[Wind Chaser]

I really wanted to buy a SS amp, but there isn't anything new or used within my budget that's going to satisfy.

Don't get me wrong there some sweet SS amps that are amazing in their own right. The Dayens Ampino is a case in point. And if mine hadn't packed it in, I might not have gone looking elsewhere.

I've been curious about Naim and the Naim sound for some time. Like McIntosh and Bryston, Naim has a diehard dedicated following that simply refuses to consider anything but their chosen brand. I find that kind of loyalty interesting. Why would anyone want to be married to a brand is beyond me, but obviously some brands can coalesce their customers into firm adherents who are so satisfied with their products that they refuse to look elsewhere.

Anyhow, I was able to borrow a current version of the entry level Naim integrated amp called the NAIT 5si for a few days. I really wanted to like this amp and no doubt, it does some interesting things. I've always thought PRaT was a dubious, albeit somewhat swanky term. However according to many Naim adherents, PRaT is where it's at. If you have a Naim, then you have got PRaT; that is, Pace, Rhythm, and Timing.  Not just pace and rhythm, or rhythm and timing etc, but the whole kit and caboodle. Some have even suggested that the lower case "a" should be capitalized for Attack or Articulation. The Naim 5si is very articulate and it has blitzkrieg attack, which is especially apparent with percussion and synth. Like an F-16 being catapulted off an aircraft carrier from 0 to 165 mph in 2 seconds, the Naim is exhilarating. 

But that exhilaration, fun as it may be, wears off in the absence of that special magic that some SET amps are renown for; that being the ability to create a very life like or 3 dimensional/holographic soundscape with crystalline clarity. We see the world in three dimensions and we hear in three dimensions too. The first real hi-fi dose of that experience I had was back in the early eighties, not with a SET, but an uber high quality front end with SS Class A amplification and electrostats. High definition, whether visual or auditory does the same thing. It conveys a more three-dimensional experience.

Upon reflection, this is why I am drawn into single ended triodes as I believe they offer the best possible sound quality at a reasonable price. Enter the Decware Zen. 2 watts isn't a lot of power, but with the right speakers it can make music come alive. Of all the SETs I've had before, 2A3 and 300b, the little Zen holds a special place in my heart for its exceptional sound staging and imaging qualities.

So I was prepared to walk down that path again until I learned of a Canadian manufacturer that has made a big splash, garnering reviews almost too good to be true along with product of the year awards. Enter the Coincident Dynamo. 8 Watts isn't a lot of power, but the difference between 8 watts and 2 watts is the same as 60 watts and 240 watts. And when it comes to headroom, 6 decibels is a lot; it also opens up more options for choice of loudspeakers.

According to the professional reviews, the Dynamo is an imaging and sound staging champ with an explosive first watt. Great, but how much does it cost? About the same as the Decware Zen Select. Only one problem though, they don’t make them anymore. No, that wonderful amp has been replaced by a new MKII version boasting 8 lbs more iron on a bigger chassis with a bigger power supply. There’s also a new rectifier and the caps have been improved. Yes, it does cost a couple hundred dollars more; but for the money there simply isn’t a better option. It should arrive here sometime next week. I can’t wait.

[JerryM]

Sweet.   Congrats! 

[FullRangeMan]

As sweet sound SS I would suggest a small Rega but its nothing special under the alu chassis and the price are rocket((

[ssglx]

My tube pre and my Tortuga LDAR are both matches made in heaven with my Monarchy amps. Transparent as hell, but still sweet sounding.

[JLM]

Congrats and all the best with the new amp.  Please do report back.  I really tried to warm up to Decware for years but 2 wpc just didn't cut it for my chosen speakers.

And I do agree that soundstaging/imaging is the threshold into audio.

1- 2 years ago I tried a Prima Luna Dialogue Premium Integrated, a 40 wpc push/pull (Stereophile class A rated).  With the right tubes it bested my Channel Island Audio D-100 mono-blocks (older 100 watt modded Hypex, class D), but not by much.  Reportedly all the auto-biasing this latest model removed much of the magic, so I sold the Prima Luna.

[jsm71]

If you really liked the 2 watt Decware, did you consider the SE34I.5 aka Rachael?  That model is also basically $1,500 but it has 6 watts, which would have also been a really big upgrade in power over the 2 you had.  The Rachel is also an SET amp, and has a strong following albeit by their customers. 

I needed more power to drive my hybrid ESLs, so I went with the Decware ZMA with about 40 w/ch.  Put me in the list of rabid fans even though the ZMA is not a SET.   

I've heard nothing but similar raves from the Coincident products.  I'm sure you'll be happy.  Love to hear your review.

[S Clark]

Although I'm definitely a tube guy, if a dozen watts would do and you can sling a little solder, I'd spend a few pennies on one of Folsom's boards for the TDA 7297 chip.  $30 for the board, $50-60 to fill it, and $40 on a couple of 7 AH batteries, and you've got a seriously good, seriously cheap amp. 

[Brad]

Nice looking Coincident amp!   I also like the fact they didn't throw a potentiometer on the front and call it an "integrated"
Let us know how you like it.

As SClark mentions, the 7297 is worth building, as a backup, or for when you want a little different sound.

[mresseguie]

Nice!

I look forward to your impressions.

I only recently discovered the magic of tube amps. Someday, I may actually own one.

[Wind Chaser]

Congrats and all the best with the new amp.  Please do report back.  I really tried to warm up to Decware for years but 2 wpc just didn't cut it for my chosen speakers.

Jeff, I remember you from the Decware Forums. Did you ever own a Zen?

[Wind Chaser]

If you really liked the 2 watt Decware, did you consider the SE34I.5 aka Rachael?  That model is also basically $1,500 but it has 6 watts, which would have also been a really big upgrade in power over the 2 you had.  The Rachel is also an SET amp, and has a strong following albeit by their customers. 

I looked at it, but there are three reasons why Dynamo won me over. Immediate availability, cosmetics and most important of all, the detailed analysis contained in the professional reviews by TAS, Enjoy the Music, and 6 Moons.

[Wind Chaser]

Although I'm definitely a tube guy, if a dozen watts would do and you can sling a little solder...

I envy those who are skilled at DIY.

[Wind Chaser]

Nice!

I look forward to your impressions.

Drop in again next time you're in the hood. Oh, and tell the wife it's safe to come inside, the cats are gone. 

[Wind Chaser]

Nice looking Coincident amp!  ... Let us know how you like it.

I'm pretty certain I will like it given three independent reviewers have concurred over the course of five reviews on the one characteristic that is most important to me. 

[JLM]

Jeff, I remember you from the Decware Forums. Did you ever own a Zen?

No, but attended two DecFests, heard one at a friend's house,, and had Ziggy's SE34I at home for an extended audition.  Steve offered me a ZMA at a discount, but was still way too much money.

[jsm71]

I looked at it, but there are three reasons why Dynamo won me over. Immediate availability, cosmetics and most important of all, the detailed analysis contained in the professional reviews by TAS, Enjoy the Music, and 6 Moons.

I think all those reasons are valid.  I waited a long time for my Decware amps (first the Torii IV, then the ZMA).  I also waited months for my speakers (another small company).  I love dealing directly with talented designers for products that don't bear marketing costs, but the waiting sucks. 

Cosmetics are a personal choice but we're all swayed by looks to some degree if we have a choice.

Great reviews across multiple sources carry a lot of weight also.  I'm big on research myself, but I always hear the gear at least someplace before buying.