The Zen CD Players are now in production, the first completed unit shipped today. Here are a few NEW updates regarding this player that are not yet reflected on the web site:

The CD Player is your standard 17 inches wide so it will fit in any audio rack that your last CD player fit into. The Rack Mount ears bring the total width to 19 inches and are included with the player. These are removable.

The ZCD is advertised as having a 5 volt output on the web site, but we have changed this to a more standard 2 volts. This can be altered upon request to be anywhere between 1/2 volt and 5 volts.

OPTIONS

We can optionally install an IEC connector for a removable hi-end power cord for an additional $60. This may become standard on the player after the introductory pricing expires.

We can also as it turns out install a variable output via remote control using a motorized ALPS 100K stereo pot. The knob is located on the rear of the unit above the stock output jacks. No other place to put it - but it’s remote control eye is located on the face of the CD player so it really doesn’t matter. The remote for the volume control also features a soft mute button. Keep in mind that you would have two remotes, the standard one for the CD player and a separate one for the volume control. (Note: you could program a single universal remote with both controls if having two remotes is a problem.) This option adds $320.00 and an additional pair of variable output jacks in addition to the fixed outputs.

Also there are not very many pictures of the ZCD on the site yet, so we thought we would post some here!

Above is a rear view of the player showing the tube location and the added RCA jacks for the tube output.

Here is an inside view of the analog section directly driving the output jacks. Each resistor used was selected for the way it sounds uniquely for each location.

And here is a top view of the tube output section with a 12AU7 installed.

Also I am sending a memo with each unit describing the mods and some operational tips. You can find a copy of it here. ZCD Owners manual.pdf

On a final note, the production units like the one pictured above are sounding even better than my prototypes!

-Steve Deckert / DECWARE