Model SE84ZSM
100,120,240 VAC 50/60Hz
Factory Direct $2295.00
Suggested List $3175.00
ADD TO CART
View Cart or Check Out
OVERVIEW:

These amplifiers represent the final degree
of the basic Zen Triode design. They are the result of a eleven
year evolution of hand building over 2000 Zen amps and dozens of
variations along the way. And there were countless hours of phone
conversations with customers getting first hand feedback on nearly
every one. We believe this platform can go no higher. The
bloodline is as follows:
|
The 1996 SE84C brought real SET hi-fi
within reach of serious but broke audiophiles, and still does today.
|

|
The SE84CS came a few
years later as a tweaked out version of the SE84C, pushing the envelope
on resolution.
It recently
became the SE84ZS which
could be considered the closest thing to the new monos but in a smaller
stereo version. The SE84ZS was used along with signature
monos below as the main two reference amps during the development of
the SE84ZSM monoblocks.
|
Three versions:
The SV83M
The SV83MDC
The SV83S
These signature
pairs of Zen Triode monoblocks spanning 3 revisions and 9
years are the predecessors to the new SE84ZSM amplifiers.
|

|
From a performance perspective it should be
understood the main motivation for developing the original signature
monoblocks was really to not only push the fidelity of the original Zen
amp but also to increase the power without losing that wonderful sound.
The new SE84ZMS monoblocks evolved to use a
single tube per channel because in the end this was the most
transparent. Even though it's précis had 4 watts from
paralleled output tubes, the new amplifiers actually get louder and are
more dynamic from the benefits of a choke regulated high impedance pure
polypropylene film and foil power supply and tube voltage regulation of
the input stage.
If you're new to the Zen Triode design - it
is based around the 6P15P-EV aka SV83 output tubes which are one of the
most linear tubes in the world. It was chosen over 300B, 2A3,
45's and so-on because of it's incredible speed and sonic's.
These amplifiers have only 1 capacitor and 2
resistors in the main signal path. Unlike other SET amps this one
loves low impedances and increases in power all the way down to 2 ohms
with outstanding dynamics. Wonderfully overbuilt, point-to-point
wiring, no circuit boards, even hookup wire is eliminated thanks to a
part to part layout. Transparency and believable 3D imaging
with near perfect timbre and unparalleled detail are just some of the
areas larger more expensive amplifiers fall short on by comparison.
STYLES:
These monos are available in either the black
bases shown at the top of the page or in the contemporary walnut bases
shown below - your choice. You can also custom order contemporary
bases in any hardwood including exotics for an extra fee.

FEATURES:
These amps feature both a power and
standby switch with polarity sensing LED indicators that will tell you
if you one of your wall outlets is wired backwards. They also
have a gain control in the front that can be used as a volume knob when
no preamps are used. When using a good preamp a second pair of
direct input jacks may optionally be used. These bypass the gain
control and go directly into the input tube. Jacks can be
optionally wired in the back or even in both locations. The tubes
are self biasing so there is no maintenance or adjustments - ever.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight
|
|
16 lbs. ea.
|
Dimensions
|
|
8.5" H x 7.250"
W x
14.0" D |
Circuit type
|
|
Single ended
Class A
Triode |
Power output
|
|
2.3 watts
RMS into
4 ohms |
|
|
NOTE: Power
increases as
ohms decrease |
|
|
Stable into 1
ohm
speaker loads |
Input voltage
|
|
2.0 volts for
full output |
Noise / Hum
|
|
Less
than 1.1
millivolts (amazing for tube gear) |
Response
|
|
20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
|
Feedback
|
|
ZERO negative
feedback
used |
Rectification
|
|
5U4G tube
rectification |
Output tubes
|
|
SV83 or
EL84/6BQ5 |
Signal tube
|
|
6N1P or 6922 or
6Dj8 |
Voltage
Regulation
tube |
|
OA3
|
Transformers
|
|
All
transformers
are custom made for this amplifier by Decware |
Biasing
|
|
Self-Biasing
circuit
- never needs adjustment |
Resistors
|
|
All resistors
are
precision WW/MF by DALE, VISHAY |
Signal Cap
|
|
General
Electric
Polyurethane Film Foil or VCAPS or Mundorf silver/oil. |
AC cord
|
|
Fused IEC
connector
provided with removable power cord |
Consumption
|
|
65 watts at
full power |
Input jacks
|
|
RCA type 24K
Gold /
Teflon |
Output
jacks |
|
Gold
5-way
binding posts accept 8 gauge wire |
Speaker
dB/1w |
|
89
dB
minimum / 96 dB is ideal |
Warranty
|
|
Lifetime
to
original owner / 90 days on tubes |
VOLTAGES
This unit comes standard with our World
Voltage Compatible Transformer. Your amplifier will be automatically
wired for the correct voltage for your country and be supplied with the
correct removable power cord.
OWNERS MANUAL:
The owner manual for this amplifier can be
viewed on line or printed: Owner's
manual
TUBES:
This amp is shipped with graded premium
quality N.O.S. 6P15P-EV output tubes rated at 5000 hours. These
Russian military spec tubes are the top grade of what we came to know
in this country as the SV83. You can also use EL84's without
adjustments of any kind. You'll find the SV83's to be unparallel
in speed and detail - in part because it is a video tube with much
wider bandwidth then a normal audio tube. We think these are the
best sounding most transparent tubes available today. The EL84
(6BQ5) is a bit warmer sounding giving the amp a different signature by
just switching output tubes.
The input tube is a single 6N1P, 6922 or 6DJ8
- your choice. 6N1P's have the warmest tone, 6922's have the best
dynamics, 6DJ8's have the most air and micro-detail with a touch less
bass. Again, a powerful tool for voicing your amplifier to your
particular tastes.
The rectifier is a 5U4 and can be substituted
with a 5AR4 or compatible rectifier. Many owners of this amp like
using the 274B. Each rectifier change will also make audible
differences in the sound and performance of the amplifier.
CABLES:
This amplifier is so transparent that
differences between cables will now become big differences.
If you don't have good interconnects or speaker cables or just
not sure how good yours are we offer affordable reference quality
cables that will let you hear how good this amplifier and your gear
really is.
DHC Power
Cords
DSR
Silver Interconnects
ZENSTYX
Silver Speaker wire
SUPPORT:
This amplifier is hand built in the USA by
DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering C0. It comes with a
lifetime warranty to the original owner. If you purchase one
second hand and ever have questions or technical problems we WILL be
happy to check it out for you and service it if needed for a very
reasonable rate.
We also have a support forum
with many people who own this amplifier who's experiences you may
benefit from.
REVIEWS:
You may read reviews on this and other
Decware amplifiers going back to 1996 at this link: Reviews
RELATED INFO
How can 2 watts do anything?
Some
favorite loudspeakers to match with your Zen's
Steve's
papers for audiophiles

View Cart or
Check Out
|