Decware introduces new modified TEAC DSD Recorder

Decware has just introduced a new source component: the Zen Direct Stream Digital, a modified TEAC DSD Recorder. An interesting product to add to the line. . . .

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZDSD.html

http://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?virboard=ZDSD;num=1422148799

 

I might buy this!

 

Tascam DA-3000: I was expecting someone to get around to modding these. I forgot exactly who; but, there were sonic upgrades for the DV-RA1000(s), as well. I guess if I want one of these, I should jump on it, too. If Henry J(Gibson) is in control of Tascam, no doubt this unit will have a shorter run than it's predecessor and the company run into the ground.

Maybe Modwright can work up a tube mod for these.

 

Thanks for the notice

 

Yes, Decware moved to this because the TEAC cd player with iPod dock they were modifying was discontinued.

And their implementation seems inspired by the success of the PS Audio DirectStream DAC, which I know Steve Deckert has spent a little time with.

 

I fear the worst. Better look at the budget, again.

BTW: It was Jim Williams (audioupgrades.com) who offers(?)/offered the RA1000 upgrades.

 

So has any one heard the ZDSD decware DAC? I have searched for reviews on site and the Internet and can't find any.

 

What's interesting is something with no mention in the info: it looks as though it can accept balanced XLR input from a mic pre. Quite an affordable way to make DSD recordings, especially of live gigs. Of course, it's not the stealthiest of gear but for a few rack spaces you can have a nice DSD recording rig that doubles as your playback source. Or, buy two, one for on-site use and one to accept your SD card back at the ranch.

 

Unless I am wrong Decware's mods are only related to the output stage. Anyone interested in using it as a recording solution only would be better off just buying the stock Tascam for less money.

 

Read the full article:

BONUS: YOU CAN RECORD DSD AUDIO WITH IT - If you're not into wasting money on special software and inferior hardware to record your albums or tapes, stay tuned because this machine is simply a fantastic digital recorder. It records directly to SD cards making it possible to get perfect hi-res bit perfect DSD and double DSD recordings of your analog treasures with results so true to the source you'll have trouble telling the two apart.

 

Read the specifications of the stock Tascam unit. There is no difference on the recording side and it costs many hundreds less.

 

I don't quite understand your responses here. Obviously, those interested in the DECWare mods are interested in not only having an high res recorder but also a hardware playback appliance taken to "the next level". With the recent acquisition of another, I now have two DV-RA1000HDs. But, unless Hi Res files are imported into a project, or the project is burned as a DVD project backup, there is no way to playback high res files. Besides that the RA1000(HD)s are out of production. The DA-3000 solves this little PITA by allowing playback straight off USB storage... plus you get double DSD. Sure the stock unit sounds great; but, if the budget allows and the mods are worth it to the ear of the beholder, why not? It's an A/D/A. It has more uses than just recording.

 

There are two or so on the Decware forums who have discussed the ZDSDs they bought.

 

I just visited the decware forum. Seems a unit has been ordered but no review yet. I will keep checking.

 

Not true. stone_of_tone (Larry) has had his for some time and keeps waxing enthusiastically about it starting with his first listens on page 4 of this thread.

http://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1422222973/45

 

I'm curious to hear a DA-3000 vs ZDSD comparison (playback wise, obviously).
The ZDSD costs almost two times the original DA-3000 and if the only upgrade is in the output stage by replacing opamps with transformers... meh, I can do that myself without much trouble and at a fraction of the price.

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the DA-3000 to digitalize my vinyl collection.

 

Thanks. I will read through this.

 

Same here. As far as I can see, the modification allows for RCA or single ended connection. So it seems if you have a McIntosh C2300/2500 the advanced single ended mod is not necessary. What else am I missing?