Is more expensive better? Decware Torii MK5 VS Decware UFO2 amplifier

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Non-afflilated link for the Psvane EL34 replica www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/psvane-vacuum-tube-electron-valve-c-32/psvane-quad-4-vacuum-tube-el34-ph-matched-philips-replica-6ca7-p-1175 Test track from Nils Lofgren kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJqng39-jbisipI

[@althomas2729]

Sounds like I want to hear it though my system rather than my phone. The Pvane EL34 replica aroused my curiosity is this your recommendation for my integrated

[@audiorick841]

Wow, you really outdid yourself on this one! It sounds like it wasn’t an easy comparison to make between two great amps that can each have a gazillion combinations of tubes but that are still different at the core. You described well what the essence of each unit is about and factoring in tube rolling. Awesome in describing in easy words the relationship between tonality, clarity, warmth and soundstage which is not always easy to understand. You do an amazing job at it, thank you.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you liked it!

[@vaneast411]

Steve Deckert is putting out some very beautiful tube designs aesthetically (imo). I have a base model Zen UFO and it is a very heavy and substantial 'feeling' unit built to last. The lifetime warranty is something that also gives the buyer confidence in his products. Thanks Thomas for a very interesting set of perspectives in your review.

[@epi2045]

Thomas thank you for using a cloth to handle the tubes. People think it doesn’t matter. It does.

[@SpinnerPaddlefoot]

Interesting and thorough review as always Thomas. Your casual review/discussion style is what sets you apart from other reviewers. Keeps me coming back for more! Not sure I will want to wait 1-2 years for this product. Will keep looking.

[@blairholmesproductionsinc.9432]

Fantastic review, Thomas! Informative and entertaining. I love that you include your audiophile pals in your reviews, a smart and unique approach. Thank you!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Book-Mark]

They are fantastic reviews. Thank you.

[@MrPkimura]

Excellent video, Thomas. And it was great that you added an explanation about how speaker positioning and the room could affect perception of the products (any product, really).

[@robk5745]

Killer review Thomas, amazing amplifiers!

[@arun2995]

Thomas, rather you realize it or not you have become one of the best reviewer of audio gear regardless of media outlets. I look forward to your new video as much as my Stereophile magazine in the mail. I do hope you review some horn speaker but than thats my preference and not necessary where your audio journey wants to be heading. I ordered my Zen Triode in July and still waiting and base upon this review I'm very happy with my choice.

[@audio_acoustic_engineering]

Yeah, I give Thomas a huge amount of audio street credit too. Great review and choice of words T👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 I think I’d prefer to have accuracy versus smoothness, but I love body and soul in my amps, more weight for me please

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, thanks for the compliment, really appreciate and glad my hard work paid off.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Here is what you can use to learn about those snake oil terms. Pretty standard stuff in the audio world. www.stereophile.com/reference/50/index.html

[@mudnsavy]

Wow man. You have me so excited to pick my amp up tomorrow (I only live 1 hr from them). Yes I have been waiting 1 year for this moment. I got the Torii-JrV2, so I guess it’s in the middle of these. Looking forward to a couple tube rolls to fine tune the sound for my room. Thanks for all the info.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I wonder if it will be sweet sounding or neutral linear sounding. Let me know.

[@cheesesam]

Look forward to your review on the Torii Jr. I have one on order...

[@xavi-HH-108]

Hey Percy. Like you I've also been waiting for my Torri Jr-v2. Should receive it in 2 weeks. After taking in all of Thomas' and his vintage friends recommendations, just ordered Sophia EL34 and Jan-Phillips 6L6 GWB tubes. Would love to hear your own impressions once you power it up w/stock or any new tubes. Thanks

[@cheesesam]

I’m wondering what your thought process was on the Torii Jr. I keep second guessing myself and wonder if I should have ordered the MKV instead.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@cheesesam I have never heard it so no real idea.

[@DBravo29er]

I love this! Quick note: I have found that 845 tubes' sound is GREATLY affected by the driver tube used. Not just the driver tube type, but the exact model and design of the specific driver tube itself. Which has resulted in a lack of homogeneity from the 845 based amps I've heard.

