yotiao

is it even heavier than the PS1's or HP-1000's?

Dear Rameish, Happy Birthday and wish you a Happy New Year!!!

heady, I scanned the film directly using canon 8800f, the results are not that bad. I can scan for you if you want When I used 50D, I shoot too many shots that eventually get trashed, I don't think enough, and have decided to try the good ol' film, where I considered every shot because I was paying for every one of them.

Thanks heady. I was deciding between Contax T2/T3, Minolta TC-1, Leica CM/Minilux for my film compact camera, finally decided on the TC-1, because Nobuyoshi Araki and Christopher Doyle use it... and wow, I like it. It's really handy, I was driving when I took these pictures, took it out from pocket and switched ON (2 s), adjusting aperture (1 s), see thru viewfinder and composite and pressed the shutter (2 s), done in 5 seconds. *My 600th posts!*

Newbie trying, just to share some recent and ordinary shots... The first picture was taken by 50D, the rests were taken by Canon 1N, first time trying on film SLR, very fun Prison Break 1.... Prison Break 2 - Escape de la cárcel Citrus ichangensis?

I tried before, the bagel pads added comfort, but the bass of RS1 became loosen, everything sounded distant and laidback and no more intimacy and excitement. I won't recommend this combination for RS1. If you're looking to add comfort, have you stretched the RS1's headband? This way it helps a bit but not ultimate solution. YMMV.

lipid

western blot

I like ATH-A900 for gaming and movie, it's a little above your budget, but worth it.

Nice review, attached to sticky articles.

Congrats on your purchase! I am done with headphone amps and the Zana Deux is the only amp I am keeping now and still happy with it. I have the ER4S but haven't tried it with the Zana. The Tungsol 6SU7GTY black glass, brown base is really nice with the HD650, nice balance sound. Mullard short brown base ECC35 also pretty nice with the HD650, silky smooth and very open, but it's rare and expensive; another tube that you want to take a look is the 1944's Sylvania JAN-CHS-6SL7GT/VT229, which is also Craig's favorite, are inexpensive and I like it very much with both Sennheiser and Grados (especially PS-1), a keeper. For RS-1 or MS-Pro, you might want to take a look at Brimar CV1985 brown base, it's heaven match combo.

I'm getting bored of this hobby because I have too little time to sit down and "play" with headphones nowadays. I would rather listen to my cheap multimedia speakers and do my work in front of the computer, good sounding headphones are also distracting...

I have bought from audiocubes before but that was more than 2 years ago. I used paypal so that was a lot easier. However, I had also purchased from other online shops, when only credit card payment option available, they had never request me to fax over my IC or credit card info to them. If I were you I would cancel the order, and not sending my IC or credit card info to them. The reputation of audiocubes has gone down, and I'd read some "unpleasant" stories with them. You might want to ask over at head-fi, for more response and shopping experience with audiocubes.

Agree with laukinkon, the balanced RAL cabled HD650 was fabulous out of Apache, very rich sounding, liquid flowing, and great extension at both ends. I like it better than the balanced Equinox cabled HD650 which sounded slightly warmer and constricted in term of soundstaging. I could see why some claimed that the RAL is the best headphone cable for HD650. I too not a fan of 840C CDP, a bit dry and lean for my taste. Many headphones out of 840C + ZD sounded dry when first listen. But after a while, my ears got used to it, it was not too bad. Another nicest surprise was the AD2000, so smooth and comfortable on my smaller head, would be great for collection osocan, I did very little listening, so not much for the impressions . But it was fun, I enjoyed the company more so than the listening Thanks so much for making this happened

