REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp
Apr 27, 2010 at 4:06 PM Post #181 of 654
Well I have always used the same tube in all 3 positions, but I understand what Steve is saying.
 
Apr 27, 2010 at 4:17 PM Post #182 of 654
Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well I have always used the same tube in all 3 positions, but I understand what Steve is saying.


Skylab do you know if this can be made with two inputs and a sub mono output. I am thinking of getting one to run with my Outlaw 2150 driving my Maggie MMG andd sub. I use two players as a source one redbook cd player and a SACD player.
 
Apr 27, 2010 at 5:29 PM Post #183 of 654
No clue. But ask Steve - he's pretty responsive.
 
Apr 28, 2010 at 12:05 AM Post #185 of 654
My CSP-2 should arrive on Thursday. I'll be sure to post my impressions after lots of listening. I've never hit F5 on the UPS tracking page this many times before
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Frank I:
The amp has 2 stereo inputs, 1 stereo output and a mono out for a sub. Is this what you're asking? My plans are to feed one input with my record player and the other with my DAC hooked up to my various digital sources. I don't currently have a sub but that mono-out won't be lonely for long
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Apr 28, 2010 at 11:23 AM Post #186 of 654
Quote:

Originally Posted by datura647 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
My CSP-2 should arrive on Thursday. I'll be sure to post my impressions after lots of listening. I've never hit F5 on the UPS tracking page this many times before
smily_headphones1.gif


Frank I:
The amp has 2 stereo inputs, 1 stereo output and a mono out for a sub. Is this what you're asking? My plans are to feed one input with my record player and the other with my DAC hooked up to my various digital sources. I don't currently have a sub but that mono-out won't be lonely for long
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Exactly what I am looking for. I want to use it as a preamp for my Outlaw 2150 and be able to hook up a sacd and cd player with a mono sub for my Outlaw sub. This is what I was hoping for.
 
May 4, 2010 at 7:58 PM Post #189 of 654
Quote:

Originally Posted by Who? /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Just picked up 3 NOS Mullard CV2492's Gold Pin versions for my CSP2 for 60 bucks! I hope I'll like em! Think I will keep this amp for a little while
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NICE - that's a great price on those, and they sound great in the CSP-2.
 
May 6, 2010 at 1:53 PM Post #191 of 654
CSP-2 just arrived after 5-week of waiting.
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Out of box with 6N1P and Raytheon 5U4G, it sound very smooth and nice.  I was surprised by its voltage gain.  I can only turn to about 8 o'clock with DT880/600.
 
Then, I just cannot wait longer and switch to Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8.  The clarity and sound decay has been improved and still remind quite nice texture.  I can see CSP-2 has very good potential as it burnt in.  Comparing to Phoenix, the soundstage is closer and decay is a little bit less.  The width of the soundstage is narrow.  This may mainly due to the SE vs Balanced connection.  Also, CSP-2 can only use the RCA connection with REF-1, which has much less SNR comparing to ASCC connection.  So even with such unfair sourcing situation,  CSP-2 still shines well.  Very promising.
 
The only thing bothers me is that the voltage gain seems to be very high.  I can only use about 5~10% (7~8 o'clock) position of the pot.  Can any one verify that?  I thought those are not the optimal position for a volume pot.
 
May 6, 2010 at 2:17 PM Post #192 of 654
My normal listening with DX1000 is at the 9:00 position.  That produces average levels of 80dBA (again, with my source, and the DX1000).  If your source has a high output level, I can see how that might be an issue.  I have found the pot to be pretty linear, though.  The only problem with the lower end of a pot is that some pots don't have good channel balance in the lower range.  I have not seen that with the CSP-2.
 
May 6, 2010 at 3:31 PM Post #193 of 654
Congrats on getting your CSP2, dukja. Depending on the recording, my Peter Daniel dac's output generally has me setting volume somewhere between 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock with AKG K 701 headphones.
 
May 6, 2010 at 3:40 PM Post #194 of 654
@fipple8
 
I actually has Peter's NOS DAC in the past and I knew its output is at normal (2V?) range.  My recent DAC such as DLIII and Ref-1 both have 2.5V output  That may be part of the reason.  I also send out a mail to Steve to see if we can get the gain tune down if I ever send CSP-2 back for step attenuator in the future.  Will post back his reply!
 
And I guess this gain issue may not be address with different tubes?
 
May 6, 2010 at 3:55 PM Post #195 of 654
Amazing what .5V will do, huh?
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 Steve is definitely the guy to ask here, especially about lower gain tubes to sub for the 6DJ8 family the amp is designed for. A few years ago, I needed a little more gain from a fi Yph phono pre and Don Garber sent me a pair of 6JK8 tubes. It worked, but I didn't like the sound much. A change in source, in this case a higher output cartridge, was a much better solution for me.
 

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