OVERVIEW
The ZBOX is designed as a stand-alone tube-output-stage for
CD players or your favorite DAC. Actually it will work with any
line level device. This is the same technology used in our tube
CD players but without the player. Dedicating the tube stage to
it's own chassis has an advantage of shielding the circuitry from RF
and digital noise typically found inside CD players.
The ZBOX is not just another buffer stage, if it were it
would only make things sound marginally better and only on certain
players/DACs. The ZBOX works by creating a starved
voltage condition in the filament of the tube that in turn causes
an increase in favorable harmonics and a decrease in objectionable
distortion. This makes the ZBOX not "just another magic
black box" for which the audio world has seen many, but rather makes it
THE magic black box. Simply guaranteed to improve the sound of
any solid state CD player or DAC (computer, tuner, tv, etc.).
If your DAC or CD player already has tubes you'll find this
unit almost always improves the sound quality of these as well.
The results are as follows:
- Restores proper frequency balance
though better impedance matching.
- Improves tone and weight.
- Relaxes and opens up the music for
better detail, imaging.
- Reduces listener fatigue.
- Enhances the 3D effect of better
recordings.
FEATURES:
The ZBOX features a black powder coated steel chassis with a
standard IEC connector and removable power cord. Available in
115/230/240 volts for world wide compatibility.
The unit is designed with reduced voltages that only operate
the tube at half power so there is no heat, and the tube will last
twice as long. To keep everything at the ideal luke warm
operating temperature for best sound, the ZBOX is run 24/7 and has no
switch. It draws less power than a 15 watt light bulb and was
specifically designed to stay on continuously.
There are a single pair of inputs and a single pair of
outputs. The input level can be adjusted with the front mounted
gain control. In cases where no preamp is used, this can be used
as a volume control.
This is
a plug it in and forget it solution to that CD sound that always errors
towards thinness rather than richness. It removes the underlying
stress in the playback of CD's that many people don't even realize is
there until they've heard it gone.
HOME THEATER
Many audiophiles would like to have their home theater sound as good as
their two channel setup, but have a hard time finding an audiophile DVD
player, especially a tube one. This can solve the problem rather
well. Adding a ZBOX to the front channel outputs of a DVD player
will bring it's performance up to a level that greatly surpasses your
expectations. Placing another one on the rear channels and a
final unit on the center channel and sub output (three zboxes total)
turns your DVD player into a respectable sounding 6 channel tube output
with a fast way to balance fronts against rears or center/sub volume
with just the touch of a real analog volume control. No more
fiddling for on screen menus during the movie to adjust channels.
Excellent sound.
TUBES
A final advantage to using a ZBOX is the simple fact that
you can tube roll with your choice of 12AX7's, 12AT7's or
12AU7's. Each of these tubes have a different signature as does
every brand of each tube so you gain tremendous control over how your
system sounds by voicing it to your tastes. Since the tube sticks out the
front it can be easily changed at any time. Expect about 5 years
on the tube before replacement. All tubes come with a 90 day
warranty.
BIASING
The ZBOX is self
biasing so you NEVER have to set or adjust the bias for the output
tubes. It is a maintenance free design.
QUALITY
Of course there are no circuit boards and no Chinese parts.
There is a lifetime warranty though. Internally the ZBOX uses top
grade resistors and poly film & foil capacitors on each
channel. The output level control is made by ALPS, internal
wiring by MOGAMI. Voltages are low for tube gear so the tube lasts for
many years. Because of the lower voltages and lack of heat the
ZBOX is a plug in and forget item. Designed for 24/7 operation
there is no power switch. This ensures that the unit is always
warmed up and at peak performance any time you turn on your CD player.
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.
 OWNERS
MANUAL
REVIEWS
You may
read reviews
on
this
amp going back 10 years.
HISTORY of
REVISIONS
None. The ZBOX remains unchanged
since it's debut in 2002
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight
|
|
7 lbs. ea.
|
| Dimensions
|
|
2.5" H x 6"
W x 11.0" D |
| Circuit type
|
|
Single ended
Class A Triode |
| Gain
|
|
Near unity
|
| Input voltage
|
|
variable up to
2 volts |
| Output
Impedance |
|
less
than
1000
ohms
|
| Input
Impedance |
|
100,000
ohms
|
| Noise / Hum
|
|
Less
than 1.5 millivolts |
| Response
|
|
10 Hz ~ 70 kHz
|
| Feedback
|
|
ZERO negative
feedback used |
| Rectification
|
|
fast recovery
diodes |
| Signal tube
|
|
12AU7 or 12AT7
or 12AX7 |
| Transformers
|
|
Decware
|
| Biasing
|
|
Self-Biasing
|
| Resistors
|
|
precision WW/MF
by DALE, VISHAY |
| Signal Cap
|
|
Polyurethane
Film |
| AC cord
|
|
Removable power
cord |
| Consumption
|
|
13.5 watts at
full power |
| Input jacks
|
|
RCA type 24K
Gold / Teflon |
| Output
jacks |
|
RCA
type
24K
Gold
/
Teflon |
| Warranty
|
|
Lifetime
to
original
owner |
RELATED
INFO
|
