Decware vs. Sophia Electric in the low-cost amp category?

plakey · « **on:** 12 Jun 2012, 01:20 am »

Hello. I'm considering setting up a second system for my studio, and am looking at either a Decware Zen Triode or a Sophia Electric baby. I'd use an iPod as source, no pre. I'm looking at a Zu Omen or Tekton mini-Lore as a speaker. Basically a sub-2K rig. Any options on this comparison and combo?

Thank you in advance for any insight!

Quiet Earth · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 02:54 am »

I don't think an I-pod has a strong enough output level to work well with the Decware. Decware says it needs 2.0 volts for full output.

I don't know what the Sofia requires for source level (or how much gain it has), but that is something you will want to find out if you use an I-pod all by itself.

I have a feeling the amp with the most gain will give you the best results.

mjosef · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 03:21 am »

A Jolida 102b has a 900mV.(max) input sensitivity for its 20W. output.
DO you know the Ipod's max. output V. /mV.?

morganc · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 03:26 am »

No question for me. The Decware SE 34I.3 or a Decware mini Tori. I owned the Mini Torii and have the new SE on order. The Mini Torii I had paired with Zu omen Defs and Tekton Lores and it was phenomenal, especially for tone and timbre. I sold the MT and wish I still had it. The pairing of the Lore or Omens with the MT is probably one of the best bang for the bucks I've ever heard.

As for the Zen Triode, Steve at Decware told me that it works best with speakers with low Impedence, not High Impedence like a Zu or Tekton. Now this doesn't meant that it wouldn't sound great, but he convinced me that for my applications with the Tekton Pendragons, the SE would be preferential to a pair of the Zen Triodes, and this is impressive from the owner of an audio company as he could have "upsold" me to the Triode pair and did not......

doorman · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 03:43 am »

Remembering too, the Decware carries a lifetime guarantee.
Paired with appropriate speakers, the Zen is an incredible amp.
don

nature boy · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 11:52 am »

You can get a Zen triode modified by Steve for 8 ohm speakers. I have a Zen Triode and modified Sophia Baby. It's no contest - Decware wins by a country mile. Also, as previously noted if you can pay the difference get a mini Tori. It's is an incredible amplifier and provides you with greater flexibility should you want to change out your speakers at some point.

NB

Quiet Earth · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 01:43 pm »

Since you have both, can you tell us how they perform driven by an I-pod vs. a CD player?

Does the Zen have enough gain to work with the weaker I-pod signal?

plakey · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 05:56 pm »

Thank you for all your replies! I will take all this great info and think it over. Sounds like Decware is a real winner...

plakey · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 05:57 pm »

Sound like I could get a MiniTorii and have my iPod as a source with no trouble. Add a Zu or Tekton and off I go!

roscoeiii · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 06:37 pm »

Quote from: plakey on 13 Jun 2012, 05:57 pm

Sound like I could get a MiniTorii and have my iPod as a source with no trouble. Add a Zu or Tekton and off I go!

Where do you get the impression that the MiniTorii would work with an iPod as a source? I read Quiet Earth's comment as saying that ANY Decware needs a 2V input for full output. iPods max out at about 1V, IIRC.

plakey · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 06:43 pm »

From the Decware description of the MiniTorri:

"Preamps are optional. The amp has stepped volume controls for each side and enough gain to work with even the lower output sources such as an IPOD. "

roscoeiii · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 06:46 pm »

Ah, that is getting it from the source.

plakey · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 06:55 pm »

mboxler · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 07:23 pm »

Would a Pure i-20 work? For $99, you'll get a nice dock, MUCH better sound, and 2 volts output.

plakey · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 07:29 pm »

Is the PURE i-20 just a dock or does it have a DAC? I will probably use an external DAC at some point.

mboxler · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 07:31 pm »

Quote from: plakey on 13 Jun 2012, 07:29 pm

Is the PURE i-20 just a dock or does it have a DAC? I will probably use an external DAC at some point.

It's a dock with a built in DAC.

That reminds me...I'll hook i-20 straight to my amp and hear how it sounds!

Quiet Earth · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 10:09 pm »

Quote from: roscoeiii on 13 Jun 2012, 06:37 pm

I read Quiet Earth's comment as saying that ANY Decware needs a 2V input for full output

Yeah, I was only commenting on the Zen model. It specifically says 2V. Sorry for any confusion.

If you look at the specs listed for the mini, it says 1V input if you use a 12AT7 input tube, so make sure you get that option sorted out with Decware before you order. It looks like it comes stock with a12AU7, which is lower gain than 12AT7. If you ask Steve about the differences, please post what you learn from him here. I have been eyeballing that mini tori for a while myself. It sure is a nice looking amplifier.

plakey · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 10:55 pm »

I'm not doing a thing at this very moment, but when I do I will post my findings here. Thanks again for all of the great input.

LA mitchell · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 11:03 pm »

what a great thread! I have read so much about both of those amps (Electric Baby and Zen) that I have often been curious as to which one would be better.

Thanks for starting this plakey. Good stuff!

sberger · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 Jun 2012, 11:49 pm »

Be aware that it's typically a 4 month wait on any of the Decware amps so consider ordering asap if you decide to go with them(which, as a Torii 3 owner I wholeheartedly recommend). They won't charge your card until your order is ready to ship.