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  1. #1

    Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Just had this delivered today. Only listened for about 1.5 hours from brand new in the box. No rack space as of yet.
    Too early to make a judgement but what I initially noticed is it's so powerful. Th specs state 100w into 8ohm but it feels a lot more powerful than my darTZeel integrated. It really has a iron grip on the speakers.
    Also it's like a veil has been lifted and the music is so crystal clear, Cleary a big notch up in transparency.
    Very impressed so far.

    Fun times ahead







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  2. #2
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Wow! Looks like an amazing piece. Can't wait for more updates. Thanks for sharing.
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  3. #3
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Cool. Keep us posted.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  4. #4

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Congrats. Have never had a chance to see or hear tech brain gear. Interested to hear your impressions.


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  5. #5

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Looks like excellent build quality. How's it priced compared to the CTH-8550?

  6. #6

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoludio View Post
    Looks like excellent build quality. How's it priced compared to the CTH-8550?
    I think the price is similar.


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  7. #7

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Wow. Beautiful integrated. Is there a remote control? What speakers are you using? Waiting to hear your impressions.
    Tim
    Tim

    Playback Designs mps-5, Nagra Classic Pre, Nagra Classic Amp, YG Carmel 2s, Signal: TaraLabs Muse, Power: Ansuz D & C, Mainz-8D, SRA Craz3 Rack.

  8. #8

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by 4music View Post
    Wow. Beautiful integrated. Is there a remote control? What speakers are you using? Waiting to hear your impressions.
    Tim
    No remote control. It's a very purist design.
    I'm using it on Wilson Benesch Act One Evolution..

    Unfortunately I've got 2 weeks of non stop work so not much time to listen ATM.

    I think it's the type of amp that would appeal to people who enjoy a warts n all sound with gobs of detail and a very clear window into your recordings. So realistic!


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  9. #9

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Also the TB Int has a captive power cord that's fed straight into the power supply. A nice saving $$


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  10. #10

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int




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  11. #11

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    About a year ago I went to my dealer's place to collect a power cord, I knew he was a Technical Brain dealer. He has two rooms with different gear, in one room he had Wilson speakers matted to Technical Brain Mono amps (I can’t remember if he was using a Technical Brain Pre amp – I strongly suspect he was), he had the top of the range Zensati cabling. I was quite keen to hear his system and TB gear in particular.

    I have heard Wilson speakers only once before, but with the TB amps, the system/sound was so clear and transparent I was quite taken back (Wilson's were sounding more like Magico), you could ‘see’ right though, I never would have guessed Wilson speakers could sound like that. My system is transparent but not to this level. I spent a good hour listening to music in his home and came away very impressed with TB amps (and most likely the Pre-amp as well).

    Enjoy !

  12. #12

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Is the volume control stepped or continuously variable? If the former, what are the increments?

  13. #13
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Hey Bob what are your latest findings on the TB int ?

  14. #14
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Welcome to the forum forum, thank you for joining.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  15. #15

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    The technical Brain ZERO Integrated amp:

    100W into 8Ohms
    200W into 4Ohms
    400W into 2Ohms
    Stable to down to 1(one) Ohm

    Captive 3.5meter Power cord directly into the 1200VA Hand-wound transformer.

    Weight 29Kg.

    Transparent, powerful with incredible control over any speaker system.

    Linear, manual rotary volume control. Optimised for 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock volume setting (ie non exponential).

    Enjoy listening Bob!

  16. #16
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Welcome to the forum Bob! Thank you so much for joining.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  17. #17
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    Also the TB Int has a captive power cord that's fed straight into the power supply. A nice saving $$
    Maybe, but I would consider that a negative, unless the cord was sourced from a specialist power cord manufacturer. I do love the name Technical Brain. Working in Silicon Valley I know many.
    Bud

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  18. #18

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by Thieliste View Post
    Hey Bob what are your latest findings on the TB int ?
    I've been too busy and little time for listening at the moment... will hopefully get some time tomorrow Technical Brain - Zero Int
    I will say even at low volume level the music is still full and satisfying. Just about every other amp I've used needed more volume to come alive.

    I am planning on a a/b test of the TB Int with my dac Tad da1000 to a friends Chord Dave.