[@swaroop812]

Great review Thomas! I was lucky enough to own a SE84UFO25 and the Torii MK V to simultaneously compare the two. I totally agree that the SET amp was special and really easy to hear right out of the box but the Torii needed to be dialed in. I ended up keeping the Torii in the end to be able to tube roll a lot more. Also, I was able to dial into a nice sweeter sound as well going to the Good Lion KT-77 from the Tung Sol KT-66.

[@jdm-uk-yank]

I already own the greatest tube amp ever made, Audio Matiere Majuscule. The PSvane EL34 took it to another level. I've now ordered the EL84 to throw in as well. I can't wait to hear the outcome.

[@markscott7583]

Great video Thomas. Choosing between these amps is a great “problem” to have, they are both amazing.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I totally get why you choose the UFO2, 100%.

[@chatrs1025]

I'm just be on the Decware long waiting list for Sarah WE300B yesterday. My current amp is Willsenton R800i-805 with Sophia 274B regurator. I feel I can't wait to hear the difference so try not to think about it for now.😂

[@leolee5435]

Your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@Steveh817]

Kudos to Decware for having a build sheet available to see your position in the queue available on their website. I’m almost a year in and I can happily say I’m on the first page now. Having that available to review at anytime puts your mind at ease.

[@cheesesam]

I'm on page 4 ! Patience is a virtue

[@jooter100]

Page 4 here too !!!!! Have ordered the SE84ufo2 with all the upgrades. Though I’m thinking the Torii MKV. Don’t have all the money in the world but think it has more power and don’t want to be on the list for another year and a half wishing I had just stepped up. Thoughts anyone?

[@Steveh817]

@@jooter100 I ordered my SE84UFO2 with all the upgrades as well. I considered the ZEN Mystery amp initially but came to my senses. If you have efficient speakers I’m sure this unit will be fine. The more I spend on audio, the less golf I can afford to play.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@JoeCool882]

@@jooter100 Gets crazy fun when you under 50 on the list. Just have to do your homework for your situation.

[@mckinleyparkbikes]

@@jooter100 depends on your speakers and size of room and musical tastes

[@stephenstevens6573]

Man! Just another example why you are my favorite reviewer of high end audio gear! Not only do you give your opinions...fully supported as to why...but also the opinions of your trusted circle of audiophile friends! This level of gear is something that I will never experience, but I feel like I can enjoy it vicariously through you. Thank you for what you do. Thomas. Sincerely.

[@Labor_Jones]

I think there are a number of ways to get to audio heaven. Some require more cash, and some require time and a modest amount of learning the minimum a couple of crafts. For instance: Decwares famous Amp for 25 years is available as a DIY. You put in the labor, and I don't remember exactly, but it's 40% or more off. I don't think it has cabinet, but it Decware has some other options you may find interesting... and I bet you won't be in the back of the line for that. Go to Garage sales, or Estate sales and you might find someone's gold in Audio. Even if there are professionals remember that most of them are buying to make Profit and they really don't want to get into a bidding war with you so you could end up 10s of Thousands of gear for 25%-$40% of going rates on Reverb or E-Bay. There is ton of Gear out there and I've been getting if for under $20 bucks and sometimes for FREE. Anyway..., if I only had all the TUBES my dad kept at the store for decades. 50 years ago. We had TUBE that was 4 1/2 foot tall and diameter of about foot. It was part of NASA someone bought, went broke, and I got for next to nuthing, (about $4,000) and made my dad about $200,000 mostly Scrap metals. GOLD was everywhere and used at about 7.5% over everything back in the late 50s until the mid-70s over Government stuff --- Like Nasa. My dad didn't want to do it, but I could have had it all turned into Fair Trade Gold 999 fine.... Where was I ;) lol --- the opportunities - yeah there everywhere!

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@Labor_Jones thank you for your suggestions. I was in the scrap metal business for 40 plus years...I know about some of the big deals that came out of the late 50s, early 60s. I followed my Dad into it. I also buy a lot of vintage gear, just never tubes. Always been a looker, just never had any really efficient speakers. Never say never, I guess

[@Labor_Jones]

@@stephenstevens6573 Yeah, when you are a Junkman's son it' a whole different world to think about. We were non-ferrious by nature. MY DAD went by "Alex the Junkman' I could go to most of the towns south of San Antonia and find someone who knew him looking for scrap or salvage. We did a lot toilets and tanks to Mexico when I was a kid that were torn out of re-modeled home town owned motels.

