Well, I mentioned once before I tried my HFA 'Silver' tube preamp with Taboo. Maximum output "30 Volts RMS at clipping" is comparable to the CSP2's 36V (RMS or peak?), which seems like a healthy output power to me!
The combination did not sound good - very flabby and unfocused.
This was early days though. I briefly tried again a month or two ago. I guess the Taboo - its VCAPs burnt in - was much more 'ready': it did a much better job driving my (5 driver, 4-way) speakers this time. The bass was round (not nearly as tight as with the Plinius) and there was noticeable warmth, but altogether it was engagingly musical.
Although I think more efficient, single-driver speakers are probably the Taboo's forté, I could definitely live with this for quiet evening listening sessions.
I don't think I tried the LCD2s or - if I did - there was no 'magic'.
Now I have the CSP2 I will try swapping them round sometime in October and report back.
HFA (Hi Fidelity Audio) was a New Zealand company with a small client base. It specialized in 'high-end' tube gear. I bought my preamp in 1992, and still use it in front of a big Plinius power amp. It is highly neutral, fast, detailed and resolving.
Peter Thomson, the designer, used to drive up and down New Zealand installing (free) upgrades for all his owners every time he thought of a better design. Needless to say this business model was not successful, although keeping in contact with clients and getting constant feedback must have been great informal R & D.
In many ways Steve Deckert reminds me of Peter, except Steve obviously has a successful business model.
I was lucky that I bought mine when it was a mature, evolved product.
