Decware SE84C+ Owner's Manual page 4

OWNERS MANUAL
MANUAL NO. 01 REV. DATE: 2/2008
START UP
After unpacking your Zen amp refer to figure 1 to install the supplied tubes.
ABOUT THE TUBES
Your amp is configured as a single ended triode with a single output tube per
channel. The output tubes can be your favorite EL84/6BQ5 or SV83/6P15P. The am-
plifier has been designed with a common cathode bias circuit so that the two out-
put tubes remain matched during operation even if you use unmatched output tubes.
This concept is also known as "self balancing" and ensures perfect image focus
even as the tubes age.
The small tube in the front of the amplifier is called the input tube, and it's
purpose is to raise the input signal to a level sufficient to properly drive the
output tubes. This small dual triode tube is handling both channels. You can
use either a 6N1P or 6922/6DJ8 in this location. This is the tube that will make
the largest change in how the amplifier sounds. Since the signature of every
tube is slightly different, even tubes of the same number, using a dual triode is
an advantage because it keeps the signatures identical on each channel.
The last and largest tube is called the rectifier tube and can be your choice of
5U4 or 5AR4. There are also other compatible substitutions that will also work,
but these two choices are what we recommend.
TUBE LIFE
The output tubes are the only ones that really wear out. They are rated for be-
tween 3000~5000 hours depending on which ones you use. As output tubes wear,
they become less powerful and softer sounding. If your output tubes are more
than a couple years old the best way to tell if they require replacement is to
install a new set and listen for any differences. If the new set clearly sounds
better, then you know the old ones are ready for retirement.
Rectifiers and input tubes can last for what seems like forever, but they should
be checked every few years using the same procedure.
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DECWARE
High Fidelity Engineering Co.