This is our 10th year anniversary edition of  Zen TABOO amplifier.  It is a 6 watt x 2 single-ended pentode design that is stereo only (no bridging to mono allowed) and works well with speakers between 4 and 16 ohms.  It features a completely unique thing called "Lucid Mode" that can be switched in and out on the fly.  It also has a rather low input sensitivity so it likes a source with a high output (3 to 4 volts) or a good preamp such as our CSP2.

The Taboo is a completely purist design, hand crafted amplifier with only 1 capacitor and 2 resistors in the signal path.  Even hook-up wire is eliminated with everything connected parts lead to parts lead.  Of course there is no circuit boards and no Chinese parts.  Our amplifiers have proprietary US made power and output transformers of outrageous quality.  It is an amplifier that will get the undivided attention of even the sickest audiophiles!

This year we've added the Hazen Grid Mod to take advantage of the possibilities of the very unique SV83 type output tubes. 

More on the Hazen Grid Technology (also known as the Christmas comes early mod) can be found here and in our forums, here.

The only problem with this amp is the price.  Audiophiles who are always looking for a better sounding amplifier have owned  and presently have amplifiers costing many times this amount... so it becomes almost impossible to wrap their brain around the simple fact that this amplifier could sound better than theirs.  If you're a serious audiophile, try it on our 30 day money back trial and see for yourself.

FEATURES

This amplifier features a tube rectified power supply with a pair of EL84 or SV83 output tubes, one per channel running single-ended and being driven by a single 12AT7.  It has a pair of direct and a pair of variable inputs, either of which can be used one at a time.  That makes it possible to use it with or without a preamp.  If you plan to run the Taboo without a preamp, a high output DAC is recommended.  The volume control is located at the front of the amplifier.  A switch for lucid mode is located at the rear.  The wood base for the amp is user replaceable.  We offer two styles from which you can choose from, and can make custom bases from the wood of your choice, including exotics.  Shown below is the Taboo in our popular contemporary solid hardwood base.

TUBES

The stock configuration is a 12AT7 driving a pair of EL84 or SV83 output tubes.  You can use 12AU7's or 12AX7's in place of the 12AT7.  The rectifier is a 5U4 but you may substitute 5Y3GT, 5AR4's.   Tube life is often 5 years on this amp with regular use.  Because this amp has the Hazen Grid Mod that activates only when SV83's are used, we ship the amp with the best mil spec 6P15P-EV's made (a step up from the SV83).  These are Russian tubes.  All tubes come with a 90 day warranty.

BIASING

The amplifier is self biasing so you NEVER have to set or adjust the bias for the output tubes.  If you've ever owned an amplifier that you had to bias all the time you'll completely appreciate this design.  Most amps are not self-biasing because it reduces the potential power output that you could otherwise get out of the tubes.  We're not overly concerned about getting the max possible power, only the max possible fidelity, and while less efficient the self-biasing approach sounds better and removes the headache of biasing and matching tubes.

CUSTOM OPTIONS

Since the chassis was designed to accommodate additional jacks and even another tube if needed, the following options are available:

Choose between the black figured base or the contemporary walnut - FREE

Stepped attenuator - add $250
V-Caps - add $150

IDEAL SPEAKERS

CABLES

This amplifier is so transparent that differences between cables will now become big differences. If you don't have good interconnects or speaker cables or just not sure how good yours are... we offer reference quality cables that will let you hear its full potential. It is important to us that you hear what your new amp is capable of and most customers, even those with expensive cables, find that ours sound better.

SUPPORT

This amplifier is hand built in the USA by DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering C0. It comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. If you purchase one second hand and ever have questions or technical problems we WILL be happy to check it out for you and service it if needed for a very reasonable rate.

We also have a support forum with many people who own this amplifier who's experiences you may benefit from. 

REVIEWS

	SE84T / Manufactured from 2004 to 2006 The original Taboo as reviewed on 6-Moons featured a simple steel chassis and variable feedback controls.
	SE84TS / Manufactured from 2006 to 2009. The second model featured an upgraded chassis, and removal of the variable feedback controls with the addition of both direct and variable inputs.
	SE84TS+ / New for 2010. The current model, with Hazen Grid Mod and upgraded coupling caps.

SPECIFICATIONS

This amplifier requires no adjustments or maintenance other than changing tubes every couple years.  It is a self biasing design and self balancing meaning even unmatched tubes become matched when installed.  The SV83 (6P15P-EV) or EL84 output tubes were chosen for their sound quality over all other pentodes - price was not a factor.