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@Labor_Jones my family was involved in the aerospace end of the scrap stream, but, like you said...EVERYBODY knew my dad and it definitely opened many doors that would have been closed to many

[@cheesesam]

@@Labor_Jones The Decware ZKIT1 has fantastic sound and is not terribly complicated to build as long as you follow the directions and check in with the forums when you get stuck. I'm a complete novice and finished mine about 6 weeks ago and it just keeps sounding better and better. Highly recommend the ZKIT1 as a way to sample the Decware sound as you're waiting for your build.

[@darrellchitwood9167]

I have enjoyed my ufo2 and Decware’s phonoamp ZP3 for some time. I think of it as affordable elegance. Your review was insightful. I’ll have to listen to listen to the rest of the lineup some day.

[@Chris.from.1950]

Great review Thomas! I'm not able to stretch to the $4k USD that the Torii costs, but I'd love to have been able to buy a Decware UFO this year, but, yeah, they just aren't available. So I bought a kit from Bottlehead, for their Single Ended eXperimenter (yeah, SEX) Amp. Not done yet, but have the kit in the house. I can hardly wait. All the best, my friend! Stay safe.

[@marchese969]

Thank you Thomas, you are one of the best!!!

[@busylifechilllife4026]

Good Job Thomas a lot of hard work done to make this video. I just wish I could buy one of these amps and get them next week.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Haha, you better jump on my amp then when it comes out!

[@stephanefournier2600]

Thank you for the great reviews, I truly appreciate your work. I ordered Zen Triode SE34I.6 the day before you posted this video, I can't wait to receive it after the 1500 other orders are fulfilled!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Great to hear!

[@dougg1075]

Couldn’t click fast enough Thomas. Good one That “ power up” shot was awesome by the way:)

[@mckinleyparkbikes]

Hi Thomas great review, I already made the decision I own the SE84ufo2 and the decware zp3 phono stage. They are both awesome and I agree I need to own both

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Cool, thanks

[@Brockybearboy]

I ended up buying 2 Decware Models. The Zen Triode SE341.6 and the Torii MK5 power amp. I have Klipschorns 105db sensitivity and the 6 watt Zen Triode is a match made in Heaven. For Rock and Techno the Tori MK5 Push Pull gives me the power and Push Pull goodness for this type of music. I have Cary 150 watt 845 mono blocks that we're a terrible match for the Khorns. Without doubt the most expensive tube amps I have ever owned, I have them on my 4 Ohm Klipsch P35-F and Altec 804-6B speakers that require more power.

[@Bassotronics]

Awesome video! 👍🏼

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you liked it!!

[@johnvincent4048]

Decware se84ufo+Bluesound music streamer+Klipsch Forte ii=music heaven!

[@SeanSisco]

Another incredible review! I have the UF02 on order (since April 2021) and considering my current rig and room, it appears to be the better choice for me at this time.

[@papschmear]

Your patience is admirable..

[@markscott7583]

Trust me, it's worth the wait. While I loved the Torii, I found the differences (in my room, with my Klipsch Forte III) for me were modest - and overall the Zen UFO was smoother/sweeter so a better fit for me. The footprint additionally of the Zen is considerably smaller and placement of the amp easier to accommodate.

[@SeanSisco]

@@markscott7583 thank you, I appreciate the perspective!

[@randymcclanahan5087]

To Mark Scott: I have just installed new Klipsch La Scala’s and am on the waiting list for a Zen UFO. The La Scala’s are even more sensitive than your Fortes. I have been worried about clipping with the Zen and possibly damaging the La Scala’s. Is that a concern in your view? Thanks for your input!

[@markscott7583]

@@randymcclanahan5087 I haven’t experienced any clipping issues.

[@drde4010]

Nice review Thomas. Thanks for sharing all your details. You speak from great experience.

[@stelioskritikakis]

11:05 hahahah, Thomas i love you man.. Great review as always!