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  19. #19

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by Musica View Post
    The technical Brain ZERO Integrated amp:

    100W into 8Ohms
    200W into 4Ohms
    400W into 2Ohms
    Stable to down to 1(one) Ohm

    Captive 3.5meter Power cord directly into the 1200VA Hand-wound transformer.

    Weight 29Kg.

    Transparent, powerful with incredible control over any speaker system.

    Linear, manual rotary volume control. Optimised for 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock volume setting (ie non exponential).

    Enjoy listening Bob!
    Thank you!


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  20. #20

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    Maybe, but I would consider that a negative, unless the cord was sourced from a specialist power cord manufacturer. I do love the name Technical Brain. Working in Silicon Valley I know many.
    Absolutely I'm sure there's people in both camps. I'm all for not having to buy more cables Technical Brain - Zero Int

    I believe the power cord being fed directly into the Transformer would have its advantages.
    The cord is thick and does not feel or look low quality. I doubt Naoto would of gone to the trouble of hand winding the Transformer only to stick a low quality cable into it.


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  21. #21
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    Absolutely I'm sure there's people in both camps. I'm all for not having to buy more cables Technical Brain - Zero Int
    I agree. That is a big reason why I love my Lumin. File player and DAC in one chassis, using one power cord, and no interconnect cable.

    I believe the power cord being fed directly into the Transformer would have its advantages. The cord is thick and does not feel or look low quality. I doubt Naoto would of gone to the trouble of hand winding the Transformer only to stick a low quality cable into it.
    I agree, but being an engineer I need assurance the unreplaceable power cord is up to the task.

    Enjoy your new gear. I'm not trying to denigrate it, just adding my two cents.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  22. #22

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    I agree. That is a big reason why I love my Lumin. File player and DAC in one chassis, and using one power cord, and no interconnect cable.



    I agree, but being an engineer I need assurance the unreplaceable power cord is up to the task.

    Enjoy your new gear. I'm not trying to denigrate it, just adding my two cents.
    Didn't take it that way at all. Totally valid questions that I asked myself also. Technical Brain - Zero Int
    Out of every component I've ever bought the TB has the best "stock" power cord. If every component manufacturer took that same approach the cable companies might get cranky Technical Brain - Zero Int



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  23. #23
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Its a nice looking /Done piece of Kit , no Phono stage thou , do they offer one ...?

  24. #24

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    The TB Integrated power cord is an absolute high end power cord.

    It is the same captive cord found in the TB ZERO EX phonostage the TB ZERO EX preamp and the TB ZERO EX monoblocks.

    The TB Phono is USD $49000
    The TB Preamp is USD $49000
    The TB Monoblocks are USD $79000

    The transformer in each Monoblock is the same 1200 VA transformer used in the TB Int. No shortcuts taken and the same applies to the Power Cord. You could spend more than the price of the TB INT if you wish and still not improve on the captive cord.

    Quite a few people, after they bought the Monoblocks and the Integrated wanted to try other power cords . Naoto advised them not to, however at their insistence provided an IEC plug at the rear of the unit for them to so.

    In every case the captive high end cord supplied with the unit was superior. In every case the units were reconnected with the captive cords.

    Naoto would never think of including his captive cord unless it was a superior option.

  25. #25
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    What makes one power cord superior to another .... ?

  26. #26
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    When I listened to the the TB Monos a few years back, they didn't have captive power cords.

    The US distributor provided
    Stage 3 power cords(I can't remember which model).

    The SQ was excellent.


  27. #27

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    What makes one power cord superior to another .... ?
    Ask a PC manufacturer, they will tell you. Of course every OEM will have a different answer.
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  28. #28

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    What makes one power cord superior to another .... ?
    If an interconnect can make a difference then so can a power cord. The aim of a good cable or power cord is to allow transmission of a "clean" signal, current, Electromagnetic wave etc with as little compromise as possible. Don't you agree. A cable or a cord cannot add anything to a signal. It can only degrade less . Agreed?

  29. #29

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    I had been informed a few years ago that the first USA distributor was a cable manufacturer and at some instance was convincing enough to import the internals of the TBs and house them in USA made panels. He wanted to use his own power cords. His excuse was that it would otherwise be too expensive to sell TB in the USA if the monoblocks were imprted fully assembled . When it was realized that the superceded Version 2 inners were installed in the New USA ZERO panels and sold as the new ZEROs his distributor and dealer status was removed.

