ZANDEN Choku, Chukoh and Jinpu

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
ZANDEN Chouku, Choukoh and Jinpu

Any ideas what's the price of these Zanden super amps?
 
Last edited:

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
A, piece of cake then. :D Thanks Rudolf.
 

Audiocrack

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2012
2,175
687
1,158
A, piece of cake then. :D Thanks Rudolf.

Well Marcus, I suppose for some it might indeed be a piece of cake. I am sure these are marvelous pieces. A pity they are out of reach for the most of us.?
 

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
Agree. I'm sure at least some of the technology used in the Choukoh line stage and Jinpu phono stage will see the light in the future Zanden regular products. But these are really extreme: 4 boxes - separate PS, control unit with $10.000 volume control and two 300B main units, crazy level of vibration control...etc. I intend to go to GuanGzhou show in November and will try to visit AE studio too. Hope to have a chance to listen to these "?ber" amps...
 

Audiocrack

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2012
2,175
687
1,158
Agree. I'm sure at least some of the technology used in the Choukoh line stage and Jinpu phono stage will see the light in the future Zanden regular products. But these are really extreme: 4 boxes - separate PS, control unit with $10.000 volume control and two 300B main units, crazy level of vibration control...etc. I intend to go to GuanGzhou show in November and will try to visit AE studio too. Hope to have a chance to listen to these "?ber" amps...

Keep us posted about your experiences. Talked with Miguel extensively about the Zanden 'uber' poweramps as he listened to them at the last AE show. He was seriously impressed notwithstanding the fact he is not 'a natural tube man'.
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
Does anybody have the english translations of the model names? I'd love to know.
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
2,509
1,448
posting here just so i can track this thread...great stuff. Big Zanden-phile
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
2,509
1,448
Does anybody have the english translations of the model names? I'd love to know.

Choukoh: butterfly
Choku: Direct/frank/straight
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
Love it! Thanks Lloyd :D
 

Billy Shears

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2015
255
1
150

Jazzhead

VIP/Donor
Aug 26, 2012
1,466
108
985
Here's some info that may be of interest :

The Zanden Master Series is conceived and financed by AE , in conjunction with Yamada San . A road map up until 2020 .
So far we have :

Chouku power amp = " Grand Sky "
Chukoh pre amp = "Light of the Universe "
Jinpu Phono = " Wind of Kindness"

To come :
Super DAC : 2017 (LL21 start saving em pennies :p)
Turntable :2018
Speakers : 2019/20 .

Exclusive world wide distribution by AE .
 
Last edited:

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
2,509
1,448
Here's some info that may be of interest :

The Zanden Master Series is conceived and financed by AE , with a road map up until 2020 .
So far we have :

Chouku power amp = " Grand Sky "
Chukoh pre amp = "Light of the Universe "
Jinpu Phono = " Wind of Kindness"

To come :
Super DAC : 2017 (LL21 start saving em pennies :p)
Turntable :2018
Speakers : 2019/20 .

Exclusive world wide distribution to AE .

Super DAC? I have spoken with Eric about this a few years ago...wow...look forward to THAT one!
 

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
For the mere mortals, Zanden 9150 mono blocks could be interesting. 4 KT150 tubes/ch, new finemet transformers and I hope more than 150W/ch...
 

Audiocrack

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2012
2,175
687
1,158
For the mere mortals, Zanden 9150 mono blocks could be interesting. 4 KT150 tubes/ch, new finemet transformers and I hope more than 150W/ch...

Thanks Marcus. Will this amp replace the 9160 amps as far as you know or is it a new kid on the Zanden block?
 

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
9600 (now in Mk II. form) and I think you were referring to this model, will remain Zanden's flagship amp. 8120 (100W/ch) stereo was introduced a few years ago and 9150 monos are a dream come true for those of us who always wanted a higher power Zanden for more power demanding speakers. I think a good 160-180W can be had from a quad KT150.
 

Audiocrack

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2012
2,175
687
1,158
9600 (now in Mk II. form) and I think you were referring to this model, will remain Zanden's flagship amp. 8120 (100W/ch) stereo was introduced a few years ago and 9150 monos are a dream come true for those of us who always wanted a higher power Zanden for more power demanding speakers. I think a good 160-180W can be had from a quad KT150.


Ok, clear and thanks. Do you know the rrp of these new amps?
 

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
No, but rumors are it will be around 40k. A nice looking amp.
 
Last edited:

Audiocrack

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2012
2,175
687
1,158
No, but rumors are it will be around 40k. A nice looking amp.

Interesting to find out if this new amp can match the finesse of - and sound as subtle as - the 9500/9600 amps using (only) two 845 power/output tubes. I really adore the finesse and subtle sound of the Zanden and Kondo equipment. We call it "schoon" in Dutch wich literally means "clean": I suppose fluidity and the impression that you are not listening to electrically reproduced music is a better translation.

Is any of the behemoth solid state power amps capable to recreate such finesse?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Birdwatcher

Marcus

Member Sponsor
Oct 5, 2012
559
552
1,155
I haven't heard a solid state amp that can match Zanden's fluidity, cleanness and finesse. On the other hand, I'm sure 9150 will be as subtle and fine as 9600 with improved driving capability.
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing