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"In the midst of marveling at a sound stage that went back some 30 feet... two of the musicians playing shakers walked up and sat on either side of me about 8 feet off each shoulder. They grinned as we listened together. When I hit the stop button... everyone vanished. Not many players can take you here. This one can." -Steve Deckert
Model ZCD Now available in either 120 or 240 volts!
Introductory
Price $799.00
Zen CD Player - Single Ended Triode Class A tube output stage
OVERVIEW: This is the Decware modified Tascam professional CD player. It features a single ended triode analog output stage that completely replaces the original analog section of the machine. The Tascam has enjoyed a long reputation with recording studios as the reliable red book CD player and when compared to consumer grade players it easy to see why they don't break. Huge power supply, steel transport and it even sounds OK stock. With such a solid platform the unit was an ideal candidate for the extensive tweaking and modifications it got. The actual analog tube output section was based on the success of our previous two players but scratch built especially for this players DAC section. It was good but the preverbal question "could it be better?" drove the R&D through 7 completely different circuits with each one slightly better than the previous and each one carefully voiced at the cost of many late evenings. The ZCD was designed to be a "real sleeper" and completely untouchable at the price. It's performance is impressive in all categories but one - imaging. This players imaging and sound stage are highly refined making it absolutely exceptional for those SET purists. The holographic abilities of our amplifiers and speakers are well served by this players presentation.
One of the best features of this player is the ergonomics and ease of use. No excess complications or delays. It responds instantly to your wishes. Yes the CD drawer actually opens at the precise moment you press the button... it doesn't test your patients by having to think about it for several seconds. Easy to read from across the room and fully operated by a simple (included) remote. It can be rack mounted or the ears can be easily removed to fit inside conventional audio cabinets. Tube replacement is from the rear. No access to the inside is needed. Uses 1 12AU7 and is compatible with most equivalents. Analog tube stage runs at reduced voltages for extended tube life and to eliminate any heat. Even the tube itself only gets barely warm to the touch. The tube stage has been designed for 24/7 operation 365 days a year. Tube life is 2 years minimum. It stays on warmed up for peak fidelity even when the CD player is off. There is an indicator LED on the front panel that shows the status of the tube stage. High quality Gold/Teflon RCA jacks are included for the analog tube outputs and the stock OP AMP driven outputs are left in tact and operational on the stock jacks. The carefully voiced tube stage is fed direct from the DAC so there are no electrolytics in the signal path. Selected top grade resistors and coupling caps are used with gold ceramic tube socket. Single Ended Class A circuit with no feedback.
Further tweaks are done to the lazor assembly, transport and chassis to reduce jitter. An isolated ground is incorporated that separates the audio ground from the digital ground. The digital ground is tied to the chassis. This has sonic merits that will become self evident once you've heard it. The stock variable headphone jack was left in tact and un-modified. Also the pitch control has been left active with a bypass (on/off) switch. This means any studio using a stock Tascam CD160 or CD160MK II can replace it with a Decware ZCD without loosing any features and gaining an unreal improvement in sound quality. High output level from the analog tube stage is a bonus. It develops enough drive and dynamics with around 5 volts that anything you hook to it is sure to be woken up! THIS IS A RED BOOK (standard CD's) CD PLAYER ONLY. It plays all red book format CD's including ones you burn yourself. It also has a feature for playing MP3's and handles them very nicely. This player will not play DVD's or SACD's. CLICK HERE FOR LARGE IMAGE of the Zen CD Player
SPECIFICATIONS FROM TASCAM BEFORE MODIFICATIONS: A super-professional, industrial-quality CD player—now with MP3 support!Already one of the industry's most popular and reliable CD players, the CD-160mkII is an update from TASCAM. The player has gained MP3 playback for hours of playback, and has both optical and coaxial digital outputs. The look of the CD-160MKII CD player has also been updated. Contractors count on TASCAM for installed playback systems that keep on working. The CD-160 has been one of our most-popular affordable CD players, and the updated version is everything Contractors and System Integrators have come to expect from TASCAM. TASCAM CD-160MKII Pro Rackmount CD Player with MP3 Playback Specifications:
TASCAM CD-160MKII Pro Rackmount CD Player with MP3 Playback Features:
MAINTENANCE: This unit requires no adjustments or maintenance other than changing the tube every few years. It is a self biasing design. Tube life is several years. SUPPORT: This unit is hand built in the USA by DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering C0. It comes with a one year warranty to the original owner. We also have support forums with many people who's experiences you may benefit from.
You may read reviews on Decware gear going back to 1996 at this link: Reviews
The
ZCD player now comes
standard
with a user adjustable output level at no
additional charge! The ZCD can now be built in 240Volts 50/60Hz! 240 Volt models require the IEC removable power cord option. There are now some custom options available...
Below are pictures of all three options installed. If you would like to add any of these options just mention it in the comments section of your order and we'll update your invoice. Cards are not charged until your ZCD player is ready to ship.
Comment regarding the above options - if you think the ZCD requires these options to sound good... well we encourage you to purchase the player without any custom options so you can try it out on the 30 day money back trial to decide if you like it. Then if you decide they'll have to pry it out of you cold dead hands because you're keeping it- we can add the custom options and return ship it within a few days of receiving it. Alternately you may have already heard a ZCD player and have no doubts about keeping it and would prefer to have the options installed when we build it. Your call.
Decware is a trademark of High Fidelity Engineering
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