Had a great time at tbln's place, did some experiments, did some listening. Thanks so much to tbln for graciously offering hosting this meet and having us (Barradio, laukinkon, Nick, yotiao) at your place. Not much impressions for the moment, hope you guys can chime in a bit... Rounding up the equipment list: RSA Apache 2 x Eddie Current Zana Deux (for balanced experiment) Cambridge Audio 840C CDP Zero One Audio's prototype CDP Marantz SA-11S1 and lots of headphones (balanced vs single-ended, a few balanced K701s, a few balanced HD650; SE: AD2000, L3000, GS1000, DT880, Edition 9, PS-1, K501, etc) Initially we intended to do a tube amps shoot-out between Singlepower and Eddie Current, but ended up no one remember to request tbln's for a listen of his Singlepower. Some photos, unfortunately I am still a newbie at digital photography, so didn't take much photos What to say? I like the balanced setup, fuller sounding compare to its single-ended setting. Driving the single-ended headphones I didn't find it has much body for my liking. [attachmentid=3973] I wish I was allowed to buy this headphone [attachmentid=3974] The balanced ZD experiment failed, mine sound softer compared to the other one, even swapping cables, using new tubes the gain setting in this two ZD was different (??). [attachmentid=3977] The Zero One's prototype CDP single-ended output to Apache, and SA11-S1 balanced out to Apache. I didn't do a serious shootout. [attachmentid=3976] I quite like the L3000 out of Zana Deux, dynamic but not as wild as the Grado PS-1 on some tracks. On other hands, the little brother AD2000 was impressive, will get it in the future [attachmentid=3978]

The equivalent SS amp I had owned was the Rudistor RPX-33, I couldn't remember much how the bass of RPX-33 compare to ZD, other than deep and tight, the ZD lacks a bit of punch in the bass compartment when pairing with the Edition 9. But when driving the RS-1/MS-Pro, they are actually punchy enough with defined bass.

Bought a HD650, it's great with ZD, using only the inexpensive Slyvania "chrome domes" 6SL7WGT, the HD650 with stock cable has a nice fuller and well balanced sound, good PRAT, fun and musical, although not very detailed, but really sweet sounding. I also didn't feel the strong urge to upgrade HD650's cable. It's too tight to detach!!! Using Mullard short brown base ECC35, the HD650/Equinox almost sound like electrostatics, detailed and superbly silky. The ZD has great synergy with HD650 than HD600 IMO. It just sounds right. I never like HD650 so much before. PS. Good news, Craig is able to make another 50 Zana Deux.

In heavy rotation:

Revisiting the flats on RS1/MS-Pro Two years ago out of curiosity I bought the TTVJ flats to try with the RS1/MS-Pro, I found them to sound muddy and too much midbass hump. I immediately swapped back to bowls and never look back. But recently I tried the flats again and hooked. I was surprised. With zana deux (sorry), added body and warmth, not muddy, bass is nicely controlled and works like added "depth", not "warmish cloud of sound" that I experienced with other amps. Going from flats -> bowls, the RS1/MS-Pro sounded thin and too much treble for me. However, I won't recommend the use of flats to pair with dark and/or warmer sounding amp. Bought a second pair of flats from fellow mod and hoping never look back.

Awesome review and pictures! Are you planning to get the Black Dragon GS1000 balance? Nick and I are tempted to place two Zana Deux together for the balance fun. (NB: Attached to sticky articles.)

Yes, it sure get expensive if going balanced, cables upgrading etc... however my hubby can't tolerate my hobby anymore and had given me the last warning... unfortunately this amp is big size I cannot hide... Last check the HD2i is going to price around US$2800, cheaper than your Apache! Waiting for your upcoming impressions with balanced setup, I am sure it will be a fun & useful read.

The upcoming HD2i is a fully balanced design with tubes. As I don't intend to go balanced with headphone rig, I'd give it a pass The picture of the back panel of HD2, courtesy of jp11801@head-case

Thanks tbln and minivan for your kind comments. More tubes to come, Hope you enjoy reading my impression thread so far. minivan, I am very pleased with the ZD and it exceeds my expectations, what's more to ask for? tbln, do you still own Singlepower Extreme Platinum? ZD and Extreme platinum are in the same price range, maybe we shall have a tube amps meet up one day...

