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The Zen DSD Recorder/DAC
DECWARE MODIFIED HIGH RESOLUTION DAC & RECORDER

Model ZDSD
100% Hardware Solution for Professional Sound Reproduction

 



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Decware Designed Output Stage

Decware Model ZDSD Front View 
Overview

So you're looking for a great DAC? This Decware modified pro-audio ADDA from Tascam supports standard and hi-resolution formats including PCM 16/24 BIT 44kHz ~192kHz, DSD and double DSD 5.6MHz

Although it can be hooked to a computer or your favorite transport or anything with a digital output... our favorite thing about it is the SD cards! This makes it possible to hear your sound files on a 100% hardware solution without being hooked up to a computer or the internet. Below is a list of the following variables this can eliminate:
1) What type of computer you have and its effect on the sound?
2) What operating system does it run on?
3) How fast is the hard drive in it?
4) How much memory is available for buffering?
5) Which of the dozens of playback software solutions you have?
6) Are they configured correctly?
7) What plug-ins are installed?
8) Do you have the proper and up to date software drivers?
9) Are the sound adjustments on the computer configured right?
10) What USB formats does your computer support?
11) What kind of audiophile USB cable should you run?
12) Is the computer running an aftermarket updated power supply?

This is obviously the short list... And with all these variables can come hours of computer induced headaches and wasted time only to leave you wondering if you REALLY ARE getting bit perfect output to your DAC? 

Without all these variables come hours of blissful music enjoyment with rock solid consistency that you can explicitly trust.

Give yourself an honest test. Ask yourself how much time in minutes (hours, days) total you have spent getting your computer set up and working as a reference audiophile grade playback device! And what did the cables and software cost? BTW,  you're not using it for anything other than music right? We assume you've dedicated it solely for audio playback with everything else stripped off it to prevent software running in the background from changing various audio settings... especially Windows users.

Imagine an alternative... you just drag and drop your files onto an SD card or USB stick. You plug the card or stick into the front of the Tascam... You press play... In less than 1 second, it plays. No spinning wheels of death, no surprises, no disappointments.


BTW, it's possible to hold over
5.8 hours of Double DSD formatted music on a single SD card! OR you can have 47 hours of 16/44 non-compressed CD quality music on the same tiny card!

A large display makes it easy to rotate through and select any of the music on the card with lightning speed... faster than a CD player!


This is a pure hardware solution that when coupled with designer Steve Deckert's High Gain Transformer-Coupled Output Stage, let you experience the digital format at it's very best.

What makes the Decware modification to this Tascam machine a somewhat unfair contest with other DAC's is the adjustable high output, low impedance transformers that can give you the full voltage of professional balanced output into a single ended RCA jack that floats. That means it's actually still balanced until you create a common ground by hooking it to your amplifier or preamplifier. We've found this adjustable transformer coupled output to sound superior to the standard unbalanced outputs on the machine. In fact we've left the stock unbalanced outputs fully operational so you can compare the two outputs and appreciate the true value of the Decware modifications.

So what does this output stage sound like... well, the improvement in density is almost hard to believe. Through the Decware output stage you'll hear digital that has the same density as tape when the output is adjusted to -20dBFS. It's good enough to sway the hardcore analog freaks among us.



Decware Model ZDSD Front View


BONUS: YOU CAN RECORD DSD AUDIO WITH IT - If you're not into wasting money on special software and inferior hardware to record your albums or tapes, stay tuned because this machine is simply a fantastic digital recorder. It records directly to SD cards making it possible to get perfect hi-res bit perfect DSD and double DSD recordings of your analog treasures with results so true to the source you'll have trouble telling the two apart. 


The Decware Output Stage

f
Decware Model ZDSD Rear View

Not only can you have some trouble telling the source from the recording, but the adjustable Decware output stage makes it possible to create a higher output level than the source originally had. The result can be recordings that are more animated and with more slam and than the original... this can make your digital recording actually sound more appealing than the original.

