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Any comments on the Decware Zen amp?

I have been reading up on the Zen amps by Decware. This amp sounds incredible from the reviews. While I am not sure if my speakers have quite the efficiency to get the volume I am looking for, they sound very favorable. I keep hearing about how electrostatics love tube amps. I own ML SL3's. Used BAT VK-60's are selling for around $2K, the Zen Select sells new for $695. Buying 2 for using as mono-blocks at $1390 still seems reasonable. Has anyone had the oportunity to audition both to offer an opinion? Most of the people using them are using Klipch speakers, which I am not too fond of.
pmwoodward

Showing 2 responses by pmwoodward

pmwoodward OP
94 posts
 
to Eoj58, this tube amp (and others) are designed by Steve Deckert (www.decware.com)
pmwoodward OP
94 posts
 
As a follow up, I bought a Zen, and the amp is simply amazing!! Although the SL3's are not really efficient enough for it, it provides more volume than expected. Although there is not nearly the bass output of my Odyssey Stratus, the sound is so much more involving. After listening to it for about a month and switching back to the Stratus, the difference is even more noticable. I can no longer listen to it.

So, my next question is, do I get another Zen Select to run mono's or, do I opt for the BAT VK-60? Although, I love the sound, I definately want more bass extension and volume. I tried horizontally bridging the Stratus to run the woofers, it did not work well, the gain's were no way near close enough. There was too much bass output. Either a more efficient speaker or more power by bridging the Zen mono's should give me that. With BAT VK-60's selling used for under $2K, that route also seems tempting.

thanks for the advice,
Paul Woodward
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