    TB is only imported Fully assembled and with the superior captive cord. Every TB product has the same captive cord so as to provide consistent and superior performance.

  30. #30

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    This amp is remarkable.
    The way it brings out details and makes recording sound live is something I've never experienced before in my home system.

    When I first listened to this amp is was straight after a pre/power combo that's north of $100k and this INT did things it wasn't doing. considering its stellar performance I would consider it phenomenal value for money.


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  31. #31

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    This amp is remarkable.
    The way it brings out details and makes recording sound live is something I've never experienced before in my home system.

    When I first listened to this amp is was straight after a pre/power combo that's north of $100k and this INT did things it wasn't doing. considering its stellar performance I would consider it phenomenal value for money.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Not a surprise to me at all. TB makes excellent stuff. Do you have an analog source in your setup bobwah? What are you doing for a phono stage?
    Turntables: Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr. NEO, Grand Prix Monaco V3.0
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  32. #32

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by annapolis Raider View Post
    Not a surprise to me at all. TB makes excellent stuff. Do you have an analog source in your setup bobwah? What are you doing for a phono stage?
    No analog at this timeTechnical Brain - Zero Int
    Looking to setup a TT in about 3-4 months when some extensions are completed.
    I was planning to use my darTZeel with built in phono on the Act 1 Evo and the TB with some TAD speakers. If I want to use a TT with the TAD then I'll be in the market for a phono..
    or maybe try one of these decks ?Technical Brain - Zero Int

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=slLyPzqB30w





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  33. #33
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by bobwah View Post
    No analog at this timeTechnical Brain - Zero Int
    I was planning to use my darTZeel with built in phono on the Act 1 Evo and the TB with some TAD speakers.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=slLyPzqB30w


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    Hi...would love to hear your thoughts on TB versus the Dart...

  34. #34
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Hi Bob, do you still have your Technical brain Zero Int ?
    How are things going ? were you able to A/B with other amps and speakers ?
    I'm still considering this Integrated if this thing can really competes with $50K or more worth of separates.
    The thing is that i don't know if this Integrated can handle difficult loads like my Thiel CS 3.7

  35. #35

    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by Thieliste View Post
    Hi Bob, do you still have your Technical brain Zero Int ?
    How are things going ? were you able to A/B with other amps and speakers ?
    I'm still considering this Integrated if this thing can really competes with $50K or more worth of separates.
    The thing is that i don't know if this Integrated can handle difficult loads like my Thiel CS 3.7
    My suggestion for an integrated with top notch sound that can handle tough loads would be a Gryphon Diablo 300. The TB sounds excellent but isn't a ball buster in terms of power.
    Turntables: Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr. NEO, Grand Prix Monaco V3.0
    Tonearms: Acoustic Signature TA-9000 NEO, Kuzma Safir
    Cartridges: Miyabi Fuuga, Ortofon Century, Murashino Sumile Mono
    Phono Amplifiers: CH Precision P1, Channel D Lino 3.3
    Digital: CH Precision C1.2/D1.5/T1, Innuos Statement Nextgen, Luxman D-10X (Loan)
    Amplifiers: CH Precision L10/M10, Parasound JC1+, Gryphon Diablo 333 (Incoming)
    Speakers : Magnepan 30.7x, Wilson Audio XVX Chronosonic/Subsonics
    Cables: CAD Ground Controls/USB, Cardas Beyond Clear, Gobel Lacorde Statement
    Accessories: Artesania Exoteryc Racks & Damping Plates, Seismion Reactio, Degritter RC, RPG Acoustic Treatments/PSI AVAA, Torus Power/Plixir Elite BAC

  36. #36
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    Re: Technical Brain - Zero Int

    Quote Originally Posted by annapolis Raider View Post
    My suggestion for an integrated with top notch sound that can handle tough loads would be a Gryphon Diablo 300. The TB sounds excellent but isn't a ball buster in terms of power.
    Yes the Gryphon Diablo 300 is obviously a serious one to consider but Mike told me the T+A PA3100HV would be a better choice for my speakers and he has both the T+A and the Gryphon in his store.

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