As seen in the picture above the rear of the Model ZDSD is outfitted with a pair of Silver RCA output jacks that work independently of the stock balanced and unbalanced outputs on the machine. These Silver Jacks are the output of a fully differential balanced circuit driving a fully floating pair of high gain, wide bandwidth transformers. The result is between two and five times the standard 2 volt output of the stock RCA jacks. The amount of output is adjustable from the front control panel.

This output design is what it took to compete with the density of tape, the holy grail of analogue. Because of it's adjustable high output, the dynamics it reproduces are explosive, and the tremendous weight and power of music comes through, just as it does on tape. Also it's important to note that this is the result right out of the machine.  It did not take an additional tube preamplifier to accomplish this result, nor is one required.


To develop and voice the custom output stage we used our Otari Tape Machines to play 15 IPS master tapes and used the ZDSD to record and playback the tapes until the recordings actually sounded as enjoyable as the tape machine itself. 

It's digital that doesn't sound very digital.





Up-sampling

Up-sampling can be turned on or off from the front control panel, but once you hear the difference it makes when playing 16 bit files (or CD's), you certainly won't ever want to turn it off! If you have a CD player connected to this machine and have up-sampling turned on, your CD's will sound like super audio files (DSD) and this may be where this offering from Decware is cheered the most! 

The algorithms combined with the unique temperature compensated 1 PPM resolution clock crystal make the up-sampling in this machine so good you won't be very motivated to spend money on hi-res downloads of your favorite CD's because it's too hard to hear the difference.


Consistency & Reliability

There are no moving parts in this machine. There is no software. There is no firmware. The ZDSD a 100% hardware solution that never stops working. It has a tube sound, but uses transformers instead of tubes so nothing to wear out or replace... ever. 


Low Risk

If the design itself doesn't take enough risk out trying a ZDSD in your system, we challenge you to get one today and put it up against your favorite DAC and keep only the winner. You'll have a full 30 days to try it in your own home with a money back guarantee less a 10% restock fee.



NOW AVAILABLE IN 240VAC


Media

Supported Media
SD: 4 to 32 GB SDHC cards (media ejection method: push-push)
CF: 1 to 64 GB Type I CF Cards
USB: Supports 2 to 64 GB flash drives (playback and copying only)

Formats

Record/Play Format
PCM:
BWF (record and play), WAV (playback only) @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz, 16 or 24-bit

DSD:
DSDIFF / DSF, 2.8224, 5.6448 MHz
Channels
2x Mono or 1x Stereo

I/O

Analog Input
Unbalanced:
Connector: 2x RCA pin jacks
Standard Input Level: -10 dBV
Maximum Input Level: 6 dBV
Minimum Input Level: -22 dBV
Input Impedance: 22 kΩ or greater

Balanced:
Connector: 2x XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Standard Input Level: 4 dBu, 6 dBu (only when maximum input level is 15 dBu)
Maximum Input Level: 15 dBu, 18 dBu, 20 dBu, 22 dBu, 24 dBu (switchable in menu)
Minimum Input Level: -8 dBu, -6 dBu (only when maximum input level is 15 dBu)
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ or greater
Analog Outputs
Unbalanced:
Connector: 2x RCA pin jacks
Standard Output Level: -10 dBV
Maximum Output Level: 6 dBV
Output Impedance: 200 Ω or less

Balanced:
Connector: 2x XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Standard Output Level: 4 dBu, 6 dBu (only when maximum input level is 15 dBu)
Maximum Output Level: 15 dBu, 18 dBu, 20 dBu, 22 dBu, 24 dBu (switchable in menu)
Output Impedance: 100 Ω or less
Digital Input
S/PDIF, Cascade:
Connector: RCA Pin Jacks, unbalanced
Format: IEC60958-3 (S/PDIF)
Input Impedance: 75 Ω
Input Frequency with SRC Off: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 176.4, 192 kHz
Input Frequency with SRC On: 32 to 216 kHz
Allowable Frequency Deviation: +/-100 ppm (when SRC OFF)

