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Welcome to Decware
The Zen Cartridge Amplifier
Battery operated tube stage
Model ZCA
PHONO CARTRIDGE AMPLIFIER
This device was originally conceived for low-output Moving Magnet cartridges to bring the output level of the cartridge up or down. The most common application is to bring the output level up and this can add several millivolts to your existing cartridge setups. You may also use it with your favorite Moving Coil cartridge and step up transformer combo by adding it to the output of the transformer.
Normally if you needed to increase the output level of a cartridge you would do it with a transformer, which works well and sounds great. However when we got involved with London Decca phono cartridges we decided that we wanted something more transparent than a transformer and ideally something that would be adjustable so that we could level match the various cartridges without altering the gain structure of the phono stage.
We have found this to be a serious game changer with lower output cartridges, as expected, but were pleased to find out that even high-output cartridges sound better with it. In fact so far we can say that all cartridges could benefit from it.
What you hear is the cartridge open up, become more alive, more present, pick up a huge dose of density and dynamics. Interestingly these are the same descriptors used by those with high dollar cartridges to differentiate why they cost more.
Biggest thing seems to be the adjustability. Being able to adjust it while you listen is where the magic is. The tube used is a dual triode called a 6GM8, which has a 6.3 volt heater powered by four D-Cell batteries and the miracle of this tube is that it only needs 9 volts to operate which is easily accomplished with a single 9 volt battery.
There is a voltage meter so that you can monitor battery life, and an on/off switch to help you preserve battery life when you're not listening to it. Additionally you will find different that battery types affect the sound. Carbon batteries sound a touch different than Alkaline, and can be used as a tool for additional cartridge voicing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight - 7 lbs. ea.
Dimensions - 2.5" H x 6" W x 11.0" D
Circuit type - Single ended Class A Triode
Power Supply - Toroidal Linear
Gain - 80% unity
Max Input voltage - 5.7 volts
Max Output voltage - 5 volts
Output Impedance < 1000 ohms
Input Impedance -100,000 ohms
THD - 500mV = 0.5% / 5V = 1.2%
Response - 10 Hz ~ 70 kHz
Feedback - ZERO negative feedback used
Noise - 180Hz = -63dBU 60Hz/120Hz= -73dBU
Signal tube -12AU7
Biasing - Cathode Bias
Resistors - DALE, VISHAY
Signal Caps - Film or Foil
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
SUPPORT
This product is hand built in the USA by DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering Co. It comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. If you purchase one second hand and ever have questions or technical problems we are happy to check it out for you and service it if needed for a very reasonable rate.
We have never sold this item as kit but that doesn't mean you won't find someone else's work inside if you buy one used. If this is the case and the work and parts are anything less than what we would do, it will be removed and the ZBOX returned to it's like new condition at the present owner's expense.
MODEL ZBOX
SINGLE ENDED TRIODE BUFFER STAGE
Made by hand in the USA and sold wholesale to the public with a
L i f e t i m e W a r r a n t y !
No product
ZBOXES are hand-built to order. There are presently lots of orders on our real time build sheet. A 10% deposit secures your place on the list with today's date and time stamp. Balance is due when it's ready to ship. You will be sent a final invoice with the total price including actual shipping costs by our office during your wait. NOTE: This item is built on our accelerated build sheet that has shorter wait times.
