The Decware TABOO MK 111 Thread

[thegrobe]

Looking good

Send that baby back if you paid for XLR though... Or get a credit, maybe.

Well, the xlr option was no cost, so technically I didn't pay for it. I've got an e-mail in to Decware to inform them.

I wish you could get one SE and one 4 pin XLR....

I guess I could by changing it myself ha ha.

Actually when I was ordering I spoke to Steve about it and he said the choice to not mix the output jacks was basically because it looked lopsided or unbalanced. I got the feeling that if you really insisted, he would build it with mixed jacks. I still chose double XLR.

 

[koiloco]

A very sad day for me. 

  I got a response from Steve this morning about my Taboo.  Below is Steve's response.  I hope he doesn't mind me reposting it so any Taboo MKIII owners thinking about getting the TEAC UD501 DAC for DSD playback might consider other options.
 
"I wanted to update you on the status of your Taboo MK III.   We did in fact build you a brand new unit and were quite surprised to find it did exactly the same thing as your original unit with respect to the super audio files on the Teac Dac.   
 
After a long evening, I found that the Taboo MKIII does NOT in fact have ANY parasitic oscillations.  This bizarre deal with the Teac DAC has fooled everyone on my staff, including myself, into thinking it must be the Taboo since the DAC works fine with other amplifiers.  After tracing things out with the scope we were able to confirm that the static sound is in fact originating inside the DAC, not the TABOO.
 
Why being connected to the Taboo causes this apparent defect in the DAC (which is tied to the FIR filters as you can hear it change when adjusting them) is a mystery to me right now, as is the fact that it does not happen on our Sample TABOO from which we build from.
 
I plan to continue trying to find out over the next few days, but there is a good possibility that I will not be able to justify spending too much more time troubleshooting another manufactures defect leaving the worse case scenario that the two are simply incompatible."
 
I have cancelled the order awaiting whether Steve could find a solution for this.  Thx all for your input/support in this problem.

 

[mwindham08]

That sucks, I can understand both yours and steves viewpoints though. Hopefully you will find something that suits your DAC/tastes.
 
On a brighter note I got my DM945's today. So far it's sounding really great with the Taboo.  They are definitely as step up over
my LSA-1 monitors which are now on ebay lol.
 
My wife could immediately tell an improvement which is the ultimate test. 

 

[longbowbbs]

  On a brighter note I got my DM945's today. So far it's sounding really great with the Taboo.  They are definitely as step up over
my LSA-1 monitors which are now on ebay lol.
 
My wife could immediately tell an improvement which is the ultimate test. 

I knew you would like them!

 

[OPR8R]

  A very sad day for me. 

  I got a response from Steve this morning about my Taboo.  Below is Steve's response.  I hope he doesn't mind me reposting it so any Taboo MKIII owners thinking about getting the TEAC UD501 DAC for DSD playback might consider other options.
 
"I wanted to update you on the status of your Taboo MK III.   We did in fact build you a brand new unit and were quite surprised to find it did exactly the same thing as your original unit with respect to the super audio files on the Teac Dac.   
 
After a long evening, I found that the Taboo MKIII does NOT in fact have ANY parasitic oscillations.  This bizarre deal with the Teac DAC has fooled everyone on my staff, including myself, into thinking it must be the Taboo since the DAC works fine with other amplifiers.  After tracing things out with the scope we were able to confirm that the static sound is in fact originating inside the DAC, not the TABOO.
 
Why being connected to the Taboo causes this apparent defect in the DAC (which is tied to the FIR filters as you can hear it change when adjusting them) is a mystery to me right now, as is the fact that it does not happen on our Sample TABOO from which we build from.
 
I plan to continue trying to find out over the next few days, but there is a good possibility that I will not be able to justify spending too much more time troubleshooting another manufactures defect leaving the worse case scenario that the two are simply incompatible."
 
I have cancelled the order awaiting whether Steve could find a solution for this.  Thx all for your input/support in this problem.

 
 
What a bummber.  I'm not sure I understand any of this still, but I know it must be disappointing.  If you ever find yourself in the market for a DAC upgrade, I recommend Wyred4Sound's DAC-2.  Hopefully there is still a solution that'll work with your TEAC and the Taboo.  Like I said before, I really like the TEAC line.
 

  On a brighter note I got my DM945's today. So far it's sounding really great with the Taboo.  They are definitely as step up over
my LSA-1 monitors which are now on ebay lol.
 
My wife could immediately tell an improvement which is the ultimate test. 

 
I have my eye on the same pair of speakers.  How long will I be able to stay off the list?  I have to exercise a little restraint at some point, don't I?

 

[thegrobe]

Oh man Koiloco, that sucks. Hopefully you find something else that works - or keeping fingers crossed maybe if Steve fiddles with it a bit more some surprise solution will arise. Well best of luck.
 
I had my first good long listening session last night with the CSP3/Taboo - Let's just say I'm very tired today. I couldn't go to bed. I won't go into lots of words here because it's the honeymoon and the CSP is of course far from broken in. But I will say....initial impressions are very very good. It adds a lot to the system. I expect positive changes as it burns in, but as it sits it's impressive. 
 
At first, with the stock tubes it was a little too smooth and warm for my tastes but I swapped in the 5R4GYS rectifier and one JAN Sylvania 6922 in the front, left the two 6N1P's there and let it run for about 6 hours. That brought it closer to ideal. Very clear, liquid and 3D-ish. That 6922 was extremely microphonic in that spot though so I put in a Electro Harmonix 6922 and it's a lot quieter but a bit less clear. I need to get another Genelex 6922 ASAP for the front of the CSP3, that's my plan. 
 