AES/EBU:
Connector: XLR-3-31 (1:GND, 2:HOT, 3:COLD), balanced
Format: AES3-2003/IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU)
Input Impedance: 110 Ω
Input Frequency with SRC Off: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 176.4, 192 kHz
Input Frequency with SRC On: 32 to 216 kHz
Allowable Frequency Deviation: +/- 100 ppm (when SRC OFF)

SDIF-3:
Connector: 2x BNC, unbalanced
Format: SONY SDIF-3/DSD-raw
Input Impedance: 75 Ω, +/- 20%
Clock Synchronization Frequency: 44.1 kHz
Digital Output
S/PDIF, Cascade:
Connector: RCA Pin Jacks, unbalanced
Format: IEC60958-3 (S/PDIF)
Output Impedance: 75 Ω

AES/EBU:
Connector: XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD), balanced
Format: AES3-2003/IEC60958-4 (AES/EBU)
Output Impedance: 110 Ω

SDIF-3:
Connector: 2x BNC, unbalanced
Format: SONY SDIF-3/DSD-raw
Output Impedance: 75 Ω, +/- 20%
Clock Synchronization Frequency: 44.1 kHz
Control
Input and Output
Infrared Receiver: Tascam RC-10 Wireless Remote Control
Headphones
Connector: 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo jack
Maximum Output: 45 mW + 45 mW (into 32 Ω load, 0.1% distortion

Recording

Response
PCM:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.1 dB/-0.5 dB (Fs=44.1/48 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.1 dB/-1 dB (Fs=88.2/96 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 80 kHz +0.1 dB/-6 dB (Fs=176.4/192 kHz, JEITA)

DSD:
20 Hz to 50 kHz +0.1 dB/-3 dB (DSD, JEITA)
20 Hz to 100 kHz +0.1 dB/-12 dB (DSD, JEITA)
Distortion
THD + N, 1 kHz:
0.003% or less (Ref:-16 dB/BALANCED, JEITA)
0.005% or less (UNBALANCED, JEITA)
Signal to Noise
CM (24-bit Mode):
113 dB or higher (Ref:-20 dB/BALANCED, JEITA)
111 dB or higher (UNBALANCED, JEITA)

DSD:
106 dB or higher (Ref:-20dB/BALANCED, AES-17 20k LPF)
104 dB or higher (UNBALANCED, AES-17 20k LPF)
Crosstalk
108 dB or higher (JEITA) @ 1 kHz

Playback

Response
PCM:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/-0.1 dB (Fs=44.1/48 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.1 dB/-0.3 dB (Fs=88.2/96 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 80 kHz +0.1 dB/-3 dB (Fs=176.4/192 kHz, JEITA)

DSD:
20 Hz to 50 kHz +0.1 dB/-3 dB (DSD, JEITA)
20 Hz to 100 kHz +0.1 dB/-12 dB (DSD, JEITA)
Distortion
THD + N, @ 1kHz
0.003% or less (Ref:-16 dB/BALANCED, JEITA)
0.001% or less (UNBALANCED, JEITA)
Signal to Noise
PCM:
118 dB or higher (Ref:-20 dB/BALANCED, JEITA)
116 dB or higher (UNBALANCED, JEITA)

DSD:
116 dB or higher (Ref:-20 dB/BALANCED, AES-17 20k LPF)
114 dB or higher (UNBALANCED, AES-17 20k LPF)

General

Power
AC 120 V, 60 Hz(US/Canada Version)
Consumption
24 W
Operating Temp
32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
Dimensions
19 x 1.7 x 12" (483 x 45 x 305 mm)
Weight
9.2 lb (4.2 kg)