[@407arcade]

Good video new stuff, MK5 AMPS and other amps

[@derekf7772]

Thanks for the thoughtful review! I am 1/2 way through on the waiting list for a Torii Jr V2…

[@seedood]

Awesome review of a great amplifier. Thanks!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you liked it!

[@phonatic]

The Torii MK5 looks very much like a tube tester. I know it has been a polarizing thing, but I really like the design of the Decware units.

[@michaelcollins2473]

I agree. Except I hate the looks. JM2CW, and it has nothing to do with how it sounds. :)

[@phonatic]

@@michaelcollins2473 And your opinion is perfectly valid as well. 😊✌

[@laurentfontanel893]

I love your reviews.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I appreciate that!

[@danagr]

As a Decware owner I've been waiting so thanks for the review it was excellent as always. I'm just going to nitpick two little things. The SE84UFO2 is $1495 while the SE84UFO (metal case no meters) is a thousand bucks ($995) and as it also could be used as and integrated amp I was really hoping to hear the difference with and without without the preamp. Thanks again I really enjoyed it and that enjoyment was not diminished over those two VERY minor things.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Ah, thanks for the correction.

[@JC-lk3oy]

Not anymore.

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

Steve raised prices reasonably so now it's sitting at $1195.00

[@rohanthompson2240]

Love this show!

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Harbeth?!!👍 Really realistic tone.if its anything like the 30.1. Instruments sound like they are and voices too. Maybe you could comment on that when you review speakers in the future on their tone. Cheers.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great review, thanks. Sound demo came alive with the VTL preamp. Reading Steve Deckert's blogs got me interested in tube amps. I built my own using point to point wiring highly influenced by his approach.

[@my2cents395]

It's the tubes that are interesting. Good thing I am happy with what I have. On the other hand there is a CAM member Rudyson who has 3 tube amps he built for sale. 2 are from kits. It might be interesting to hear from a builder that is a hobbyist. The one amp he built he used all quality components. Just a thought.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Beautiful looking amp , Build quality looks outstanding ! They'd look great sitting in my dark room 😆Thanks Thomas

[@ThomasAndStereo]

They are!

[@gil3green]

Excellent review, I don't think anyone is doing it better than you right now!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks but sadly the view count shows that I am just mediocre.

[@commane21]

@@ThomasAndStereo Do not confuse excellence with popularity. Naturally you want to increase the second by increasing the first, but it doesn’t necessarily work that way.

[@gil3green]

Just stay the course, bring back the stuffies and maybe do a couple softball pieces that make the rounds. You’ll find your audience.

[@daveellis6767]

Good review!

[@RJ_Chicago]

Excellent review! To be quick about it, to answer your question, I would get the Tori. I like tube rolling and I would need the higher power for my 88dB 4 ohm Magico A3s.

[@ML-rm3vk]

Sir great review you can see your love of music terrific insight to deckware a plus.music on

[@toddhupp]

Thomas: the voltage regular would adjust the power to the sweet spot of the amp circuit:compensate for variations in local power which can run from 110 to 130 V.A nice touch.The higher end amps of the 50s and 60's-HH Scott,Fisher,HK et al mostly used el34s. They had a very lush mid range to them.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the info!

[@stephenbrockway5899]

The voltage regulator tube is not being used as a voltage regulator. It is being used in place of a resistor in the power supply. It is now a filter removing electrical noise from the power coming in.

[@stephenbrockway5899]

I made a mistake. The Tori Mk5 DOES use the tube as a regulator. The Tori Jr uses it as a filter. So many amplifiers so little time.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Thomas! Great review…. I would go for (judging by what you said) two Zen UFO’s and run them as monoblocks to give me that extra 3db! Thanks 🙏 .

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would pray to the audio gods again so they can send me their top of the line monoblocks :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@ThomasAndStereo - I’ll give it a try, you never know it might work! 😀

[@stephenbrockway5899]

I would recommend looking at the SE34i.6. It would give you the six watts and cost you less money.

