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FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp (Read 4470 times)
archeion
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FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
06/21/19 at 04:23:20
 
This is a one of a kind custom Decware headphone amp. From what has been posted previously, there may have only been somewhere around 25 of these produced from approximately 2004-2006, eventually replaced by the venerable CSP pre-amp. As far as I know, this was the only one in a custom color. It is in good working condition, and I will include a set of tubes and power cord.  The tubes are Sovtek 5Y3GT, 2x Russian OTK 6H1N-BN (6N1P), 1x JJ E88CC.  In my system there is a detectable but inoffensive hum noticeable only when music is not playing. There are some minor scuffs and swirl marks in the finish that are only noticeable when viewing bright reflections. The worst of which is pictured, between the tube sockets.  You could probably polish it out if it bothers you, but I didn't notice it until photographing it. This custom does not have the output impedance switches that are listed in the manual. I do not have any info regarding any internal options or modifications.  I would be happy to ship to Steve for a checkup if you want to have it refreshed and purchase a warranty.

$390 shipped CONUS  from Indianapolis.  Local pick up possible.

Other items if interested:
2x Edcor XPWR107-120 transformers for Zkit $60 ea.
Gustard H10 headphone amp $225
Phillips Fidelio L1 $75
AKG K553 PRO  (New) $75



Original product info follows for reference:
=======================================
Model  MLB  /  Zen Triode Audiophile Headphone Amplifier

INTRODUCTION

This wonderful single ended triode amplifier was designed to drive headphones between 30 ~ 600 ohms without compromise!  Ideal with headphones like Grados, BeyerDynamics, Sennhiesers and even the difficult to drive AKG K1000s will sound spot on the mark.  The amazing detail and openess are no accident and I'm reasonably certain that once you have one, it will become you're little buddy too! If you're listening to a headphone jack on some piece of equipement you'll no doubt either wonder what all the fuss is about headphones... or why a person would need this?  After you hear it's presentation you'll wonder why they put headphone jacks on CD players and preamps.  There is a reason for dedicated headphone amps and if you already have one you might want to read on and see how it stacks up against this.

DESCRIPTION

Dedicated all tube stereo headphone amplifier.  Class A single-ended operation with constant curent source cathode followers driving a pair of Combination core transformers using High grade Grain Oriented Silicon Iron (M6) and Mumetal (76% Nickel). This provides ultra low distortion, exceptional bandwidth and transient response which is maintained over the full dynamic range.  Selectable output impedance switches ensure the correct match with your headphones.  Noise and hum are undetectable even at full volume which with most headphones would be a level 4 times louder than you could stand to listen to it at.

FEATURES

ALPS volume control, headphone jack, and impedance switches are located at the front for ease of use.

Removable power cord and on/off switch are located at the rear as are the high quality Gold/Teflon RCA input jacks.

Super low output impedance will drive even the most stubborn headphones while maintaining the correct frequency balance.

Powder coated steel chassis is sealed with no vents to let in dust, smoke, or other contaminents including stray RF. Stays new looking inside even after 20 years!

Massively oversize power supply using tube rectification and Ruby GOLD caps offer bottomless power without getting hot - in fact you can leave it on 24hrs a day with no worries.

In the Zen tradition, top grade internal parts are all hand point-to-point wired with parts leads and no hookup wire in the signal path.

Tube compliment is made up of your choice of 6N1P, 6DJ8 or 6922's.  Circuit is self-biasing. Rectification is your choice of 5Y3GT, 5AR4, or 5U4.   The MLB ships with 6N1Ps and 5Y3GT for reference.  

Ceramic tube sockets with gold pins are used for all three audio tubes.  

The MLB can be used connected directly to any line level source.  No preamp is needed nor recommended.

HAND MADE IN THE USA

SPECIFICATIONS


Size

6"W x 11"D x 6.5" H


Weight

13 lbs/120Volt  14lbs/240Volt


Chassis

Steel with grey powder coat finish


Consumption

70 watts


Input jacks

Gold/Teflon RCA


Output jack

Stereo 1/4 inch phono


Input impedance

100,000 ohms


Output Zo

< 10 ohms


Transformer Type

AC coupled, 1 per channel


Max Ratio

12:1+1+1


Trans Pri Z

10,000 ohms


Trans Sec Z

600/150/70 + 75 ohms


Headphone Impedance Range

30 ~ 600 ohms


Trans Max Power at 20 Hz

500mw


Frequency Response +/- 1/5dB

10Hz ~ 30kHz


Frequency Response +/- 3 dB

6Hz ~ 70kHz


Operating Modes

Duel  Lo/Hi Z


Max output into 32 ohms

4 V RMS (150mw)


Max output into 250 ohms

6 V RMS (120mw)


THD @ 1 V RMS / 1kHz

0.6 % ~ 1.0 %   250ohm HiZ/32 ohm LoZ


Noise @ 1 V RMS / 1kHz

- 65dB


Operating Voltage USA model

100~125 VAC 50/60 cycles


Operating Voltage World model

220 ~ 250 VAC 50/60 cycles


Warranty

Lifetime to original owner

NOTE:  This product currently uses the high quality SOWTER output transformers from ENGLAND.  
Turn around time is  4 to 8 weeks.
MODEL MLB Zen Triode Headphone Amplifier
$862.00
=======================================
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archeion
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Posts: 34
Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #1 - 06/21/19 at 04:26:29
 
My pics are all too big.  I will try to get them re-sized.
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archeion
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Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #2 - 06/21/19 at 04:34:00
 
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Rivieraranch
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Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #3 - 06/21/19 at 15:40:05
 
Are you the original owner? I was aware of this unit. The famous orange MLB.

I owned a regular gray one. The volume pot was on the front, though. On one trip back to Decware, Steve placed an 0C2 tube inside the unit.

I could never get rid of the hum in mine. I think it was less with Grados. 
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MINI TORII & ZROCK2 both anniversaried; 'Lil Audio F-15; TECHNICS SL1200MK2 KAB MODDED TT; ONKYO 6 DISC CD; MARANTZ 2226B; SCHIIT MULTIBIT DAC; SENNHEISER HD-580s
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archeion
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Posts: 34
Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #4 - 06/22/19 at 00:58:39
 
No, I am not the original owner. I bought it on ebay a long time ago.  I still have the box he shipped it in from Texas.
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archeion
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Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #5 - 06/30/19 at 13:44:41
 
Price drop.  $340 shipped
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Coolzo
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Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #6 - 07/19/19 at 18:20:40
 
PM sent.
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archeion
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Posts: 34
Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #7 - 07/20/19 at 18:30:39
 
Replied.
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archeion
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Posts: 34
Re: FS: Custom Decware MLB headphone amp
Reply #8 - 07/21/19 at 03:29:24
 
SOLD.
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