Zanden 9600 MK2 Mono Amps: Review by Alan Sircom

[kantx]

If I understood correctly, the new mono blocks devised by Yamada San, with the support of his gracious daughter Kano, are about to receive an accolade in the UK.

 

[Marcus]

If I understood correctly, the new mono blocks devised by Yamada San, with the support of his gracious daughter Kano, are about to receive an accolade in the UK.

Kantx, can you elaborate this please?

 

[kantx]

Kantx, can you elaborate this please?

No, I cannot. But Yamada San is a gentleman.

 

[Birdwatcher]

I have started another thread on well matching speakers for the Zanden 9600 MkII here:

Which speaker for Zanden system with 9600 MkII?

Hello, i will complete my Zanden system with the 9600 MkII amplifier for the already existing 1200.3 and 3000. Actually I have a Graham LS5/8 in the system, originally planned for my Exposure and Jeff Rowland second system. I listen to several classical (solo, chamber, big orchestral, opera, a...

www.whatsbestforum.com

Maybe you could give some help, recommendations and advice in that thread. Thanks a lot!

 

[Marcus]

FWIW, a friend of mine is listening 9600 mk2 with the Vienna Acoustics The Music and is VERY satisfied.

I’m sure Avalon Indra (or other smaller models) would be a good choice too.

 

[kantx]

I don't know yet about the 9600 Mk2. I coupled the 6000 with Tune Audio Anima and will add soon a GG2. Could test the whole thing with LDMS server and result was beyond expectations. Yamada san wrote to me 6000 was superior to 9600 Mk1 but 9600 Mk2 was beyond. Unfortunately, I missed a sale for a pair of demo last week, so I'll have t wait a bit more for the Mk2.

 

[Birdwatcher]

Are the 9600.2 amps designed for the KR845 only, that has slightly different electrical parameter from the other 845?
So you would/can not try any other types like PSVANE, ELROG, etc? Is it correct?

 

[Jazzhead]

Are the 9600.2 amps designed for the KR845 only, that has slightly different electrical parameter from the other 845?
So you would/can not try any other types like PSVANE, ELROG, etc? Is it correct?

I know that the Elrogs cannot be used in my Zanden9600 mk1s , anybody know the cost of upgrade from mk1 to mk2 ? Is that even possible?

 

[Birdwatcher]

I have just received an answer from Mr. Yamada:

“Model 9600 MK2 is designed for KR845.
The filament current of KR845 is 1.0A.
The filament current of PSVANE, RCA and ELROG is 3.25A.
So I am afraid I can’t guarantee 9600 Mk2 with such a high filament current 845s.

In my opinion,
The thoriated tungsten filament tubes makes little bit bright sound.
This is the reason I adopted KR845 for 9600 Mk2.“

 

[VinylSavor]

I have just received an answer from Mr. Yamada:

The thoriated tungsten filament tubes makes little bit bright sound.

Yes if the driver stage is not up to the task or of the output transformer is not a good fit and especially if the filament supply is not well implemented, thoriated tungsten filament tubes can sound bright. but it is not an inherent property of the tubes. It is always the amplifier in conjunction with the tubes that is responsible for the result.

But in this case since the amplifier is designed for only 1A filament current, standard 845 tubes should not be used

Thomas

 

[Jazzhead]

Anybody compared the 9600 mk1 with mk2 , familiar with both?
Worth the upgrade?
Running the Zanden with the Koda15ex and it's a nice pairing, wondering if it's worth the trouble to ship back to Japan for the upgrade?

 

[bonzo75]

@amadeus had both 9500 and 9600 on his Arrakis

 

[Ron Resnick]

I have just received an answer from Mr. Yamada:

“ . . .
In my opinion,
The thoriated tungsten filament tubes makes little bit bright sound.
This is the reason I adopted KR845 for 9600 Mk2.“

Oh, this is interesting.

 

[adrianywu]

Yes if the driver stage is not up to the task or of the output transformer is not a good fit and especially if the filament supply is not well implemented, thoriated tungsten filament tubes can sound bright. but it is not an inherent property of the tubes. It is always the amplifier in conjunction with the tubes that is responsible for the result.

But in this case since the amplifier is designed for only 1A filament current, standard 845 tubes should not be used

Thomas

They should have spec'd the filament supply for the standard 3.25A and they would have no trouble with a 1A filament, but not the other way around. I wonder why they did that. To save on a bit of cost for such an expensive product ?