Klipsch SE84ZS Introduction, Performance Features, Power Output, Output Transformer Design

INTRODUCTION

You now own one of the best SET amplifiers in the world! Unlike the stereotypes associated with single ended triode designs, the SE84ZS has many unique features that set it apart from the rest. It’s point-to-point construction, lack of circuit boards, and signal path consisting of only a single capacitor and two resistors means noth- ing sold today is more transparent or honest. Of course almost everything sold today claims to be sonically transparent and absolutely accurate, but when compared side by side to the Zen Triode SE84ZS, it usually isn’t.

PERFORMANCE FEATURES

•Power Output

The SE84ZS power output sits in the perfect spot on the line of fidelity vs. power with respect to amplifier design. It is rated at 2.3 watts into an 4 ohm resistive load with no visible or audible distortion. What makes it deceptive is its ability to drive complex speaker loads down to almost a dead short with even more power. For example, this amp has driven a pair of Klipsch horns, a pair of JBL control 10’s and a pair of JBL studio monitors, each between 6 and 8 ohm speakers - all at the same time on each channel. The speakers were wired in parallel. Besides the ability to remain stable at these insane impedance's, the SE84ZS also sounds good when doing it.

•Output Transformer Design

You may have noticed that output transformers used in single ended amplifiers are up to 3 times more expen- sive then those used in push-pull applications. This is in part due to the air gap that must be integrated into the transformer. You can spend as much on a single output transformer as you paid for this amplifier (yes, they exist) , take it completely apart and find no difference in quality between it and the transformers used in your SE84ZS. We understood from the beginning that output transformer design and quality are what separate good sounding tube amps from great sounding ones. The SE84ZS has transformers that were custom designed specifically for it, and are made by Decware in the USA.

•Gold Plated Connectors and Sockets

Gold plated Input Jacks and Output Binding Posts provide trouble free connections. Ceramic tube sockets with gold plated contacts provide protection from atmospheric contamination.

•Non-Magnetic High Mass Chassis

The SE84ZS is built on a T6 Aluminum plate over 2mm thick for zero flex. This offers a noticeable reduction in resonance when compared to a steel chassis. To further eliminate resonance, the plate is coupled to a solid hardwood base. The powder coat finish is baked on and nearly impossible to scratch without significant effort. The rust proof Aluminum combined with this finish ensures the amplifier will look pristine for many, many years to come.

•High Reliability - Low Maintenance

With an oversized power supply and the highest grade of capacitors the SE84ZS has less then 0.5mv of sag in the high voltage supply when the amp is at full power and clipping. This means the power supply is never taxed and should therefor last for many decades. In addition, the self-biasing design besides sounding best offers easy tube changes with no adjustments or re-biasing needed. These are just some of the reasons why we can offer a Lifetime Warranty with this product.

•Tube rectification

This offers two distinct advantages over the more common solid state rectification. First is reliability. Solid state rectifiers when used at these high volt- ages (600 volts) are susceptible to voltage spikes and even static electricity. That means your ampli- fier would need repair likely more then once during it’s lifetime. Using a tube rectifier means that you can easily change it yourself if ever there was a problem. Tube rectification also sounds different then solid state. And contrary to popular belief, the tube rectification actually has far superior bass. It’s tighter, more dimensional, and less artificial sound- ing.

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