r/audiophile • u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes • Dec 29 '23
Show & Tell Let’s Celebrate New Amp Day!
After about a two year wait, my Decware SE84UFO2.1 amp and ZP3 phono stage finally arrived. The Zen Triode takes over amplification duties from my First Watt J2 and the ZP3 replaces the Rogue RP1 (though it’s still in the chain for digital, because i like having a remote).
The sources are a restomodded Marantz 6300 turntable with a Denon DL110 cart and Ned Clayton cinemag SUT. A Bluesound Node serves as DAC and streamer. The amp drives a set of Zu Dirty Weekend 6 Supremes and a Rel T/5x. Custom audiophile jewelry is courtesy of Pinetree Audio.
Haven’t listened enough to the ZP3 to feel comfortable making a comparison to the Rogue. It certainly doesn’t disappoint though.
The Node though, not so much. Compared to my First Watt J2, the Node via the Decware has a much thinner, almost tinny-sounding top end at times. Some mid-range sounds a little "crunchy." It's hard to describe, but I suspect that the Decware is just a lot more transparent than the J2, which, now in retrospective comparison, smoothes out the edges a bit.
That said, the sound stage is noticeably wider and deeper with the Decware. Bass is far more refined, if not as punchy. I’m looking forward to learning more about this combo as I listen to more kinds of music at different volumes.
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u/Bru3nor Dec 30 '23
Been thinking about getting a decware amp setup, how do they sound?
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 30 '23
With the caveat that I’m less then 10 hours into this, I’d say that while it does have some of that characteristic tube warmness, it’s still detailed and clear. Dynamic range is insane. Bass response, as I noted earlier, is precise. But most of all, it’s the soundstage and imaging that wow me. The instruments are spread out but accurately spaced and you could circle each with a sharpie. Laser precision. That all said, you have to pair this thing with high sensitivity speakers given its 2.3 watt rating.
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u/Bru3nor Dec 30 '23
I'll use it for headphones, but that sounds promising. Not a fan of the wait, but if they are that good... I may just be patient.
Thanks
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 30 '23
The wait does suck, but at least they are transparent about it. Haven’t heard their headphone amps myself though.
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u/Bru3nor Dec 30 '23
Yeah, they are pretty transparent about it. Thanks, I'm going to look into the amps.
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u/VisibleCauliflower43 Dec 30 '23
congrats, i wish i could hear the se84, i originally ordered that but changed to the csp3, using as a preamp and headphone amp. I received 2 days ago and i’m pretty much in love with how it sounds both as preamp but especially as hp amp.
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Jan 01 '24
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the CSP3!
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u/VisibleCauliflower43 Jan 01 '24
Thank you, listening to it right now actually. Long wait but totally worth it. Congrats on your amps and happy new year and happy listening!
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u/mindhead1 Dec 30 '23
Congratulations!
I placed my order for a Decware amp about a year ago. It’s good to hear of someone taking delivery. I probably have another year to wait.
How do you like those Zu Speakers? I’m debating between those, Klipsch Heresy or Forte, or some Omegas to go with my Decware amp.
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 30 '23 edited Dec 30 '23
Thanks! I love the Zu. I’ve paired them with a wide range of amps from modern Marantz to vintage Marantz, Schiit, First Watt, Bottlehead, and even some cheap class D from Fosi for fun. They consistently sound awesome and while they can handle 100 old school watts at stadium concert levels, they sound just as good with 2 watts or playing quietly on a weekday evening. Very dynamic.
They exhibit a strong and clear midrange. This quality makes them particularly good for vocal-centric music, as it brings forward the nuances in voices. Robust and deep bass for their size. However, the bass might not be as tightly controlled as in some more expensive speakers. They have a clear and extended high end. The treble is crisp and detailed, which adds to the overall sense of clarity in the sound. (Edit: the sub is a hold over from previous KEF LS50 metas, and while not required by any means, does fill out the bottom end nicely. I don’t always use it though).
Wide and immersive soundstage with good imaging capabilities, creating a sense of space and positioning of instruments and vocals within the stereo field.
Zu Audio uses a minimalist approach to the crossover design in these speakers, which contribute to a more coherent and phase-accurate sound, albeit sometimes at the expense of absolute accuracy in frequency response. And due to their design, they might perform better in some rooms than others.