Features
  • Operation possible using included RC-10 wireless remote control
  • Transformer Coupled Decware implemented output stage
  • Audio files prepared on a computer can be played back
  • Can also be hooked to any digital source and operate like a DAC
  • Can be the DAC for your computer with digital output (not USB)
  • Can be the DAC for any transport or CD player
  • Can alternately be run stand alone with just memory cards
  • Can Record in 16/24 bit formats including DSD
  • Uses USB flash drives, CF or SDHC memory cards.
  • USB port for USB flash drive (supports USB 2.0)
  • USB host port supports copying between USB flash drives and CF/SDHC cards
  • Repeat playback function (all files or single file)
  • Folder playback function can be used to play all files in a folder
  • Playlist function allows files to be programmed in advance for playback
  • Analog input and output reference levels can be set to -9/-14/-16/-18/-20dBFS
  • Digital input has a sampling rate converter (supports 32 to 216kHz)
  • XLR digital input/output (supports AES3-2003 and IEC60958-4:AES/EBU formats)
  • RCA Coaxial digital input/output (supports IEC60958-3:S/P DIF format)
  • BNC digital input/output for DSD (supports SDIF-3 and DSD-raw formats)
  • RCA analog unbalanced input/output
  • XLR analog balanced input/output
  • Fan-less design eliminates unwanted noise
  • EI core transformer used in power supply section
  • Dual mono circuits eliminate interference between left and right channels
  • Fully-balanced circuits realize low noise
  • 128x64 OEL display with a wide viewing angle
  • 24-dot stereo LED level meters with adjustable brightness make checking levels easy
  • Divide and delete functions can be used to manage files that are already recorded
  • UNDO function can be used to cancel the previous operation
  • File names can be changed
  • Direct location possible when a USB keyboard is connected
  • Word clock master can be set to Internal, Word input or Digital inputs
  • Oscillator function (440Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz)
  • Input monitoring function allows input signals to be output without recording
  • TCXO with 1ppm precision
  • Backup memory stores settings even when the power is off
  • Aluminum front panel harmonizes with other studio equipments design
  • Standard 1/4" headphones jack provides 45mW/ch output
  • USB port for USB keyboard (supports USB 1.1)
  • EIA 1U rackmount size
  • RoHS compliant
  • Stereo recording to SDHC card or CF card
  • PCM recording format: BWF (44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz, 16/24bit)
  • DSD recording format: DSDIFF/DSF (2.8/5.6MHz)
  • SD card slot (supports 4 to 32GB SDHC cards)
  • CF card slot (supports UDMA)
  • WAV file playback
  • Recording 2 mono files from stereo input possible
  • Mark functions can be used set up to 99 points per file (mark information can be used in software that supports BWF format)
  • When recording, designation of the recording file folder possible
  • Synchronized recording using level, stop time and recording start delay time setting
  • Input level can be adjusted in 0.5dB step
  • Using automatic track incrementing function, new files can be created automatically while continuing to record when a condition (level, file size, digital input) set in advance occurs
  • Manual track incrementing function can be used whenever you like to create a new track while continuing to record
  • Automatic mark functions can be used to easily check problems (levels, word clock unlocking) detected during recording
  • File name format can be set to either a user-defined word or the date and time

* Please take 1U or more of blank space above the ZDSD for ventilation.



Support

Modified in the USA by DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering Co. It comes with a one year warranty to the original owner. 

We also have a support forum with many people who's experiences you may benefit from. 


Reviews

You may read reviews of our products going back to 1996.










The Zen DSD Recorder/DAC
DECWARE MODIFIED HIGH RESOLUTION DAC & RECORDER

Model ZDSD
100% Hardware Solution for Professional Sound Reproduction

 

DISCONTINUED


NOTE:  Tascam discontinued this DA-3000 that we modified to become the ZDSD. Our inventory ran out in 2022.  We do not plan to offer any more modified DAC's.  If you can find one of these used it is possible to achieve the identical results by adding our ZBIT to the XLR outputs of this device or any other DAC with balanced outputs for that matter.
RECOMMENDED DACS

We have two DACs that we like as much as our ZDSD and use both in our Decware listening room. One is called the Cambridge CXNv2.  The other is the HOLO Audio May DAC.  Both can be further enhanced with the ZBIT.