Hi!

I'm currently using a NOS DAC (Derek Shek) with a T-Amp and a pair of original Snell K (90 db/w). Digital and analog cables are DH Labs and speaker cables are Anti-Cables. Listening room is about 15 X 12 feet. I rarely have the volume pot on the T-Amp at more than nine o'clock.

I'm planning on getting a used tube amp in exchange of the T-Amp. I want to keep soundstage, details, transparence and most importantly the PRaT (as the English say) and have a couple of options, the Decware Taboo, Triode and the Almarro A205. What I'm looking for in a tube amp is a sense of "reality" and "presence" in the delivery. Before deciding I need to know a bit more on the Decwares (and the Almarro). Please feel free to comment or give advice.

- Would the Triode be powerful enough for the Snells?
- Are there any sonic differences between the Taboo and the Triode or is it just a matter of power?
- I live in Sweden and we have 220V as standard voltage. There are more 110V Decwares available used than 220V. Can one use a 110V version with a transformer without affecting the sound quality of the amp?
- I've seen a Decware SE84 CS on Audiogon for sale but can't find any information on the site on this item. Is it a very old or a special issue of the Zen Triode?
- I suppose this is the wrong forum for this question but I put it anyway How do the two Decwares above compare with the Almarro A205 with regard to what I'm looking for (PRaT and presence, for instance)?

Please feel free to comment!
Jolojl

Hi Jololj,

I really don't think the Zen triode would be enough power for your Snells.  But then it might sound good enough to convince you to get different speakers.

The SE84CS is the "Select" version of Zen triode, it was offered for several years and I believe may have been most popular Decware amp.  It uses a different rectifier, better coupling caps and is biased slightly differently from the SE84C.  It also has a higher quality chassis.

I haven't heard a Taboo but from what I understand the sound is not the same as the triode amps.  The reports suggest it is a little more transparent sounding, and perhaps a bit more detailed.  It may have enough power for your Snells, but I would think it is close to the borderline.

Couldn't tell you about the Almarro, I haven't heard one, but they seem like well-made amps.  

What about the Torii II?

Dave

Hi jololj

If you don't listen to your music very loud, Taboo will drive the 90dB speakers fine. Before I had Decware RL3.0s, I drove 89dB Polk R30s with my Taboo without any problem.  

Sam

Jolojl, the Taboo is not a triode, just trying to make sure you don't get confused.  The SE84 triode amps will not annoy the neighbors with 90db speakers, we're talking about 90db peaks being the top listening volume.  The Taboo is closer to 5 or 6 watts which should do better.

Dave

Hi selmerdave and Sam!

Sorry! And thanks  :)

Actually I wasn't confusing the Triode with the Taboo, I was misreading Sam's Taboo as a Triode.

So unfortunately I won't keep the Triode on the list while the Taboo will stay.

Jolojl

Hi Mike!

Thanks for your input! This is really difficult: I get different answers from different people. I've understood that the Triode won't be powerful enough but I still hoped the Taboo would. Now according to you (and others at other sites) neither the Taboo or the Almarro would be enough. But I'm not sure, my T-Amp works just fine with the Snells and I don't think that these are such a heavy load (it's the original Ks).

Also it seems difficult to find a used Taboo or A205. Maybe I'll have a look at some Jolida or Sophia Baby, or even a vintage Scott or Fisher. I just wished it was possible to audition the various units, but that's the bad part of this "hobby": never possible to audition enough of the gear you're looking at...

Best,
Jolojl

Dave

I think its time to get that listening session we've been threatening togther.

RH84 vrs Taboo. Pentode vrs Pentode. and i guess we should throw in the triode EL84 El Cheapo too.

and a chance to listen to the BIBs.

dave

Hi DaveCan and planet10!

I use a regular and unmoddified SI T-Amp. I think it's rated at 2 X 5 W at 8 ohm. My Snells are 90 db/w and 8 ohm (I think). As mentioned I have no volume problem, and when I changed to Anti-Cables bass response reappeared (along with better mids and highs, and soundstage, and imaging, and music, and ...   ).

I envy you a little bit DaveCan for your Taboo  :)

Planet10: the SI T-Amp is being changed and if I can't get hold of a Taboo or an Almarro I'll get a DIY Paradise Charlize.

All the best,
Jolojl