wouldn't expect too much out of it. Sadly the ZD might be a go or no go experience.

 

[granodemostasa]

Hi
Does anyone have experience with the Zana Deux outside of Craig's own setup? i could remember loving it with the HD650, and it's ben said to have harsh highs in the past. are there any other impressions of it's sound sig (as even i can't remember anything outside of my reaction).

 

[Spareribs]

I'd like to possibly buy a ZD! Could be the best kept head fi secret. Still waiting for more info....

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spareribs I'd like to possibly buy a ZD! Could be the best kept head fi secret. Still waiting for more info....

Keep your eye on this thread. With any luck in another month we will see some impressions.

 

[Spareribs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion Keep your eye on this thread. With any luck in another month we will see some impressions.

Awesome! I'm excited. This amp may possibly be my Christmas pick or at least a strong contender.

 

[ironbut]

Did any of you guys listen to the modded hd25 that was at the So.Cal meet? Kinda seems like this must be the HD30 that Craig will be selling. I was wondering how the sound compared to the Zana?

 

[adhoc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spareribs Awesome! I'm excited. This amp may possibly be my Christmas pick or at least a strong contender.

Ditto here. Right now I'm just trying to get confirmation that the Zana Deux will be able to work with 32ohm Grados.

...anyone?

 

[granodemostasa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by adhoc Ditto here. Right now I'm just trying to get confirmation that the Zana Deux will be able to work with 32ohm Grados. ...anyone?

yes, it does work with grados. (how well i don't know, my experience with it is limited to the HD600 and HD650 right now).