Happy Birthday!

This impression might be a little early as the amp has just past 160 hours of broken in. The Singlepower Extreme Platinum impressions by Tbln and MAD HD2 impressions by osocan actually prompted me to place my thoughts for the ZD. My Biases I prefer warm, full-bodied, rich midrange with a smooth top end and an overall creamy sound. I also value musicality that allow me to enjoy the music without ear fatigue. Associated Equipment Source/DAC: CEC TL51XR and Bel canto DAC3 Interconnect/Cables : Acrolink, Virtual Dynamics, Black Sand, Signal Cable Power: PS Audio Duet Rack: Michael Green Deluxe JustaRack Headphones: Sennheiser HD600 with Equinox, Audio-Technica W5000, Grado PS-1 (crushed bowls), RS-1 and MS-Pro (both used flats), Ultrasone Edition 9. Music used Jazz, some Classical, blues, some 80's pop, classic rock, and audiophile vocals. On to the sound The ZD has about 160 hours. So please take it with a big grain of salt. The Zana Deux only ships with 6D22s rectifier tubes, the input and power tubes have to be purchased separately. There's no stock Zana Deux sound that I know, as it's already tuberolled from day 1, LOL. The following comments are drawn from a relative point of view with the PS Audio GCHA or Yamamoto HA-02 in the fray using the same setup. The ZD strikes me with its incredible soundstage, with air space filling between the music notes. Even headphones that known for no soundstage like Grado RS-1, has a deep soundstage depth and the music actually appears to be outside of my head. The imaging is excellent that I could easily "see" the instruments and the singer appear to have their own space and place in the soundstage. The imaging of ZD is so clear and precise that I can easily pinpoint the "location" of players, trumpets, violins or anything you name it, even the chorus girl hidden behind, I could hear them clearly, isn't it amazing? The one thing I have begun to crave now is deep and holographic soundstage, which seems to be one area that differentiates a good amp from a better amp. Another noticeable impression was the musicality. You are hearing the music, not sound. It has incredible musicality that make you forget about analyzing the sound. It's that good. Vocals appears to be detailed and addictive. Depends on the driver tube used, I feel that the vocals appear to be more neutral with european made 6SL7s (Brimar, Mullard, FIVRE) with no apparent emphasis. It won't turn thin voice to sound thicker and vice versa. The american made 6SL7s (RCA, NU, Sylvania) sounded slightly more lush in comparison, with a bit more present and weight. It really boil down to one's preference. I am absolutely happy with both types, although my preference went slightly over to the american types 6SL7s for vocals. The bass response of this amp also worth a mention. It goes deep and tight, very well-defined and fast. Listening to acoustic music, the bass can be felt like it's in my chest at the thump-thump-thump of a good bass drum. The bass of Yamamoto or GCHA sounded woolly in comparison. Even thought it's a tube amp, it's very clean and transparent with great punch and dynamics. If I want something lush and tubey, I will go for RCA tubes. I feel that the ZD is as neutral as with no slight preference leaning towards either tube or solid state sound. For me, it's a perfect blend of the Yamamoto HA-02 (tubey) and PS Audio GCHA (transparent, neutral), with more than a notch higher in terms of soundstaging/imaging, resolution, musicality and SQ over the GCHA and HA-02. I know with this impressions I will have a hard time letting go of the GCHA. Sigh. For summary, 1. Soundstage is deep and wide, it appears less in your head. The imaging is excellent as well. 2. Detailed, impressive resolution, all the details come through easily and well integrated into the music effortlessly. I constantly hear new things that I never noticed before or then becomes noticeable. 3. Bass is well defined, fast, deep, tight and detailed. Very good present, I could hear clearly how the bass works in some music. The bass on Yamamoto or GCHA sounded muddy or ill-defined in comparison. 