The Decware TABOO MK 111 Thread

[Argo Duck]

If my wife found out about my most recent purchase (BMC PureDAC), jail time would be involved for her and hospital time for me :eek:

LOL...  MPW ("my poor wallet"), the cry of the head-fi'er.

I wouldn't use this line of rhetoric on her, but at least your hobby don't involve potential jail time.

 

[Argo Duck]

Yeah, you obviously did a great job trouble-shooting this. I've no idea about DSD, but wondered if it produces different EMI byproducts (frequency and maybe intensity) than the older 'regular' formats, and that maybe your Taboo was picking this up. Well, your different distances eliminates that possibility. As well, the Decware units have pretty solid metal chassis - which would eliminate just about all the magnetic induction paths - hence my alternative speculation about cross-bleed through the power outlets.

It's certainly going to be interesting to hear what Steve finds out!

This is actually a very good recommendation.  Both at work and at home, the 2 units(DAC and amp) were technically plugged into the same wall outlet(not physically direct).  Of course, at home, they were plugged into an AV grade power conditioner strip/surge protector.  I didn't try to plug the 2 units into different outlets but knowing how wiring is done in US homes, 2 different outlets in the same room still = same source/wire from the breaker.  Unless I run one from the kitchen and one from the room.    Unfortunately, the taboo has been shipped back so I can't test this theory out.  Still, it doesn't explain why Wav, Flac, mp3  play flawlessly and only DSDs won't.
I tried 3 different IC cables, all shielded at different length, too.  The 2 units were placed apart at different distances anywhere from 2', 3', 6'.  I did try this. 

 

[thegrobe]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't DSD files have an extended frequency response and increased dynamic range? Perhaps those aspects of the analog signal are pushing faulty tubes too hard and causing crazy stuff. Maybe the tubes are okay for Redbook, mp3 , but are failing under the different signal type?

Did you try different output tubes? Did you send those tubes with the amp back to Decware?

Like I said, I had one set of stock tubes that made crazy noise at certain volume steps only. Replacements were trouble free.

Bear in mind this whole idea is based on my complete ignorance of how DSD or tube amps operate, lol.

 

[koiloco]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't DSD files have an extended frequency response and increased dynamic range? Perhaps those aspects of the analog signal are pushing faulty tubes too hard and causing crazy stuff. Maybe the tubes are okay for Redbook, mp3 , but are failing under the different signal type?

Did you try different output tubes? Did you send those tubes with the amp back to Decware?

Like I said, I had one set of stock tubes that made crazy noise at certain volume steps only. Replacements were trouble free.

Bear in mind this whole idea is based on my complete ignorance of how DSD or tube amps operate, lol.

Dsd only playback thru USB. I was afraid of interference and noise/hum issue with he500 so I requested Steve to foil line the unit when I ordered.
I did send all tubes back to Steve and even some sample DSD files on a disc to test.
Tubes could be the only other reason I could think of at this point. Unfortunately, I don't have any tubes to swap in to test.
About DSDs having extended FR and dynamic, I am not 100% sure but technically they must follow same engineering/design parameters as far audio output signal is concernced. Steve has the same DAC as me but doesn't have the same issue with DSD playback. We will see. I ups overnight. It wasn't cheap but I hate waiting for an answer. Steve received it today but was out of the office.

 

[koiloco]

Yahoo...Steve just emailed me. The issue is real.
He said "it appears to be a sporadic osculation triggered by the extended bandwidth of the DSD playback". Steve is shipping out a new unit that doesn't have this issue to me on Monday. I m so glad this will be resolved cuz I love the SQ of the taboo very much. Thx all for ur input and ideas in helping me troubleshooting this.

 

[longbowbbs]

Yahoo...Steve just emailed me. The issue is real.

He said "it appears to be a sporadic osculation triggered by the extended bandwidth of the DSD playback". Steve is shipping out a new unit that doesn't have this issue to me on Monday. I m so glad this will be resolved cuz I love the SQ of the taboo very much. Thx all for ur input and ideas in helping me troubleshooting this.

 
Awesome!!
 
Another great example of Decware customer service. I have not had any issues so far with DSD128 or DSD64 files. I wonder what Steve found in your Taboo that was unable to handle the higher res files.

 

[koiloco]

Awesome!!

Another great example of Decware customer service. I have not had any issues so far with DSD128 or DSD64 files. I wonder what Steve found in your Taboo that was unable to handle the higher res files.

I wonder about this too.

 

[longbowbbs]

 

Awesome!!

Another great example of Decware customer service. I have not had any issues so far with DSD128 or DSD64 files. I wonder what Steve found in your Taboo that was unable to handle the higher res files.

I wonder about this too.

 
I hope he comments on what he finds. It is just so curious. I wonder if a part was not up to its required tolerance?

 

[koiloco]

I hope he comments on what he finds. It is just so curious. I wonder if a part was not up to its required tolerance?

Could be cuz other taboos doesn't seem to have this problem.

 

[longbowbbs]

Shelby Lynne DSD64 on right now.....Baby that is Sweet!

 

[M Coupe]

I have a pair of LCD 2.2 on the way.  I am now amp shopping.  I am torn between the woo audio WA-6se or WA-22 and taboo III.  Can anyone give me any objective differences?  Thank you.

 

[koiloco]

I have tried my he500 on all the amps u mentioned but bought the taboo purely based on recommendation but very happy I did. Even though, I m going thru a lot of hassle for it right now. Taboo is more than a fully upgraded wa6se so try them out first if u can. IMO, taboo sounds a lot more tube than wa6se. Wa6se has a more aggressive sound which might pair better with lcd2.2 if that is the sound u r after. Gluck.

 

[OPR8R]

Glad you got that worked out, koiloco.

 

[mwindham08]

  New gear day.  Lot of breaking in to do.  Will post impressions in a few days or so.  Here's pictures.  Decware from left to right, CSP3+, ZP3, and now almost half a year old, Taboo MKIII.
 

 
Are these all walnut? If so is the difference in color very drastic?

 

[koiloco]

  Glad you got that worked out, koiloco.

 
Thx bud. I am glad too. Steve and Decware's customer service and communication are first rate.  Doing business with people like that ,  I don't mind having a little trouble with the taboo.  

It's also good for Steve to learn about this too.  Maybe, he'll include DSD playback as a new QC test from now on.  DSDs seem to gain support and popularity nicely.  It made a believer out of me for sure and I had quite a few SACD before.