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

[Hibuckhobby]

Than other addictions as well!
Hibuck.....

 

[jhljhl]

  Old thread, I know, but being an owner of a "new to me" Taboo II I have enjoyed reading this a great deal.
Listening to Holly Cole right now with HE500's and loving it.   At times I don't think it is as transparent as
some of the amps I've had, but then I notice how the music engages me and I decide to stop being analytical
and just enjoy.
Hibuck...

Hi, I'm glad you revived this thread. Your Taboo has V-Caps in it and I thought that was what made it very transparent -surprisingly so- there seemed to be no grain at all.  I agree though the Taboo is a euphonic engaging warm sounding amp not really analytical amp with a more intimate soundstage; smaller width but big height if that makes sense.  I would suggest a telefunken 12ax7 for more gain but to maintain transparency.

 

[Hibuckhobby]

Thanks for tips!  I've been rolling some 12AT7's in and tried a Valve Art 274b.
The 5U4 that was in it is a better mix to my ears.  The VA was very neutral, but
a bit light in the bass/midbass.  Been thinking about trying some El84's, but
wondering how much I'd miss the "hazengrid" if I took out the Russian tubes.
I find that I'm hearing some layering and staging cues that I haven't heard before.
I like the Taboo a lot and find it a very nice companion to my Koss electrostatics.
Hibuck....

 

[stoutblock]

I finally got my Decware headphone setup complete. 
 
FLAC > Neutral cable USB (blue) > Audio-gd Master 7 (USB32) > Avanti Allegro > Decware CSP3 (3) Mullard CV2493 (1) RCA 5Y3GT > Decware Taboo III (1) Mullard CV2493 (2) 6P15P-EV (1) Mullard GZ34 "DD" > Aphrodite Zeus Quad21 OCC Series 7 > Audeze LCD 2.2
 
Sounds pretty darn good!

 

[jeust0999]

edit

 

[Hibuckhobby]

Just an update to keep the thread alive.  I just got a late model pair of HD-800's.   I am stunned by
the synergy between the CSP-2+ and these cans.  The rectifier used makes a pretty big difference, but
the Mullard GZ3 I'm using is wonderful.   Works well with my HD-700's as well.   May end up selling
my WA-6 and a bunch of tubes.
regards,
Hibuck...

 

[Argo Duck]

^ I'm pretty happy with my HD 800 with CSP2+ as well - incredible with certain genres - although LCD3F gets more air-time.

I was surprised by the difference rectifiers make, although it made sense once I understood they set different voltage points. Might have to try the GZ3

 

[Ultrainferno]