4. Detailed midrange, and I found it's quite accurate here. Thin voice appears to be thin, thick voice appears to be thick. 5. Did I mention the black background? The background is dead silent and no hum/hiss/microphonics, for a tube amp. Now the fun begins, to cut the long story short, the sound changes more via a change in input tube i.e. 6SL7 than the power output 6C33C-B's. Tube rolls begin These 6SL7s are my favorites, all are NOS unless stated otherwise : 1950's Sylvania Jan-CHS-6SL7GT/VT229 "chrome domes" Tung-sol 6SU7GTY black glass, brown base 1944's National Union JAN-CNU-6SL7GT/VT229 grey glass RCA 6SL7GT/VT229 black base, black glass FIVRE 6SL7GT (Italian tube, rare) Brimar CV1985, brown base Brimar 6SL7GT, black base, white label and "O" getter Brimar 6SL7GT, black base, orange label and "D" getter Mullard ECC35 "short" black base tall Mullard ECC35 "tall base" black base Mullard ECC35 "short" brown base 1944's Sylvania JAN-CHS-6SL7GT/VT229 The following comments are drawn from the combination that I like out of the lot. Of PS-1, I notice the following tubes are the most remarkable:- PS-1/FIVRE 6SL7GT - fantastic bass, that you can feel it, but can be overwhelming on certain recordings if bass was more emphasized. PS-1/Tungsol 6SU7GTY - Bass is controlled, in which the recordings I heard with HUGE bass become smaller in volume. However, the bass isn't as defined as the Mullard ECC35 "short" black base. PS-1/Mullard ECC35 "short" black base - now the Mullard has better control over bass, it's never overdone with PS-1, the midrange is a bit cold however. PS-1/1944's Sylvania JAN-CHS-6SL7GT - now I found the "right" tube for the ultra picky PS-1! Bass even more controlled, more balanced. It's a killer now, sound so much closer to a high-end loudspeakers or real music! The midrange has a great sense of fullness and body, emotionally involving. I grooved so much with this combo lately and ended up very late, every night. Edition 9:- Edition 9/ NU VT-229 gray class - full and rich sounding, silky smooth, very refined, bass is detailed, transparent. A very good rounder combo for jazz, classical and rock. Edition 9/ RCA VT-229 black glass - even more detailed midrange, a bit slower in the speed but more tubey sounding, creamy and smooth. I like it. RS-1/MS-Pro:- The use of 1950's Brimar 6SL7GT CV1985 (brown base) produces the sound signature that I like best with Grados. What to say? It's a heavenly match. HD600/equinox:- HD600/ Tungsol 6SU7GTY - it's spacious, harmonic richness, dynamic drive and a 3-dimensional feel of "roundedness", the midrange presented have a fullness and body. The headphone itself disappear and left only the music. So musical. I should check out the pairing of HD650/Zu, damn, I miss the pair I sold more than a year ago. W5000:- I don't know which tube sounded best with this headphone, any tube I tried the W5000 just sound really nice. If I have to pick up, it would be Mullard ECC35, National Union VT-229, RCA VT-229. The ZD minimized the W5000's tendency to sound thin and lacking body, it maximizes its strengths in the following: resolution, sense of air and imaging, with deep and hitting bass. I'd heard a friend complaining the W5000 sounded thin with his MeloSHA Gold (tube amp), but it's not the case with ZD. System synergy. Pros: - NOS 6SL7 tubes are relatively cheaper and easier to find, as they are not as popular as 6SN7's - black and dead silent background, even with highly sensitive headphones I can't detect any - very musical - three pairs of analog inputs and two pairs of pre-out Cons: - big size - it runs very hot due to the 6C33C-Bs - if tube rolling have to wait for the 6C33C-B heaters to cool down before powering back up, because 6C33C-B's get part of their bias from the 6SL7, and if they come up first they can draw too much current and pop the plate resistors Originally written on 14 March 08, will be revised on and off during the next few weeks/months. Zana Deux Photo: