Zana Deux comparison

Just wondering if anyone has compared the different Zana Deux models and wanted to offer their thoughts...

I have the original ZD (#76) that just does high Z cans. Someone nearby was selling a Zana Deux Transformer (#15) and I was hoping to do a comparison side by side between the two. If we ever manage to do that, I'll post my thoughts as well. Anyone heard the ZDT? Apparently his has upgraded caps and windings...

 

I'm the happy new owner of that ZDT
I asked Craig for his opinion and he just said ZDS would be warmer, ZDT would be more "spontaneous" with the HD800.
I've never heard the ZDS and I used to own the ZD but that was many years ago and my music memory is horrible.
I recently had the Rag and it compares favorably.
With the Hd800, Rag seems more detailed, neutral when compared to the ZDT.
ZDT was able to tame the highs of the hd800 better.
It also seemed to drive my k1000s better as well...more fuller sound.
Being able to drive the k1000s is a big plus since it's one of my favorite headphones.
This is all out of the Yggdrasil btw.

I wouldn't mind seeing how it compres with the ZDS.
Perhaps I can bring it to a future for comparison...

 

I'm a big fan of the ZDT compared to the ZD with low Z headphones - planars especially. If all you are driving is Sennheisers - stick with the ZD. I haven't heard the ZDS.

 

@foo_me
Looks like you're in the South Bay. I'd be willing to meet up and bring my ZDS. Maybe you could bring the Yggdrasil too? I've wanted to spend more time with it and compare to my DAC through my ZDS. Maybe @brencho would join with his Torp3.

 

Yeah I'd be down!

 

Yeah that would be cool!
Can bring the Yggdrasil but don't have the ZDT anymore.
It's better with low impedance than the ZDS as m3ntal says but my primary is hd800s and needed a preamp.
I guess that led to my selling the th-x00.
Will be getting the w3000anv soon though.

 

I have the ZDT in question now. Wish I was in CA. If I was I'd bring it. Seems like a large amount of the community here is from there and that's where a lot of the action is. Not much going on in the Midwest.

 

I've owned both ZDSE and ZDS (never heard the original ZD). The ZDS is a much better amp for sure especially with HD800(S). It is slightly less warm and maybe less euphonic than ZDSE but clearly superior in terms of technicalities. Counterintuitively, it also softens the treble spike of HD800(S) better than ZDSE does.

In my opinion the ZDSE is worse sounding than BW. Okay for HD600 maybe. The ZDS on the other hand may as well be your endgame amp if you own HD6X0/HD800(S).

 

Hmm I'm interested in hearing the HD 800 S too. Let's figure out a good time. Not sure when @brencho has the T3 arriving.

 

@bazelio T3 arrives sometime next week! I should be free to meet up anytime in May, possibly sooner.

 

I have the chance to purchase the original ZD in the land down under, but am wondering whether it would be a good match for the Utopia? I'm tempted by the ZDS from the high praise from the posts here on the Sherman Oaks mini meet. (Oz doesn't get the Utopia until next month).

 

Can you use a 6sn7 with current zds?

 

My ZDS came with a Russian made Tung-Sol 6SN7 GTB, so I guess you can.

 

Hmm. My original ZD has a TS 6SL7WGT, and I was under the impression that I couldn't throw a 6SN7 in place. Maybe ZDS can? I have a couple of those Sylvania 6SN7GTB's @Marvey recommended for the MicroZOTLOMGWTFBBQ, but didn't think it could handle them. Haven't put them in because I also like the sound of the TS. Maybe I'll check with Craig.

 

Mikoss, I am new to this forum and see that you are from Canada. Not sure what part of Canada you are in but -- I am in SE Michigan very close to Windsor, Ontario. I need to have my head examined because, ever since I bought my Moth 2A3 (original not the integrated) 18 years ago, I have been a huge fan of Craig's EC amps. I am not really a "component du jour" kinda guy but, my problem is that every time I am happy with my then current EC amp, Craig comes out with a new design, which I ultimately acquire -- but then I can never bring myself to sell the previous amp.

So, oddly, I find myself still owning my Moth 2A3 [serial #4] and I will never sell this amp, as well as still having the ZDSE, the ZDT, the BA, the 445 and the Studio (Tribute) and also an Allnic HPA-3000 and Allnic HPA-5000 -- both of which I "had" to buy because the seller was almost giving them away because it seems not as many people in headphone-land seem to be as aware of Allnic's fine reputation as people in regular high-end audio. They sound different than EC's amps but are very well done. I do not seem to have this "OCD" with any other manufacturer. I just find myself connecting to the music more with EC amps than with other headphone amps and I also like their retro/industrial "look" too. And "no" I do not stalk Craig or Marv!!!!

I find myself still listening to all of the EC stuff at different times though and I pair different cans with them based on my tastes or music I am listening to.

So, if you ever find yourself near Windsor (I am in Metro Detroit right across the river), you are welcome to stop buy and listen to my odd collection of EC stuff.

Regards,
Frank

 

I've been asking the same question as I'v already put in an order for ZDS and am hoping for a good pairing with my Utopia. People seem to like it, and it seems a good match for what I am looking for - epic soundstage and slightly warm of neutral. I'v also got the ma sdrop ZDT Jr. coming in (probably sooner than the ZDS) and wonder how they will compare...

Would love more info on the current run of ZDS, I will share what I can find out from the EC crew.

 

it's a fantastic pairing with utopia, you won't regret it

 

resurrecto bump!

any one else have any thoughts on the OTLs, ZD vs ZDS vs ZDSE (not interested in the ZDT)—i might have an opportunity to buy a ZDSE and i'm wondering if it's a good buy or if i should hold out for an original ZD or ZD Super.

Some context: on sound prefs, I really loved Erroneous's Moth 6B4G prototype/Craig-cobbled amp, and while it's not the ZD precursor amp, they do share some sonic similarities. The 6B4G Moth Erro says was warmer, lusher than his ZDS, but loses out on some technicalities perhaps?

I'd like to re-create the lush tone of the Moth rather than get something maybe more neutral/SS/airy.

here’s a pic of the Moth just bc:

 

I feel I’m in the same camp as you caute….

go for an available ZDSE or wait for Super to show up for sale….

absolutely love my HD800S (with the occasional HD600) lately and want an endgame good match for her.

decisions… decisions….ahhhhh