[Decware]

Decware's original hand built Zen Triode Amplifier model SE84C / 1998 ~ 2008 / retired at serial number #1000 of this year it has been revamped to continue its legacy for the next ten years!   This was basically the amplifier that started Decware and frankly we like it so much we just can't quit making it.  As good as it was, reborn as the SE84CPLUS it has gotten even better!



Still at the introductory price of $675.00 complete with premium tubes and lifetime warranty. 

http://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84C.htm

-Steve Deckert

[mcgsxr]

Congrats on the new amp Steve, you have long been making great gear, and good to see you around our site.

All the best with the launch,

[Dmason]

steve, what are the two switches for?

[opnly bafld]

steve, what are the two switches for?

Hi Dan,
One is for input selection (the old version only had 1 input  ),
and the other toggle is for input tube bias which allows for a few different tubes or changes the sound a bit using the same tube.

Lin

[Wind Chaser]

This is one of my all time favorite amplifiers.  Many fond memories...

As most speakers are 8 ohms, it would be nice if the EX transformers were stock.  

[opnly bafld]

As most speakers are 8 ohms, it would be nice if the EX transformers were stock. 

Just buy 2 - run 'em mono and triple your power. 

Lin

[JLM]

Nice to see it "all grown up" with 2nd input, front mounted volume pot, and in black. 

Yes it's real limiting factor, as always, is the limited output.  Need efficient speakers (>90 dB/w/m) for "little girls with acoustic guitars" or highly efficient speakers (>95 dB/w/m) for good all around performance.

Given the right speakers, this amp is fast, clean, images like a champ, with no flabby bass.

[Decware]

This is one of my all time favorite amplifiers.  Many fond memories...

As most speakers are 8 ohms, it would be nice if the EX transformers were stock. 

EX transformers are available at no additional cost however they are most appropriate with 12 and 16 ohm speakers.  The Zens standard transformers are ideal for 4 to 8 ohm speakers.  The stock transformers actually have a 6 ohm tap against a 9800 ohm primary.  Many 8 ohm speakers have dips that are closer to 4.5 ohms and the Zen likes this - a small secret to it's success with lower efficiency speakers.  The EX transformer option, while it sounds cool, will strip the Zen of it's magic ability to drive almost a dead short.

What the EX mod is good for is an 8 ~ 16 ohm full range -crossover less- single driver that suffers from a slightly lean frequency balance (often the case).  In this instance the EX mod will add some needed body and weight to the lower end and some nice tone to the midrange.   This is what I specifically designed the EX mod for knowing it could be the difference between keeping or pitching a speaker like that.

Steve

[Decware]

As most speakers are 8 ohms, it would be nice if the EX transformers were stock. 

Just buy 2 - run 'em mono and triple your power. 

Lin

Another good point - which would not be an option on anything less than a 16 ohm speaker if the amps had EX transformers installed.

Steve

[Wind Chaser]

All I know is when I had the Decware Zen C with HornShoppe Horns, having the Speltz ZERO Autoformers in front of the Horns made a big difference.

My Horns had the original Fostex FE 108 Sigma's and according to the Fostex data sheet they have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.  Using the ZERO Autoformers in reverse, dropped the impedance by a factor of four and led to a net 35% increase in output power from 1.8 watts to 2.4 watts which at higher volumes was apparent.  However even at moderate volumes, the ZERO Autoformers impacted the sound in a positive way, making the sound fuller and more bodied with greater weight.

Being able to drive a dead short is cool, had a Pass Aleph that could do that with no fuses, sweat or damage to the amp.  My only concern would be compromising the superb strengths of the amplifier which JLM had so succinctly stated... FAST, Clean along with unrivaled imaging and sound staging capabilities.

That the little Zen amplifier can create a HUGE wall of sound with two tiny little FE 108's was really amazing.  Anyone listening with their eyes closed would think they were listening to a huge line array or massive planners.

[strider]

Are the SE84C DIY kits still available?

Any plans on making the "plus" model available in kit form?

[Decware]

Are the SE84C DIY kits still available?

Any plans on making the "plus" model available in kit form?

The SE84CDIY kits are a new item this year.  A way to get great sound for $299 and certain to be a standard item in our catalog for a long time.

Regarding the plus model, as always we will make the finished chassis and all parts available to any experienced amp builder who can construct the amp from a bag of parts and a schematic.  I just deduct the $150 labor to build one from the cost.  Of course there is no warranty or 30 day trial as there would be on a finished amp.

Steve