Is all the hype warranted


I've been seeing alot of glowing reviews of Decware amps over the last couple days. Particularly their Zen Torii and ZMA amps.  Andrew Robinson, Steve Gutenburg, Harley Longrove and Jay are all gushing about Decware.  For those tube guys out there, is Decware that good? Is the hype warranted?

sandrodg73

I'm a new owner of a Decware SE84UFO2.1(2.3 watts).I bought it for a back up for my other amp for a just in case scenario. In a medium sized room with Zu Omen Defs (103db sensitivity) it will kick out 80db.It's strong point is realistic timbre from the highest percussion,flutes,etc. and vocals, all the way down to the bass instruments.Separation between instruments,vocals, and layers is excellent.Better than my AricAudio Transcend (40+ watts depending on power tubes).I've only got 12 hours on it but so far I really like it.Dynamics so far are not it's major strength but with lighter fair - Dire Straits,Bruce Colburn, John Mayall and so on I find it addicting.

I guess when I saw the Harley Longrove review of the Torii, it really sparked my interest.  I respect his opinions.  I don't get the sense that he's trying to sell stuff other than giving an occasional nod to his own speakers.  But when he said that he hopes (im paraphrasing) that the amp that he is trying to develope is as good as the Decware it got my attention.  

I guess when I saw the Harley Longrove review of the Torii, it really sparked my interest.  I respect his opinions.  I don't get the sense that he's trying to sell stuff other than giving an occasional nod to his own speakers.  But when he said that he hopes (im paraphrasing) that the amp that he is trying to develope is as good as the Decware it got my attention.  

I used the lower powered amps from them and thought they were average at best, not a lot of $$$ so don’t expect world class sound.  I much prefer the traditional SET tubes like 2a3,45 or 300b to theirs.

Depending on room size, preferred listening levels, and how easy it is to drive you 92 db/w speaker, a very low-powered amp may or may not be suitable.  To be on the safe side, you might want to look at something on the 20 watts or more range of power.  That means a pushpull amps, not a single-ended triode amp.  I would look for something running EL84 tubes.  There are many fine sounding EL84 amps that are not that expensive.  I also like lower powered amps running 6L6 and KT66 tubes.