The Decware Zen Triode is the Audiophiliac Component of the Year 

I have the original version of this amp. Bought mine in 1999. No regrets.

I am at the age where a lifetime warranty doesn't mean that much.

I own this amp and have it connected to a set of Perfect Set 15's from Tekton and I absolutely love this set up. I swear, the next album I put on the table seems to sound better than the last. I have now owned this system for well over a year now and my ears are still in love with each and every song that I play.

This little amp is just brilliant. I’ve had mine for four years and still love it. I use it with 87db sensitivity B&W Nautilus 805 speakers, and it sounds soooo great! Loud enough for me in my medium sized room, and I’m very happy with it. I hesitated for a long time because of the low power, but it is not a problem at all. With high sensitivity Klipsch speakers it will blow you out of the room!

Merry Christmas Steve, thank you so much for another year of fantastic reviews! You and Herb, are such honest and real audio guys that even when you review things I am not in search of, I watch just to learn ! I think that makes everyone better in knowing what is out there for us fans of this wonderful hobby. All the best in 2021!

your enthusiasm is infectious. right on. thanks for the effort and the sharing. stay well. thumbs up.

I took a chance on the SE84UFO about 3 years ago and I'm still mesmerized with the sound quality. Congrats to Steve and the crew at Decware.

Several years ago I taught my (then eleven year-old) son basic tube and electronics by guiding him through the build of the excellent Elekit TU-870R (now discontinued I believe). Also rated at *only* 2w/channel, it absolutely blew us away playing through a pair of Focal 706s. Enough power to easily fill a decent size room, totally engaging, spacious but detailed soundstage, and absolutely silent at idle. With the power race in amplifiers, many people don't realize what one or two *true* watts can do... believe me they can do plenty. My son took his new self-built amp to his room, and also made off with the Focals... lol. He's still using it, now at college.

I’ve had mine for almost 3 years. Love it!!!

Saving up for one of these and a set of Zu dirty weekends for a streamlined turntable setup.

As someone who's screamed the praises of the Decware SE84UFO to anyone who would listen(and a few who would't), this award really makes my day. It's really great to actually have our esteemed and sagacious reviewer of all things audio Steve, give a confirmation to what you thought you've been hearing. I play my SE84UFO with Zu (another great American audio manufacturer that Steve has recommended) Omen Mk II DW's speakers with their clarity cap upgrade and 97db 1w/meter efficiency. They really bring out the best the Decware is capable of delivering! Micro detail, frequency range, dynamics and satisfying bass as the little guy is really quick! I've substituted a Majestic Globe 80 for the stock 274b rectifier tube-a nearly 90 year old tube that looks like it came out of the original "Frankenstein" movie of the 30's and I get just an amazing, 3d quality to the overall sound. After about a year, I'm just starting to get into tube rolling as the possibilities are nearly endless. I run a beloved Conrad Johnson PV5 pre from the late '80s, both Systemdek IIX900 and (new )Denon VL12 turntables and a Schiit Modi 3 and Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport (both are Steve recommended)as my sound sounsources. The bottom line on all this is that Steve will never steer you wrong on the best audio gear for the money. He's saved me probably a ton of money and a great deal of time and aggravation! Steve is THE ALL-TIME GRAND CHAMPION AUDIO REVIEWER and gets my Audio Reviewer of The Year Award!

Hello Steve, I just subscribed and want to tell you I appreciate what you do. You're an audiophile helping us audiophiles learn about all the product out there. The way you break it down and speak to us audience is engaging and entertaining as well-dig your personality! Keep it up man- I'm considering your t-shirt brand- The passion for the details in music made me an Audiophile- Rick E-

I remember Joe very interestingly they remind me a bit of making my equipment myself. To the Decware team, congratulations for the 25th anniversary. I remember when I first saw Decware online it was shortly after I had built my EL84SE and it turned out that I and Deckert had built very similar and yes my little amplifier is also bulletproof not once has been any problem even though I have changed and tried all conceivable combinations with tubes and yes I now also use Russian tubes as they are very good. The only two thing that separates mine from Decware is that I dont use rectifier tube and I use pentode mode which has shocked several listeners as they think it is triode so good is the little tube EL84.

Would really love to hear from Joe again... I personally am looking into doing something along the same lines. Agree, brilliant work.

I'd love to try this amp out.

A hundred year old technology that still wins award in 2020, that says something.

Ordered the six watt amplifier last July and I’m like a little kid waiting for Christmas. Hopefully, will have it by mid January. Decware is at least 20 weeks behind in production so be patient. Thanks Mr. Audiophiliac for the review. You assuaged any second thought. Happy Passover.

