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Decware Solid State Amps

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FullRangeMan

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Decware Solid State Amps
« on: 9 Jan 2020, 08:52 am »
Anyone have heard the Decware Zen Kit 60 ?
https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZKIT60.html
Its a power amp Mosfet 60W Stereo unit priced at $895 fully assembled, seems its assembled by Decware, by what I could see its a Class AB suited to hi sensitivity 8 ohms speakers.
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JLM

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Re: Decware Solid State Amps
« Reply #1 on: 9 Jan 2020, 11:49 am »
From the very brief description is seems to come from Dan Kuechle Engineering.  Not much to go on other than front and back images and mentions of 60 wpc solid state design with a 70's tuby sound and of course the pricing.  First non-tube amp or out-of-the-house design Decware has ever sold.  Don't know Dan.  Way cheap watts compared to the standard Decware fare.  A way left field offering for Decware.  The assembly instructions indicate it's an abandoned 39 year old design from Audio by Van Alstine that has been updated.  Frank didn't think, being just 60 wpc, it would sell to his clientele, thus the offering by Decware. 

On a quick glance I see it competing with the $699 100 wpc/8 ohm Schiit Vidar.
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poseidonsvoice

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Re: Decware Solid State Amps
« Reply #2 on: 9 Jan 2020, 12:13 pm »
Wow. Strange. Very strange.

First and foremost, there isn't a basic schematic to UNDERSTAND the circuit. What's the use in building these things without fostering an understanding of how and why it works?

No measurements that I can see. I could go expand much further on that topic but no need to beat a dead horse!

Next, the board and board layout appear woefully average, in particular the mounting of the MOSFETS. A capacitor input supply (which is fine) with 6800 uf of capacitance. That's it. No organization of the wires whatsoever, particularly twisting them and routing them. Any concerns for EMI or RFI?

The writer of the article is asking for experienced individuals with soldering capability and yet the pictures show average soldering capabilities to my eyes.

Oh well...there are plenty of full kits, partial kits and bare boards that can compete with this from DIYAUDIO, AKITIKA and beyond...

To the moderators, this thread really belongs in the Lab forum.

Best,
Anand.
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RonN5

Re: Decware Solid State Amps
« Reply #3 on: 9 Jan 2020, 01:48 pm »
A click on the assembly instructions link gives a pretty good look at the inside and all the parts.

https://www.decware.com/newsite/Zkit60%20instructions.pdf
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Wind Chaser

Re: Decware Solid State Amps
« Reply #4 on: 9 Jan 2020, 02:57 pm »
SS Decware Amplifier? Did hell freeze over?
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JLM

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Re: Decware Solid State Amps
« Reply #5 on: 9 Jan 2020, 03:28 pm »
Quote from: Wind Chaser on  9 Jan 2020, 02:57 pm
SS Decware Amplifier? Did hell freeze over?

Don't fret, it's just being sold by Decware. 
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FullRangeMan

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Re: Decware Solid State Amps
« Reply #6 on: 9 Jan 2020, 09:49 pm »
The Vidar transformer are better.
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