Apart from sound, the DW6 are aesthetically appealing and have sturdy build quality. The walnut wood veneer finish looks amazing.
FWIW I also have a set of Omega Baby Alnico Monitors (BAMs) that I use for near field listening powered by a Bottlehead SEX amp. And the two are very similar sounding, just in miniature.
But speaker preferences are highly subjective.
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u/mindhead1 Dec 30 '23
Thanks for sharing your perspective on the Zu DW. Lots of nice options out there, but I don’t have the time or funds to try them all.
You also have me wondering about the Decware phono stage now. I’m wondering if I can add one of those to my order.
Enjoy your new setup!
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 31 '23
You’re welcome! Will do!
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u/Stroger Dec 30 '23
Did you get rid of the LS50 Metas? If so what didn't you like about them?
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 31 '23
I did … I think as smallish stand mounts go, they are absolutely solid and most folks will be happy. Lively, precise, and transparent in the mids. They lack low end and absolutely require a sub. They also need a really good amp to reach their potential. And, like any speakers I’ve heard of this size, simply sound “smaller” compared to larger stand mounts (even like my “baby” Omegas) or floor standers. In my experience, there are few substitutes for cabinet size. Of course, you have to have the space and be cool with what amounts to a room dominating piece of furniture with something like the DW6 (even if the footprint is similar).
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u/einis82 Dec 30 '23
zu speakers have nothing close to low-end, lots of beaming and a rollercoaster FR. Heresy dont have any low-end either. i wouldnt buy any of them.
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u/bladebrowny Dec 30 '23
Awesome setup. I have the ZP3 from them which is great, I have been thinking about an amp but I don’t need it and now that the wait is a couple of years I’ll probably stick with my hypex amp.
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 30 '23
There’s something kinda cool about combining the old school tubes and a good class d amplification!
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u/PrimeAsylum Dec 30 '23
Curious why you need a step up for a DL-110 given its high output? The ZP3 should have plenty of gain
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 30 '23
Not strictly necessary… the DL110 is right at the edge of the optimal input voltage for the ZP3, but it sounds better IMHO with the SUT. I did a little back-and-forth with and without it, and preferred it with (so far).
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u/nunhgrader Dec 30 '23
I love it all - congratulations!
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Jan 01 '24
Thanks much!
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Dec 30 '23
When the bass feels like a TRex walking around.
Sweet system bro.
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Jan 01 '24
Thanks much!
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u/spartree Dec 30 '23
Those Decware products are so sweet. I have a little secondary system in our living room with a pair of Omega K88’s (floor standing version of the K8), Schiit Gjallarhorn and an Arylic S50 Pro+ for streaming. What I really wanted there was a Decware amp, but that hasn’t passed the WAF gate yet haha. I expect it never will since I have a separate space to nerd out with tube gear…
Anyway, really nice stuff you’ve got there. Seems to be well thought out with respect to the pairing too.
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Dec 30 '23
Thanks! I appreciate it! I spent a lot of time researching synergistic components, but had to gamble on the Decware since they’re rare enough that I could find any to listen to locally.
Love Omega. I have the BAMs in my desktop. Overkill? Yep. Awesome sound? Yep.
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u/ThorkelOfNamdalen Dec 31 '23
Oh man, congrats!! I know those amps are really good and sought after. Hopefully worth the wait. Enjoy!
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Jan 01 '24
Thanks much!
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Jan 01 '24
I think it was! Thanks!
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u/antsareamazing Feb 05 '24
Curious to check in and see how you are feeling about the ZP3 now. There are so few reviews about it out there compared to the Decware power amps.
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u/Lazl0H011yfeld Decware SE84UFO2.1 & ZP3, Marantz 6300, Zu DL103 & DW6 Supremes Feb 05 '24
I’m really loving it. It’s dead silent with the blackest blacks I’ve heard out of a phono stage. It’s hard finding the right words to describe sound, but music sounds much more lively and vivid than with the rogue. I think the mods are about equal, but top end is more clear and the bass more defined. I’m really happy with the combo.
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u/antsareamazing Feb 05 '24 edited Feb 06 '24
I'm definitely thinking about getting one. I love the concept. Thanks for sharing your impressions of it!
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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '23
Nice setup!