O W N E R S M A N U A L
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DESCRIPTION
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The Zen Triode Integrated is a 5~6 watt per channel - single-ended-triode amplifier
using easy to find EL34/6CA7 output tubes. It has zero negative feedback for unlimited
sound-stage depth and superior imaging. It features tube rectification, proprietary
Decware transformers, a self-biasing circuit with a bias meter for each output tube.
Like the famous SE84C 2 watt Decware amplifier, this is a purist built product with the
absolute minimum number of parts and solder nodes. Between the input and output
jacks there is only 1 capacitor, 2 resistors and our premium output transformers made
from the finest US gain oriented silicon steel. (see section on transformers)
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DUAL VOLUME VS. SINGLE VOLUME CONTROLS
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When you purchase the “Integrated” configuration of this amplifier you will have the
option of setting it up with ONE or TWO volume controls. Here are the pros and cons of
each:
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Single volume control -
Pros: Ease of Use, stereo image is always centered.
Cons: No way to adjust balance
Dual volume controls -
Pros: Ability to adjust balance
Cons: slightly more difficult to use.
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The main question one would have is why not simply have a volume control and a
balance control? Reason: That puts two controls in the signal path instead of one. In
an amplifier with only two resistors and one capacitor, adding additional parts, like
these controls, in the signal path is audible. Remember, less is more and the goal is to
preserve transparency - one of this amplifiers strongest traits.
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Dual volume controls have another advantage besides half as many parts in the signal
path when compared to a volume and balance control. With dual volume controls you
can turn up one speaker by itself to a desired listening level and then turn up the other
channel to match. Meaning you can make the second channel higher or lower without
effecting the first channel. The advantage to doing this is that you can hear once you
get close to a match between the channels, the sound stage lock-in when you hit the
right spot. Since your room is non-symmetrical and your speakers are in reality not
matched to within 5% of each other, having the volume exactly perfectly centered
between the channels is never the perfect spot. You’ll hear it when you try it. And
you’ll notice a small window when you get close to matched where you can actually
adjust the sound stage to your room a bit better.
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Decware High Fidelity Engineering Co., East Peoria IL, USA www.decware.com