Anyway If I keep typing I'll start gushing nonsense so I'll shut up. Glad to have the CSP in the chain. 

 

[mwindham08]

   
I have my eye on the same pair of speakers.  How long will I be able to stay off the list?  I have to exercise a little restraint at some point, don't I?

They are perfect for my size room, roughly 10x12. Definitely request the 8 ohm versions though. They will pair well with your setup, certaintly do with just the taboo. I'm sure the rest of your decware equipment will add even more. 
 
If you don't start showing some restraint steve is going to start sending customers to your house to demo equipment!
 

  I knew you would like them!

You were absolutely right I'm really enjoyng them! The 8 ohm versions get plenty loud with the taboo. Not as loud as my 125 watt monos but I lose a lot of detail and presentation with them.
I can't wait to see what effect the CSP3 has in the chain. 
I've been breaking in the GE 5R4GY with the speakers and it's been alot of fun so far. 

 

[longbowbbs]

  A very sad day for me. 

  I got a response from Steve this morning about my Taboo.  Below is Steve's response.  I hope he doesn't mind me reposting it so any Taboo MKIII owners thinking about getting the TEAC UD501 DAC for DSD playback might consider other options.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
"I wanted to update you on the status of your Taboo MK III.   We did in fact build you a brand new unit and were quite surprised to find it did exactly the same thing as your original unit with respect to the super audio files on the Teac Dac.   
 
After a long evening, I found that the Taboo MKIII does NOT in fact have ANY parasitic oscillations.  This bizarre deal with the Teac DAC has fooled everyone on my staff, including myself, into thinking it must be the Taboo since the DAC works fine with other amplifiers.  After tracing things out with the scope we were able to confirm that the static sound is in fact originating inside the DAC, not the TABOO.
 
Why being connected to the Taboo causes this apparent defect in the DAC (which is tied to the FIR filters as you can hear it change when adjusting them) is a mystery to me right now, as is the fact that it does not happen on our Sample TABOO from which we build from.
 
I plan to continue trying to find out over the next few days, but there is a good possibility that I will not be able to justify spending too much more time troubleshooting another manufactures defect leaving the worse case scenario that the two are simply incompatible."
 
I have cancelled the order awaiting whether Steve could find a solution for this.  Thx all for your input/support in this problem.

 

 

Sad day....Every once in awhile gear just does not work together. Frankly, I would dump the Teac and keep the Taboo....There are other good DSD DAC's out there, but everyone has to go with their needs and interests.

 

[koiloco]

  Sad day....Every once in awhile gear just does not work together. Frankly, I would dump the Teac and keep the Taboo....There are other good DSD DAC's out there, but everyone has to go with their needs and interests.

I am seriously thinking about this option, longbowbbs cuz I really the SQ from the Taboo.  I did listen to several Woo amps but for some reasons didn't open up to them.  Any of you had any experience with WA6 SE or WA22 personally?

 

[longbowbbs]

 

  Sad day....Every once in awhile gear just does not work together. Frankly, I would dump the Teac and keep the Taboo....There are other good DSD DAC's out there, but everyone has to go with their needs and interests.

I am seriously thinking about this option, longbowbbs cuz I really the SQ from the Taboo.  I did listen to several Woo amps but for some reasons didn't open up to them.  Any of you had any experience with WA6 SE or WA22 personally?

 
Not me. I love their look, but have not had the opportunity. Clearly they are also highly regarded here on Head-Fi. If I ever got to a meet I would bring the Decware just to do a side by side with one of the Woo's.

 

[mwindham08]

  I am seriously thinking about this option, longbowbbs cuz I really the SQ from the Taboo.  I did listen to several Woo amps but for some reasons didn't open up to them.  Any of you had any experience with WA6 SE or WA22 personally?

 
While I didn't own the WA22 I did own the WA2. I think macedonian hero and maybe a few others have compared them as they are pretty simliar. 
 
In my opinion I think the Taboo is a much better amp. With the Taboo I feel like I get a tube amps mids and treble and yet still get the bass
slam and detail associated with solid state amps. The Taboo also has a speed that I never associated with the WA2 .
The WA2 is a classic tube amp, warm mids, soft bass, and great treble. It is a very mellow amp and judging from comparisons, so is the WA22. 
 
I always thought the Taboo was aptly named because it has a sound signature that is not like a stereotypical tube amp.
If you want an amp that has all the steotypes of what a tube amp should sound like, go for the WA2/22.
The WA2 was a fantastic amp don't get me wrong, my personal tastes just prefer the presentation of the Taboo.

 

[Pentode Guy]

([/quote]

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.

I thought Steve has the same DAC but doesn't have the same issue with DSD playback.

 

[koiloco]

(

I thought Steve has the same DAC but doesn't have the same issue with DSD playback.[/quote]

 
Yup, only with his sample build he doesn't have the problem for some reasons.  He even built me a brand new unit but the new unit suffers the same issue when tested.
Steve has the same TEAC UD501 DSD DAC as I do.

 

[Charnwood]

I suppose the TEAC UD501 DSD saga proves one thing and that is the Taboo lets you hear everything the source has to offer.

 

[OPR8R]

It turns out running Amarra and Audirvana together can be tricky and lead to frustration.  I tried to listen to Rachmaninov 2 (DSD64) last night but it took me an hour to get it working because switching from one player to another made the Audio MIDI settings get all jacked up.  By the time I got Audirvana + my DAC working, I was tired and fell asleep during the second movement

   There was some tense moments before the sonic joy, though.  I thought I was going to be one of those guys who couldn't get Audirvana working and that I was going to have to drop more coin on a third player, just for DSD playback.  Why can't Amarra support DSD's?