I decided from the first I would use rational yet excellent parts throughout this amp.
The design maintains the split supply to the input as inthe original Zen. The choice of input
tube remained the same, as this is a pretty good choice. Three-watt first rate metal film resistors
are used where 1W would have done the job to help lower noise. MF resistors are used everywhere except
the output bias resistor which is wire wound and the output grid stopper, which are extreme vintage
carbon comp types. Stage coupling is performed with paper in oil caps.

The output bias resistor is bypassed by one of my favorite low ESR Nichicon parts, which is further
bypassed with films to enhance smooth sound. The main power supply also has a film bypass as this
seems to kill the smearing of the harmonics that often occurs.

The ever important output trannys are vintage Japanese originally sourced from Pioneer for a
third-brand stereo. Quite hefty for a mere 2W tranny, but appearance and the naked connection method
caused me to enclose them in the cover. The trannys support 4, 8 or 16 ohm and the user can easily change
the setting with a screwdriver at the terminal block.

Some of my best wire is in this amp with a mixture of teflon/silver and industrial grades.
Input wiring is solid grain oriented enameled copper.

Power supply is CLC on this tiny amp with parts selected for best tuning without going critical.
The film bypass at the final filter is part of this calculation.

TUBES are the original 6N1P from the Voskhod factory about 1990. The output 6BQ5's are
physcially and electrically matched pair that (while not marked) appear to be Amperex.
they are definitely NOT Japan, Russian or USA types. The rectifier is RCA 5Y3GT.
Except for the 6N1P, none of the tubes are new, although the 6BQ5's test as near new.

I decided a nice, not too bright BLUE power lamp would be cool this time.