Decware Appreciation Thread (MT review up on first page 2-10-12) - Page 52

I  was diagnosing a ground loop and spoke with Steve.  He suggested trying a cheater plug.  He saw no danger in doing so.  Mine turned out to be a CATV ground issue that was only apparent with a Taboo in my system.  I solved it with a CATV ground filter.  Good luck.  Ground loops can be tough to diagnose and not necessarily the (direct) result of the last piece of equipment added.

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Rachael #1

Kind of a long shot but I'm wondering if anyone has heard the Decware Phono Stage with a Leben 300 or 300XS. 

I think there's a 300XS in my future but the matching phono stage is quite expensive (roughly 4k with a step up transformer) so the Decware could be a possibility if it's a good match.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzerdave 

I've run the EML 5U4G in my Taboo for a while and haven't had any issues.  I had a conversation with Steve about this, and I'm fairly certain it's just the EML 274B that will burn out quickly and spark when turning on the Taboo.  I'd feel pretty safe to try it out if I were you.  That being said, I'm not entirely sure it sounds better than the Bendix 6106.  I think it'll depend on the upstream components and personal preference.  (I can definitely say it looks cooler though).

I am running the EML 5U4G in my ZP3 at the moment and have run it in the CSP2+ and Taboo with no problems. I own 2 of them but only one is in rotation. Gots 2 save the big glass. ;)

Have you compared the EML 5U4G with the 596?  I have both but haven't done this yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dminches 

Have you compared the EML 5U4G with the 596?  I have both but haven't done this yet.

I haven't either. I've been swapping between an RCA 5U4G and the EML in my ZP3 and listening primarily to my speaker system. I really do like the RCA 5U4G in the ZP3 where the lows are tighter. With the EML the sound is broader and maybe slightly boomier.

I'm glad to hear of success with the EML 5u4g.  It is indeed one of my favorite rectifiers with my WA6SE and I've been dying to try it in one of the Decwares.
 

I have used the EML 5U4G in the ZP3, CSP2+ and the Taboo. The mesh plate did spark two different times when used in the CSP2+ but it hasn't since. The EML improves the sound of the Decware trio. Like I described when it is in the ZP3, the sound is broader and slightly boomier in a good way.

Thanks for your impressions Clayton SF.

The RCA 5u4g has been my favorite in the ZP3 also, and actually neck and neck with a Tung-Sol 5y3wgt.  This got me wanting to try another Bendix 6106 in the ZP3 as it is my current favorite in the CSP+.
 

5Y3 are a favorite of mine in a lot of amps that use the 5U4G. I've never tried a Bendix 6106. I guess they're hard to find and well-regarded too.

My other favorite tube is the Brimar 5Z4G / CV1863. I use this tube in all 5U4G sockets. They are really nice and smooth. Here it is in my WA22 amp.

The only thing I do not like about the Taboo are the fact that all the jacks (power, speaker, interconnect, headphone) face upward.  It puts unnecessary wear on everything since gravity eventually pulls them down and the amp is usually on the highest shelf for tube height and heat dissipation.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by dminches 

The only thing I do not like about the Taboo are the fact that all the jacks (power, speaker, interconnect, headphone) face upward.  It puts unnecessary wear on everything since gravity eventually pulls them down and the amp is usually on the highest shelf for tube height and heat dissipation.  

I agree.  It limits the PC's to flexible and lightweight offerings.  It also puts the PC too close to the IC's.  I have a Taboo next to my CSP2+ and really have to struggle to separate the cables.

Agree.  I use a relatively heavy PC and the weight of it causes it to tilt to the side.  It won't fall out on its own but I would prefer it fit more snuggly.

Anyone else using power cords and fit tight in a taboo or other similar unit?

I had Decware put the headphone jack for my CSP2+ on the front. I know they will do that with the Taboo as well if you request it.