[@guccisasha]

Nice review, ty

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THOMAS, I HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE WITH TUBE AMPS…Which is why your audio buddies can help people decide according to their ‘ tastes ‘ …but I have LIFELONG experience with food and I have had meals like this in my lifetime 😁😋😍😍😍

[@imosolar]

Cool KZbin channel and review. I'll buy the power amplifier to drive my Wilson Audio TuneTot speakers

[@markandrews2222]

Thomas, I really enjoy your reviews. May I suggest you review the Benchmark AHB2 Amp, or perhaps 2 of them in Bridged mode?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would love to check it out.

[@johndavies6253]

Thomas, this video may cause me to finally look at tube amps, excellent work sir. Your enthusiasm is utterly contagious and makes me really excited to hear how your new amp will be received. I’m confident it will be a hit. One question about this amp review, how much would it cost to buy the and AND the tubes that you felt worked so well together?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Oh Sophia tubes are like $600 and the Philips were like $250. Thanks.

[@joerosen5464]

​@@ThomasAndStereoAnother missing detail; like whether the Tori is Push-Pull or maybe Parallel Single-ended?

[@ShawnEyer]

Thank you for this review. I have enjoyed a Decware amp for several years (the one they nickname "Rachel"). I swapped out the stock power tubes with some Shuguang EL34s and preferred the sound that way. I've seen the Sophia Electric EL34 tubes online and wondered if they would make even more of a positive difference. I wish you had talked more about those tubes because I'm quite curious about them! I think I might give them a roll soon. Thanks for all the great content you produce. I always enjoy your videos.

[@meteoriteusa7138]

Shawn, I bought a used Decware SE34 1.2 in 2018. It was shipped with Svetlana winged =C= EL34 tubes and my jaw dropped when I heard it. I had other brands of tube amps (both SE and push-pull) when I bought the Decware. None of my other amps sounded like the SE 34 and I was hooked on the brand. I started rolling the EL34s and bought the Sophias like Thomas has. They are my favorites of several different brands in the SE34. My humble advice is buy them sooner than later as Sophia can sell out of certain type of tubes that you may not see again or have a long wait for them to be restocked, like their type 45 and 5U4G. Thomas is spot on with the Sophia EL34s in the Torii and they are wonderful in my early model "Rachel" too.

[@pkats9093]

Nice job Thomas! I reached out to Decware a few months ago. Made a phone call and sent an email with some questions about their phono stage. Never got a reply! Oh well, decided not to be pushy. Then about a month later I missed one that was for sale locally by an hour!!! 🤬

[@andrewconger5045]

I know it is of no consolation, but I do believe they are trying their best. Their order volume increased by about 10X normal (not an exaggeration) about a year/18 months ago, and as a small company it has been a challenge scaling up. I think it can take a couple tries to get through.

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

I ordered the Rachel Decware's Zen SE34.6 Integrated @ 6w's but I plan on using 2 of them as mono blocks at 12 watts each so I will have 24 watts of Single ended tone Magic. BTW the Rachel is the original basic platform for the development of Decware's new 300B Amplifier the Sarah. So now you will need at least a third Decware amp to add to your collection. You should plan on coming to the Decware Fest in October to hear it's debut. Upstream I'll have the DW ZP3 Zen Phono Preamp.

[@jonthompson8807]

i wish i had ordered a UFO a few months back. you can actually see their build out order which was kind of interesting to me. If he is up to 1000 orders that is like $2 million on the table. must be nice!

[@andrewconger5045]

1500 orders now.

[@jonthompson8807]

@@andrewconger5045 that's so awesome. Some of them are speaker orders to. Not to mention dual mono blocks. Mr decker is such a gift. Their diy approach is really a positive point in the hifi realm. I can't wait to see people making their own amps and speakers. Especially with 3D printing taking off. It's a great time to be alive.

[@jasonsmith9845]

Thanks for the review! I would go with the UFO2 then see if I could live with the "FOMO". By the way, I own Quicksilver Audio Horn Monos with KT88s (paired with vintage Cornwalls) and would love to hear from you or anyone who has heard both and can compare the Decware amps to Quicksilver. Quickslivers don't seem to have many if any reviews here on youtube, but I'm very happy with mine. They're my first tube monoblocks.

[@charlesmiller6281]

I'm 6 months into the wait for my ZMA. Probably almost halfway 😍

[@greencraig8570]

There is some damn fine audio equipment being made in the USA- Decware, Schiit, etc.

[@peter-mathijslinsen8219]

Great review. I own a UFO and love it to death but I would like to compare it to a Tori myself at my place! Alas, shipping to Holland is pretty expensive!

[@vintagestereo]

nice designed

[@timball4892]

you continue to impress me as the best KZbin reviewer. Thanks!

[@JoeCool882]

Hi Thomas, nice review. Was your Torri MK5 stock or did it have the level 2 anniversary mods?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No idea, I did not know there is a level 2 mod!

[@andrewconger5045]

@@ThomasAndStereo The Level two add Milflex Copper Foil ..(capacitors??) I believe. Priced at $600.00

[@kentwood2914]

Very good and relevant question Joe Cool!

[@johnr5847]

So, @ 2000 dollars for a couple of UFOs, one may have exactly what is needed for a sweet sound in a smaller room without much acoustic treatment?

[@briancampbell7712]

hi Thomas...what tubes were in the Torii MK5 on the sound demo? stock?...also do you think this tube amp would work well with these speakers-Dali epicon 2 or the Usher BE 718 dmd...? finally, you mentioned it can be ordered with even order harmonics...what is that?...and how much does it add to the cost? *I'd love to hear this Torri MK5 playing some James Taylor and Pink Floyd... Thanks in advance

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗THOMAS,A GREAT STORY AND 😅FINDING THE BEST FOOD 🥘 ALSO REQUIRES PATIENCE AND A DEEPER WALLET 💵 BUT IT IS USUALLY WORTH THE EFFORT 🤗😍😍😍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

So true!

[@gene8933]

My favorite tube is the 807 nos rcas in my amp.Not that expensive The sound is so natural.I go to about 40 jazz and blues show a year in small clubs with well controlled audio. this tube makes it sound like i'm their. But you will need tube converter adapter for this tube.

[@scottchegg1209]

Decware, kicking ass again!!

[@MOOeymania]

I am thinking about the 25 anniversary UFO

[@Labor_Jones]

I appreciate the review a bunch as finding reviews on Decware other equipment is very hard to find. .... I have 4 (same) 12 watt mono blocks and I have tried different tubes in each of them, but that isn't as important as what I found is that there is a BREAK IN PERIOD. .... That the sound changes over 50 to 500 hours, sometimes so much so it's hard to believe the tubes when they were new were the same tubes many hours later. .... So I wonder about tube-amps now when I hear about GREAT GEAR.... Just a thought. - m.

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

This is fact, no matter any noob or zealot says.

[@joseeduardomendoza3565]

It would be great a review of the SE34I.6 since it gas 6w per channel so it would increase the range of speakers that could be paired with it and the price is near to the UFO2. Also it seems to me that the SE34I.6 offers more features that are similar to the ones some of the tube amps you have reviewed have. Thanks

[@if6wuzz9]

I agree with you there Mr. Mendoza… it’s the amp I ordered back in February. The waiting list is a major factor currently, however I believe it will be worth the wait given all the positive reviews. Hope to finally have the “Rachael” sometime in late 2023.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Frankly, not impressed with the sound demos at all but great video presentation as always. Appreciate that you use the same track to make comparisons with previous videos easier.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I accidentally set to -7db in the edit so that is the volume is way lower and that might have affected the sound demo.

[@jdsalinger73]

My opinion: learn to build your own. The satisfaction is priceless and they sound every bit as good. I built an amp from the Decware Zen schematic and it was very nice, but I cannot hear a "night and day" difference between this and every other amp I built. But it's way more fun to build your own because you have blood, sweat and tears invested in it. And you can fix it yourself if you ever need to. Why pay 4 or 5 times as much and wait a year to get your amp?

[@jackbaker9023]

Harbeth M30.2 speakers? Wow, when did that happen?!! Do you have a video with your thoughts on them? Do you like them? Did 25 watts adequately drive them? Any preference between tubes or SS with them? Harbeth M30.2s are on my short list for speaker selection. Congratulations!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

This is the M30, I had the M30.1 before but never heard M30.2. Thanks. I love them and 25w is no problem driving them. I am a tube guy but either is fine.

[@cheepong1987]

First of all thanks for the review. Any reason 1st gen M30 was used over the 2nd gen M30.1?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@cheepong1987 My friend bought the M30.2 off me so it is at his home.

[@GavinHodgson]

Great review - you should try and review the audio mirror amps is you ever get chance

[@bencausey]

I’d like the cheaper Decware, based on all the positive reviews. And I already have a Cary v12 for more power hungry speakers.

[@HTimm-gz9mk]

Hi Thomas, I'm just about to click through your videos. The reason is that I am looking for a tube amplifier. At first I was going to get a Mcintosh MC240/270 Mk1, but now I've seen your video about the Decware amps. Do you think a Torii MK5 will drive my Harbeth HL5 (84db) correctly? My plan is to combine the Torii with a warm sounding Mcintiosh C29. Kind regards Henrik

[@klaymoon1]

Thanks for great review! I wonder if you had a chance to connect directly to DAC and use the volume knobs on TORII because more likely that's how I will use it.

[@mikehuntington4440]

Great review Thomas. I've had a UFO for about 5 months now. I'm incredibly happy with it. It must be very difficult to review tube amplifiers with so many options for tubes. Even though you look like you bought a bunch, there are still so many you haven't tried.... That could possibly change your input even further on this amp. Sounds like Steve is working on a 300B amplifier right now too. I'm sure you'll be interested to get your hands on that one. 😉

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I will start praying to the audio gods.

[@mikehuntington4440]

@@summerforever6736 I'm using Omega Super 8XRS. No problems with dynamics or bass using this combo.

[@ivaltierrez]

Hey Tomas! Do you think this amp will be a good fit with Tannoy Cheviots (new Legacy Series)?

[@anthonyhopkin]

Thanks for your Excellent review Thomas. Always entertaining and informative. Have you checked out any LTA (e.g. the Ultralinear tube power amp) kit? Would love to learn from your opinion. Greetings to you and yours

[@ThomasAndStereo]

They were supposed to send me something a few years ago but did not because of customs. Maybe they just forgot to get back to me.

[@garykarczewski6678]

Hi Thomas, Great service as usual. I am considering a Decware Preamp which looks great as well. Did you do any reviews on Cary SLP-05 with upgrade? If so, I would love to see that review if you have one. Or an honest observation between the two.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have never heard that one. I think that one is a legend.

[@Victor43377]

Any chance you can review the torii Jr or mini? I’m deciding between those 2 or the SE34i.6

[@carljung9230]

when did you get the Harbeths? are you going to do a video on them?

[@froidd758]

Thinking of swapping my SEUFO2 order on queue with the Torii now ..😆

[@ThomasAndStereo]

haha. 😆😆

[@Danthehorse]

Very interesting. I would love to buy a Zen. One day ... BTW, what are those speakers tou gave behind you please?

[@rw3915]

Hey Thomas - When you flashed a snapshot of your collection of modern tube amps, I saw an Audio Research VM110, (I think) - have you ever performed one of your reviews of this amp? I’d love to get your typically detailed and well thought out review on it, please. Your review on the Decware was enjoyable. Thanks for a great review.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

That is the VS110 and Mr. Kanta has teh VS115. Great amp but I never reviewed it, I like it because it sounds like a tube amp, lots of air.

[@primepreowned1]

I’m in the process of building a ZEN Amp. I have high hopes for the ZEN when I’m through building it. It would have been much easier on my wallet if I had bought the Amp from Decware. The ZEN is a Great Amp, but I wanted to try one with some 25 watt output transformers, and a couple of large chokes in the power supply. The Big Push Pull Amp you reviewed has some really nice Iron on it, an it sounds great to. At $4,000 no one is getting rich off that amp. It’s doubtful I could buy the parts an Tubes much cheaper.

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

How are you doing that...there aren't any kits, no?

[@tango_gru]

Will these drive my ProAC tablette signature edition. Specs: Nominal Impedance 10 ohms , Sensitivity 86dB linear for 1 watt at 1 metre. They are known for their bad sensitivity. Which one of them will you recommend if these are okay for my speakers... just found out that you have launched by our own brand also. Which amp of yours would you recommend for my speakers. Thanks and Regards.

[@Coyotehello]

Hi Thomas, I do not have understanding why you would pair UFO2 or Tori with 85db drivers. From the start you are outside the spec of both amps????