The original TABOO Design notes still apply.

OWNERS MANUAL

The owner manual for this amplifier can be viewed on line or printed: Owners manual.pdf

SINGLE ENDED DESIGN - One output tube per channel running in class A. The benefit of this is in the detail.  Multiple tube designs are never quite as transparent as a single tube.

NO CIRCUIT BOARDS - Wired point-to-point with parts leads and no hookup wire. The benefit of this is better sound combined with reliability that is so great we offer a lifetime warranty.

SMALL OUTPUT TUBES - Uses your choice of EL84/6BQ5 or SV83/6P15P output tubes. The benefit is these tubes have better speed and neutrality than the pricey alternatives.

VOLUME/GAIN CONTROL - Front mounted gain control makes it possible to use this amp without a preamp OR allows the input sensitivity to be adjusted to achieve optimal sound with any preamp.

GOLD/TEFLON INPUT JACKS - Rear mounted, high quality RCA jacks are wired with Silver/Teflon wire to support even the most expensive interconnect cables.

FLIPPED OUTPUT JACKS - The top mounted speaker binding posts are flipped so high dollar speaker cables lay out correctly without one being twisted.  These accept banana jacks, spades, or bare wire up to 8 gauge.

USA MADE CUSTOM OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS - Our output transformers are designed from the ground up with premium cores and non-symmetrical windings especially for these amps.  There are no off-the-shelf high-dollar output transformers made that sound better.  These transformers are a large part of the reason Decware amps have gained the reputation they have.

SELF BIASING - That's right, you never have to adjust the bias of the tubes. The benefit is that it takes all the hassle out of owning a tube amp, and allows you to run non-matched tubes not to mention ensures the best possible sound quality throughout the life of the tubes.

TUBE RECTIFIED - Designed around the 5Y3GT rectifier and similar types.  The benefit is reliability.  With solid state rectification voltage spikes can damage the diodes ensuring an eventual trip back to the shop for repair.  Tubes are MUCH harder to damage and if one ever did fail, you could change it yourself in seconds and be back in business.  It is also no secret that tube rectification generally sounds best - especially in the midrange.

REMOVABLE POWER CORD - Uses standard fused IEC connector with hidden spare fuse. The benefit is when you move your amp, all cords simply unplug from it. Also allows you to use aftermarket boutique cords even though a good power conditioner/isolation transformer would have a far greater effect.

WORLD VOLTAGE COMPATIBILITY - Our power transformers are also our own built to very high spec here in the USA and have less then 0.5% failure rate in our amplifiers. This amp comes standard with a world voltage compatible transformer that can be wired for any country on the planet. 

SINGLE TUBE INPUT STAGE - We use a single 12AT7 dual-triode to drive the output tubes to ensure the exact same signature on each channel.  The signature of this tube is the perfect compliment to the pentode wired output tubes and 12AT7's are one of the most popular signal tube in the world.  Since tube rolling is a fun way to personalize the signature of your amp, you will enjoy knowing there are more different brands and types of 12AT7 than almost any other tube.

 HIGH MASS CHASSIS - New anniversary series non-magnetic chassis have a powder coat gloss finish in a solid walnut base.  Bases are interchangeable with other hardwoods.

SEALED CONSTRUCTION - No ventilation is used because it's not needed.  The benefit is that no dust, smoke, or other contaminants get inside to contaminate parts and solder joints.  The internal wiring and parts look new even after 30 years of use.

ORIGINAL CIRCUIT DESIGN - This amp is not just another knock off of some vintage amp from the 60's.  The development of this circuit was done from scratch and with great care.  Designed to take the magic of our Triode amps to the next level.

OPTIONAL MATCHING PREAMP - We have a matching preamp that is very synergistic and transparent with this amplifier.  It is our model CSP2 and comes in the same chassis as the Taboo.

ULTRA LOW NOISE - Less than 1 millivolt of noise and hum (usually 0.4mv). The benefit is ultra black backgrounds and inaudible hum on even the most efficient loudspeakers.

HIGHER POWER - Unlike it's triode counterpart, the SE84ZS, the TABOO has 6 watts per channel (three times the power) making it compatible with a wider range of loudspeakers.

DUAL SIGNATURES - Like having two amplifiers at the flip of a switch.  Go between "Standard" mode and "Lucid" mode.