Argo Duck
Formerly known as "AiDee"
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2007
- Posts
- 2,245
- Likes
- 430
^ I have the CSP2+ but with the Taboo Mk II not III.
FWIW I do not pair them. With my LCD2r1 I find the Taboo alone highly transparent and with other terrific properties such as nicely controlled, extended highs and quality bass with tremendous impact when it's there to be had. Combined, there is more 'weight' it is true. And more tuning possibilities. If you tube each to have a distinct sound you can alter the mix by how you set the levels between the CSP and Taboo i.e. raise or lower one doing the opposite to the other.
However I also found the combination just a little less transparent than the Taboo (or CSP) alone. To help interpret this observation, bear in mind - again - I pair the Taboo with an LCD2 rev 1, not quite a typical phone these days. Not even typical of the Audez'e 'sound' perhaps, since the LCD2 rev 2, 3 and X models emerged!
Btw, I also use the Taboo to drive a pair of moderately efficient (90dBA) French Triangle speakers. Again, the CSP adds weight but I prefer the Taboo alone and don't find it underpowered. Doubtless mitigating the lack of preamp is that my DAC puts out around 3V rms - a little more than the standard 2V rms. That's a factor to consider as well.
To continue, I do not get these qualities with the LCD3-F, which seems to not reach the same quality and tunefulness of bass. Indeed, it seems a tad slow and so not the best possible match. Or I haven't found the right tubes yet.
The CSP2+ is an ideal match with the Beyer T1 and especially the HD-800 (change of driver tube for each; rectifier = RCA 5Y3GT; no other rolling needed). So much so with the 800 I haven't bothered to try it with the Taboo mk II. (I have a bias to not expect Taboo and any high-Z phone to match as - presumably - the Taboo doesn't swing enough voltage. This said, I'm conscious many here whose ears I respect find the Taboo and 800 a great match. I must try it some day, as the proof or disproof is in the listening).
So jealous! Looking forward to your impressions of the Tori Jnr.
FWIW I do not pair them. With my LCD2r1 I find the Taboo alone highly transparent and with other terrific properties such as nicely controlled, extended highs and quality bass with tremendous impact when it's there to be had. Combined, there is more 'weight' it is true. And more tuning possibilities. If you tube each to have a distinct sound you can alter the mix by how you set the levels between the CSP and Taboo i.e. raise or lower one doing the opposite to the other.
However I also found the combination just a little less transparent than the Taboo (or CSP) alone. To help interpret this observation, bear in mind - again - I pair the Taboo with an LCD2 rev 1, not quite a typical phone these days. Not even typical of the Audez'e 'sound' perhaps, since the LCD2 rev 2, 3 and X models emerged!
Btw, I also use the Taboo to drive a pair of moderately efficient (90dBA) French Triangle speakers. Again, the CSP adds weight but I prefer the Taboo alone and don't find it underpowered. Doubtless mitigating the lack of preamp is that my DAC puts out around 3V rms - a little more than the standard 2V rms. That's a factor to consider as well.
To continue, I do not get these qualities with the LCD3-F, which seems to not reach the same quality and tunefulness of bass. Indeed, it seems a tad slow and so not the best possible match. Or I haven't found the right tubes yet.
The CSP2+ is an ideal match with the Beyer T1 and especially the HD-800 (change of driver tube for each; rectifier = RCA 5Y3GT; no other rolling needed). So much so with the 800 I haven't bothered to try it with the Taboo mk II. (I have a bias to not expect Taboo and any high-Z phone to match as - presumably - the Taboo doesn't swing enough voltage. This said, I'm conscious many here whose ears I respect find the Taboo and 800 a great match. I must try it some day, as the proof or disproof is in the listening).
So jealous! Looking forward to your impressions of the Tori Jnr.