Steve, just purchased the DecWare and Klipsch RP600s. Can't wait for delivery. You are on the clock my friend!!!

Ordered mine based on your review a couple months ago, can't wait for it to arrive!

Intriguing to say the least. Thanks again.

I am kicking myself for selling mine right now. It is an awsome amp! The guybi sold it to told me the amp was the real deal! He paired it with tekton moabs. God i miss it.

Steve, this video made my year! I currently have this amp in testing phase at Decware. I have a set of RP600Ms and BR03s waiting patiently. Patiently meaning that the amp was ordered July 13! Great video.. Happy Holidays!

I bought the 25th anniversary version of this amp and it is an absolute jewel. I drive it from a Decware phono pre or an Oppo 205 into Zu Druid VI's with an Undertone Sub. A favorite addiction.

As a result of Steve’s review and this product of the year award, the build time at DECware is now 20+ weeks. I’m glad I already gave mine but 20 weeks would still be worth the wait! Also, Herb will be doing a review, so I guess order now if you really want one.

Mr. Decker puts out VIDS here online and I just decided to leave a message about some speakers that he featured with a link to that companies online store. He surprised me and told me that he thought the company where I thought about buying to 12 inch Full Range speakers was a good idea. I really really like this man's mind ever since the Interview less than a year ago.... thanks! :)

Great job Steve! Love the shirt!

Mine is about to ship any day now, after ordering this cute little unit. 🚀 Ordered this wee beast after seeing your review Steve

I was looking at the Decware Super Zen Triode SEUFO02 with the meters and xlr for my balanced system. This pushed me over the top, I am going to go for it.

This video was a good surprise. I have been interested in the Decware line for years now. On a similar note I have recently restored and slightly modified a motorola console amp. It is an el84 single ended amp with a 5y3 rectifier and a 12ax7 front end. I use it to power a pair of Klipsch Heresey I speakers from 1979. The speakers are stock except for the caps have been changed to ne sonicaps. I have a lot of gear that all sounds great but this combo blows me away. This little amp has so much detail and depth. It out performs all of my higher power solid state amps. Thanks Steve

I already got the 600m’s on your recommendation now I’m thinking this would go nice with them. I don’t crank my music so this sounds like my next step, I’ve never had a tube amp.

Hi Steve, I just ran across your RU-vid channel where you listed some of your favorite speakers. Very interesting. A bit about me . Back in the mid 70s I worked in a high end audio store in Anaheim Ca. They were primarily a ham radio store but had an audio section. Henry Radio was the name and if there are any old guys like me who are ham operators you know the name. I'm no longer in the audio field but still love to read about what is current. My system is ancient...B&W DM6 speakers and a pair of Advents, the original, a Thorens / SME turntable and recently just acquired (for free) a Revox B77 half track high speed reel to reel. But getting back to speakers. As I had a lot of opportunity to listen to various speakers of the time...Infinity electrostatics, Quads, Rectilinear, AR 3As, B&Ws, JBL, ad infinitum I must say the best speaker I ever heard was the AR LST. I could never afford them back then but I wish I would have figured out a way to make it happen. Would love to compare them to the new stuff out there today. I will subscribe to your channel and while I'm probably older than you I bet we would have a lot to talk about.

The EL-84 tubes are special. Love them on the Dynaco Stereo 35.

Great choice, Steve! It's on my short list for my next amp. Beautiful!

They should call it a 2,300 milliwatt amplifier. Sounds more impressive.

Great choice!

One of my Decware amplifiers sits proudly next to my Vinnie Rossi L2i-se, it’s about the quality of the music reproduction not the cost necessarily...Head to head that’s the biggest compliment i can give Decware products.

Steve: you are a marvel! And so are your shirts! Thank You!

Good review Steve . I have at my place the following set up : Technics 1800mk2 with Ortofon 2M black MM Decware ZP3 phono stage Line Magnetic 518 integrated tube amp (22wpc) [ I also have a Darling Tube Amp , 0.75wpc] Devore Fidelity Orangutan 96 , speakers. I must say that the sound is just amazing . Decware makes excellent tube gear. Even the 0.75wpc Darling tube amp is loud enough for some easy listening . Now I do compare these to my brothers set up . He has a McIntosh MC 452 power amp , McIntosh C2500 tube preamp , Bowers & Wilkins 802 D3 speakers . That’s very good too , but a different set up .

Steve very cool nomination. And totally out of the box.

