Eddie Current Zana Deux S

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Luckbad, Apr 5, 2016.

  1. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    You're just supposed to think stuff like that. Not say it out loud. ;)
     
  2. barboggo

    barboggo Acquaintance

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    Sincere apologies if it came off as rude! I'm an industrial designer by trade and the problem of finding aesthetically cohesive audio gear at the high end is like a kind of deep existential crisis for me. The Schiit lineup as a whole is actually among the best in this regard since Schiit seems to be one of the few companies that provides matching gear at all price tiers across all product categories.
     
  3. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    I was just teasing, @barboggo . Things can bug me aesthetically that no one else seems to notice or care about.
     
  4. barboggo

    barboggo Acquaintance

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    My post was in response to KarlStromberg's post about it being too bad that there isn't a black Gungnir Multibit. Everyone cares about aesthetics to some degree (ZDS is billed as "audio art" isn't it?) , but I suppose you are right that this isn't really the place to discuss that.

    Back on topic though, has anyone had issues with their ZDS's not turning on?

    Looks like I'm going to be falling back on the Magni stack until I get this fixed... oh well, could be worse!

    *UPDATE*

    Emailed Craig and it turns out it was just the fuse (phew!). Here are some pictures on how to access the fuse drawer on the power supply. It sits right underneath the power cable. I ended up using a pair of needle nose pliers to pull it out.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2017
  5. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    I know the ZDS is more of a "dynamic" headphone amp, but I was wondering if anyone uses it for efficient planars? I'm mostly a dynamic guy, but the LCD-X sometimes calls to me. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with the pairing?
     
  6. Ray

    Ray Friend

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    IMG_3980.JPG I've got an lcd2 pre fazor and its excellent on the ZDS
     
  7. RiddleyWalker

    RiddleyWalker Friend

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    I notice in that pic that you're running on high gain / OI, is it safe to assume you prefer that setting with the LCD-2? Just curious :)

    Also, I see that Black Widow looking over in jealousy. How do you feel the LCD-2 compares on the ZDS vs BW?
     
  8. Ray

    Ray Friend

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    The ZDS was is high gain for my senns. I prefer the lcds on the bw.
     
  9. Mshenay

    Mshenay Barred from loaner program. DON'T SEND ME GEAR.

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    Well I listened to my HE 4 out of a regular Zana Duex [non s] with an Auralic Aries dac and Fiio X5 [Coaxial line out into the Aries] as source

    listened to the live recording of Matisyahu's King without a Crown, and the overall sound was majestic! Gave my HE 4 some sweetness without taking away any of the tactility imo, I had better detail all around and better timbre WITHOUT losing any speed. That set up completely destroyed my Audio GD NFB10ES2... still the HE 4 isn't... really "efficient"
     
  10. RiddleyWalker

    RiddleyWalker Friend

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    I'm running my HE-500 from ZDS on high OI / gain and it sounds fantastic... I don't have a powerful solid state right now to compare with, but based on my past experiences, I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I had always heard that OTLs and planars don't mix, but this combo sounds amazing to me....
     
  11. Cakecake

    Cakecake Guest

    Just wondering if there's a minimum amount of time I should leave the ZDT on once it has been turned on or is it safe to turn it off after 5 minutes?
     
  12. bazelio

    bazelio Friend

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    Sounds that bad, eh?
     
  13. Cakecake

    Cakecake Guest

    Sometimes gf aggro requires me to interrupt my listening session :/
     
  14. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    Get two HD6XX and TRS y-splitter... problem solved!
     
  15. RiddleyWalker

    RiddleyWalker Friend

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    Considering how much I've been enjoying the unexpectedly good pairing of the HE-500 with the ZDS, I reached out to Craig to see what the power output into a ~50 ohm load is. I was shocked to hear it's actually ~2 watts! That explains why it doesn't sound underpowered. The bass is a bit woolier than a clean solid state amp, but still slams with authority, and the lush mid presentation and smoother treble suits the HE-500 very well IMO. Between the HD650 and HE-500 on the ZDS, I take a trip to midrange heaven every night.
     
  16. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    While I don't have a Zana Deux, I've used dozens of 6SL7 tubes (and 7F7 via a Loktal adapter) in an ampsandsound Mogwai.

    My favorite in that category is the 6N9S MELZ metal base tube. They're not easy to find in great condition, but the sound is outstanding.

    For a bit lusher but fairly neutral sound the Sylvania 6SL7 is very good, but might not be what you're after.
     
  17. Melvillian

    Melvillian Friend

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    Picked up Zana Deux S #126 from Craig at EC a couple of weeks ago. Not sure why I waited so long, but here it is. It's such a striking amp with its massive size. Makes all other amps I have seem like toys.

    What stands out is the size of the headstage and how much space there is between the instruments and just how amazing drums sound. Been using a modi multibit, but will hopefully get a Gungnir Multibit this coming week once Schiit has them back in stock. I'm also pretty happy with using a black base standard RCA tube I found for $10.

    Craig and Judi were also a pleasure to meet. I'm supposed to email Craig with impressions. I think he gets a kick out of blowing people's minds with his amps :)

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  18. Deskaudio

    Deskaudio New

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    For fellow forummers consideration but I connected the Intona Hi-Speed USB Isolator (http://intona.eu/en/products) and it made a noticeable improvement to the SQ for my ZDSE. The distributor told me the USB cable to the DAC has an impact so best to use a decent one though I have not A/B tested that bit. I use a audioquest cinnamon USB cable.
    The Intona improves the SQ in terms of vocals, instruments and general clarity, more so than the Wyrd which I removed as it sounds better without. YMMV though.
    I am using the Intona USB Isolator industrial version.
     
  19. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    I'd suggest posting here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...crapifiers-pro-interfaces-and-bears-oh-my.62/

    The Intona is helping your DAC, not your amp.
     
  20. Deskaudio

    Deskaudio New

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    Yes good point. The Intona improved the SQ of my chain. Tks
     

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