[@ThomasAndStereo]

We tried it with all kind of speakers. 92db+

[@andrewconger5045]

Thomas, thank you for the great review. I currently have this amp on order and expect it sometime this summer. I had requested the KT66 tubes be shipped with it. What did you think about the KT66 in comparison to the EL34 you preferred? Thank you,

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I prefer it with EL34 cause it was smoother for me. However, KT66 is pretty good too because this amp is optimized for these kind of tubes.

[@kentwood2914]

Andrew, I have the same on order as you and I chose the KT66 tubes based on nothing more than descriptions by Steve Deckert as to how their sound aligns with what I am looking for. Hopefully it won't be too much trial and error and I get lucky that I like the KT66s.

[@andrewconger5045]

@@kentwood2914 That was also why I had picked KT66. I had ordered the amp when it was still the MKIV and the little chart showing the characteristics of each tube was still up. The KT66 was what I was hoping for, but with evolution of this amp to the MKV I was wondering if things had changed. I think I'll stick with the KT66.

[@kentwood2914]

@@andrewconger5045 I'm gonna do my best to get Decware to put Cryotone KT66s in mine. Have you seen the Decware forum and video on Cryotone?

[@andrewconger5045]

@@kentwood2914 OOOOH Yeah. That will definitely be step I take. I spend far too much time on the forum. I may wait and live with the amp for a little while. I'll also be bidding my time after spending $4K on the amp to discuss with my wife about spending extra money on tubes, in addition to the fact I want to buy new TT in the next month or two. HAHAAHA!

[@jamesp206]

Excellent video. I’ve got a 25th anniversary UFO on order but I may have to consider the TORII instead…

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Depends if you are buying it as a main amp or secondary amp, secondary amp UFO, that amp is so sweet sounding.

[@jackbaker9023]

@@ThomasAndStereo What is the difference between a main amp versus secondary amp? I mean it either works, or it doesn't. I just want to understand - thanks.

[@anitasanger]

Primary amp = Jack of all trades, IE, workhorse. Secondary amp = specialized for refinement, IE, great for jazz, vocals, things that don't need a lot of balls.

[@jackbaker9023]

@@anitasanger OK, so they both work, but just that one is a little better with certain types of music. Thank you for explaining it.

[@anitasanger]

@@jackbaker9023 you're welcome. The MKV has 7x the power of the UFO. This results in better bass control, a meatier low end, and the ability to push speakers louder. The UFO seems to power speakers much louder than other amps in its class, and is very good for lower / near field listening. Both great amps.

[@rank400]

Hi Thomas, thank you for your honest,enjoyable and super prof videos . want to ask if are familiar with Copland cta 408? did you had any experience with it? thank a lot Ran

[@AG-531]

Hi Thomas, I currently use H390 and Q Acoustics C500. What model would you include in the configuration? With both could you use the C500? My intention is to keep the H390. Is the statement correct that the Tori would sound more like the H390 than the UFO?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I think the UFO will sound more different but C500 is not that easy to drive AND it is already a very smooth speaker to start with.

[@AG-531]

Is it difficult, replace H390 with Tori, a second unit with UFO, or change speakers for H390 and UFO?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@AG-531 The H390 should be amazing, is it not working with the C500? What is missing?

[@fabien7079]

Some tubes are hard to get now, and sometime the price almost double... Crazy! Due of what is happening in our world.

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

I would choose the 300B when the design is finished.

[@markinjhawkland724]

Nice review! I wonder how they compare to the Decware 25th anniversary model.

[@jeremyaguilar3805]

I have a confession, I'm on the wait list for a Decware SET but it's the 6 watt. I want the Galion but I just can't drop 4500k on an amp right now.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

As long your speakers are easy to drive, 6w is good enough. Decware is great for mids, just keep in mind the bass punch is not the strongest.

[@thedudeabides1977]

Any chance you could compare the Decware Torii MkV with McIntosh MC275MkVI? I just got the 275 (enjoying it very much!) and have the Decware on order… Not expecting a video of course, just curious for your impressions in comparison and I don’t know too many others who are in a position to do so, certainly not more qualified and having heard the two recently. Cheers