I got one of these three years ago SE84UFO. It replaced a very well respected SS amp that I used for a long time. I still had speakers with mid-80s sensitivity and it was not bad, but then switched to 97db speakers and I do not think I will ever look back. I run my phono stage directly into it, no line preamp. I have never had better sound. I listen in a small room and have taken a lot of care to set up the system. I rarely turn volume past 12. Gorgeous dynamic full bodied sound. I don’t listen to metal or hip hop but everything else comes across beautifully.

the 6bq5 strikes again. a wonderful, underrated tube

Thank you Stephen

I’m definitely a Decware convert Steve! You’ve reviewed a few of their amps over the years and piqued my interest. I ended up with their Zen Torii Jr. It still has that SET sound, but with a few more watts. The build quality is bombproof, and it’s sound is unreal. Thanks for the tip.

Always the best shirt!

Hi Steve, It would be wonderful a review of this amplifier with the Lii Audio Silver 10 speakers

Cool review - thanks! It's been a long time since I was in the quality audio hobby, but have started to think about getting back in. Saw your review of the LS50 Meta's and thought, "I'd like to try a set of those." Most of my source material these days ia a NAS with 320MP3 or Loss-less rips via a SONOS system. I've got one of their most basic units hooked to cheap mono price tube amp someone gave me (25Watts, I think) and a decent set of bookshelf speakers. When I saw the Decware I thought it might be a good choice, but your review suggests it would be better paired with lower impedance speakers (e.g. Klipsch). If I want to stick with the Meta's, is there a comparable small tube amp you'd recommend that pairs better with them? Many thanks for all the great insights!

Engagement is everything, man! No matter how much one spends. And that's just because music demands engagement, otherwise it's not music.

I just purchased the integrated Arcam SA30. It has great streaming capabilities, fine DAC, DIRAC room correction and I like the sound. Am I totally nuts for using it as a preamp for the Decware Zen Triode?

Nice award to Decware Steve. I tried to order an amp in August and the expected delivery date was in Nov-Dec. Good for Decware but be prepared for a long wait.

Love the retro American choice. SET Tubes are luscious and rich. Like a sinful dessert 🍨

Excellent choice! You've made me want one bad, audio lust!

Have owned this wonderful valve unit for almost six months and, first paired it with a set of Rogers LS 6s and it sounded wonderful. Then purchased a perfect Set 15 from Tekton and combined it with a tricked out Rega 3 turntable... and it gives me hope, hope that beauty can be heard.

Hi Steve. Love your show! Did I hear you say that in order to get the best out of a pair of speakers is to invest in a integrated amp at least >$1000, simply because these grade of amps provide cleaner, purer electricity / current? How can I tell? Is there a spec that specifies clean current? Thank you.

Hello Steve - Been watching a lot of your videos and enjoying them. I like your style and there’s always plenty of info. I’m thinking about getting a Decware Zen Triode amp. Been reading a lot of good things about it. Since I need to also get some (relatively inexpensive) hi-efficiency speakers, I’m also thinking of either the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F, Zu Omen Dirty Weekend or the Decware model DM945. They are all about $1k/pair and are high efficiency (97db ish). Any thoughts on best pairing with the Zen Triode? Thx

And here I was about to pull the trigger on BoyuuRange A50 MKIII 300B from your previous video ... I think I'll need to cool my trigger finger. A bit too late for some purchases, but ... will wait now.

Steve, if would be cool if you could do a comparison review between the Decware amp and another low wattage amp, for instance from First Watt. Thanks.

As I’ve commented before I have this amp and it is every bit as good as Steve says, and then some. I’ve done a fair amount of tube rolling, which is ongoing, and can confirm that the circuit is so “clean” that it allows you to hear whatever difference a tube change makes. Lately I’ve been rocking different rectifiers, which has been a blast and has made a surprising difference. I will add that the Zen DOES also benefit from a break-in period. I haven’t tracked my usage, but it has just recently seemed to hit its stride.

Hi Steve, just a quick technical question, when you measure the dB of speakers, do you use the dBA or dBC weighting? Thanks!

2.3 WATTS with Klipsch La Scala will rock the house down Above and beyond comfortable listening levels

Dear Steve, I'm wondering what will be your best pick for "living the music" >> Decware amp or >> Pass labs XA25 ? I'm currently using Harbeth P3ESR 83db low sensitivity speakers in a small room. Many thanks for all your shows ! Mathieu - from Paris.

Mr. Guttemberg, thank you for this review. I am thinking to treat my system with tubes. More like preamp, but it might be amp as well. This Decware looks neat and I believe sounds great as well. I bought RP-600M and latter RP-5000F because I believed you. And you were right. I come from Slovenia, country where from still current 1st Lady comes from :-) But it is not like the way she describes it. So this tube amp is S E 8 4 U F O and cost about 1k$... PLUS more than half of its price to ship it to EU?!? Plus custom... Mr. Steve, which tube amp or preamp you would recommend for a start... I even do not know if I’ll like it :-) I am using Atoll IN100 and Klipsch rp-500f, and Auralic Aries Mini as DAC. Streaming only services.

On something like this it might make sense to do a short demo. Even though we are listening to this through youtube and our own headphones/speakers you can still get a better sense for what you are talking about by hearing an actual demo. Also where can you buy these?

For a bit of slam, if you had a source with 2 outputs, you could feed one set to a powered sub and the second set (with FMOD inline 100hz crossover, or similar ) to this beauty integrated amp. The 2.3 watts would be extremely happy to just powerr 100 hz. and up.

I was at the Yorkville sound Workshop one day couple decades ago or so and listen to a 2-way speaker that blew my socks off. It was a folded Corner horn passages between the folds to make for phase correct bass... crossover to a ribbon tweeter. Have you ever reviewed stage accompany ribbons? And if you have reviewed them is there anything on the planet that's better in terms of efficiency transparency and power handling?

Thanks Steve. Any chance of you reviewing there mono blocks?👍

Hi Steve. Does Decware offer any discounts thru your YT channel for this beauty? You’ve convinced this audio newbie. Thanks Steve.

I have a Decware SE84CKC I bought on Craigslist for $450. What a Bargain. I love it! In My listening room I am surrounded by Klipsch KP301's, Electrovoice horns and Audio Nirvana 8's.

Would it be stable driving ESL 57s ? Concerned about the very demanding impedance swings , not SPL ; I listen mid-field in a small room at moderate levels . Thanks !

Those Klipsch RP600M speakers are spec'ed at 96dB, but two different publications have taken them into the lab and both measured them at about 89.5dB.

I'm honestly thinking about getting this guy with a pair of errx speakers and calling it a day

I have a SE84ufo with the Decware zp3 phono pre amp. Trying to consider speakers to go with them. I currently have some DIY 6.5” Fostex in a BIB enclosure placed far apart gives a real sense of air and sound stage. Ideas?

Steve straight hit us with that crayola shirt...this dude makes me feel like i'm watching adult sesame street

You mentioned the Cain Tuck Audio Lii 15 speakers as a match for this amp. What turntable/cartridge, to complete the system, would you recommend?

“But isn’t solid state better?” Great to see this as your choice of component of the year.

How is the low level detail on this amp !? I currently have a hybrid tube amp ! Unfortunately the background instruments are muted while the main instruments are very prominent along with a strong bass emphasis which sounds bloated unlike a good solid state amp ! Is the lack of low level detail an inherit trait of all tube lamps!?? Would appreciate anyone's experience on this !!

One should keep in mind that amplifier output power requirements are not just about average loudness, but also about being able to reproduce accurately the dynamic peaks, especially for full dynamic range recordings that have not been subjected to dynamic range compression. I have several low powered (~1-10 W per channel) tube amplifiers, which drive speakers with 87 dB per watt or greater sensitivity to very loud average levels. However, my amps at the lower end of the power output scale (~1-3 W per channel) will often sound hard (onset of distortion), or even very distorted, on dynamic peaks of uncompressed large scale orchestral music even when the average loudness level is moderate when driving 87 dB per watt sensitivity speakers. (Note: To further complicate matters, the difficulty of driving speakers with low power amplifiers will depend on the speaker's impedance and the output impedance of the amplifier, but I will not get into that here.) At the other end of the power output scale (~4-10 W per channel), I have never had an issue with distortion on dynamic peaks with these amps unless I play the music at an unlistenable average loudness level. Since 3 dB corresponds to a factor of 2 on a linear scale, 4 W driving an 87 dB per watt sensitivity speaker is equivalent to 2 W driving a 90 dB per watt sensitivity speaker. So the recommendation by Decware of using at least 90 dB per watt sensitivity speakers with their 2.3 W per channel amplifier seems about right to me based on my experience with low power tube amps. With 90 dB per watt sensitivity speakers, I would expect the 2.3 W output to be sufficient to avoid distorting on dynamic peaks in uncompressed music when played at a moderate average loudness level. Since reproduction of low bass notes requires more power from the amplifier than reproduction of higher frequency notes at the same loudness, one can also alleviate some of the dynamic range issues for very low powered amplifiers driving less than 90 dB per watt sensitivity speakers by using a powered subwoofer and driving the speakers only with the high-passed signal using the low power amplifier. In lieu of a subwoofer, if your speakers are bi-wireable, you can bi-amp such speakers using the low powered amplifier connected to the mid-range through treble connectors and another higher powered amplifier connected to the woofer. Since I prefer quality to quantity, I prefer low power amps with high quality output compared to high power amps with mediocre quality output. However, such low power amps need to be paired with compatible speakers. I think it was the late Harry Pearson of "The Absolute Sound" who said something like if the first watt is bad, why would one want a hundred more of them?

As good as this amp is you should try one of Steve's tube amps to drive some of your headphones. Over the years he has made a preamo/headphone amp very similar looking to this that a lot of folks loved. Not sure if Steve still makes it. I want to try one someday. I bet if you plugged in a headphone adapter into the speaker output terminals of the 2.3 what amp you would be amazed with some headphones!

About a 2 year waiting list to get one of these.

Just finding this review now. Would love to try this amp with my Sonus Faber Sonnetto 2s but they're 87 db sensitivity. What do you think I should expect? Will the amp drive the Sonetto's?

Steve, when you measure dBs, how far away are you positioning the meter?

I have a McIntosh vintage preamp tuner can you combine that amp with that? I have the miniwatt one for now. That's a nice amp.

How are the low level detail on this amp !?? I have a hybrid tube amp, but all the background instruments sound dull,and muted will the main instruments are prominent unlike a solid state ! Would appreciate any input !!

A good complement for a pair of Rega RS1's?

Hey Steve I downsize my system but not my speakers I have I have a pair of klipsch La Scala’s I do like the tube sound cause I used to have Mac and I just saw your ireview with Zen an amp I do have a turntable so you’re telling me the amp that you reviewed is all self-contained has its own preamp section how would I hook a turntable into it or the CD player also goes into the RCA input? Will it work with my La Scala’s is it worth every penny?

Steve, I am sold! In your opinion, would the LEAK 130 match well with the SZT? You see, now I'm committed to separates. ;o) Thank you for your review.

Is there a phonon put or would one need to get a separate component to add a phono/CD input? Also Im guessing the Klipsch Heresy IV would pair well?

I have 2 Nobis Cantabiles, Nobis proteus Pre, tube CD, and 91db speakers... do I want to add a zen triode or Denifrips Aries II to my system? What adds the best enhancement? Enhance what exists, or change up?

Nice! Best shirt of the year! Love that crayon shirt! 👍

I think I might get one. I have a small system in my living room with some Totem bookshelf speakers that are 87dB (in)efficient. I never listen loud. I could be a chance to upgrade to a more interesting system. The current Denon amp is at best ok.

Steve... Would adding a Schiit Freya + on the front end be a good combination...with a Klipsch RPM 600 as my output. TIA.

How do you use / hook up the mentioned Cobalt AudioQuest USB DAC with an amp like this? From my MacBook to my Decware - how would it work? And with both loudspeakers or headphones? It's in the cables, right? A video like that I'd love to see.

Would you strongly recommend this tube amp paired with the Magnepan LRS? Can it amply drive that high current sucking LRS? Thanks and more power to you.

Harvey Gizmo used to say, “Ascend to micro-pwer..” Please bring Herb along Joe’s place. I’d love to hear his thoughts on the full big horn rig.

Steve I have a Sunfire Carver amp and preamp comb Love it, I have the a pair of the KEF LS 50 great sounding system for me. How would this amp sound different from what I have? Thanks

Y'know, there are a couple of RU-vid channels that, on the surface, do not appeal to me. They don't talk about stuff in the way I like, talk about products for which I have no interest, etc. But! I keep coming back. Steve here is one of them. I'd love a little more tech but SG has an infectious, almost giddy enthusiasm for his passion that transcends the specs. In the end, watts and thd will only get you so far. It's how you feel about what your listening to that really matters and that's where Steve shines.

I’ve been very interested in this amp but wonder how it would do with 4 ohm speakers. I am sure it will work quite by well with my high efficiency, 8 ohm Tektons but is there a chance that this amp would be usable with 4 ohm 86db efficient Magnepan MMGs?

Makes me want to order one and a pair of those little Klipschs.

Hello Sir. Would a Decware Zen fit as a preamp for my Avantgarde Duo G1 horns ? Thanks.

Im curious how a pair of Martin Logan ESLs would pair with this amp.

Were you measuring the dB level from 1m away or from your listening position?