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OLDER DECWARE GEAR SUPPORT >> The ZEN TABOO >> Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
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Message started by Rivieraranch on 10/29/10 at 04:02:31

Title: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by Rivieraranch on 10/29/10 at 04:02:31

Would it be TABOO to try a 12AV7; 5965; 6414; 6829; or 7062/E180CC in the input position?

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by waveydavey on 10/29/10 at 12:51:09

I have a 5965 12AT7?, that I bought from Jim McShane on his recommendation to try in my Taboo.. Very nice tube and wonderful sound.. Also bought a pair of RCA 5Y3GT rectifier tubes off him which are very nice...

For the last few years or more I have been using my Taboo with the RCA 5Y3GT, new issue JJ EL84 and new issue Tung-Sol 12AX7.. Using my Taboo with just a stock cd player no preamp etc.. Sounds good to me :)

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by Rivieraranch on 11/20/10 at 12:28:47

I tried a GE 12AV7 and an RCA. While the RCA sounded better, the GE was unbearably bright - to the point that I had to pull it out after a couple of days.

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by don pettit on 12/29/10 at 20:04:05

this question seems to beg the following question: why would you be interested in the use of "exotic" tubes in view of the statement you made to me excoriating the experimentation with "exotic" tubes? just asking, don pettit

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by Rivieraranch on 12/30/10 at 18:59:27

I thought I needled at, not excoriated the pursuit of high dollar tubes (274B; GZ32). None of the 12AV7; 5965; 6414; 6829; or 7062/E180CC are really exotic, to me. Although the 7062 are usually more expensive than the others.

After trying the 12AV7 I am reluctant to look into these other alternatives. Unless somebody who used one of them could demonstrate a dramatic difference (improvement) over using a 12 _ _ 7 tube.

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by don pettit on 12/31/10 at 00:54:02

i have some telefunken and mullard 12ax7 and some telefunken and mullard 12au7 and possibly some amperex 12aux and 12au7 tubes that i would lend to you so that you could form a judgment if you like. pay shipping and you are welcome to try what i can scrounge up. of course they are nos and not matched but that does not matter with steve's stuff, does it? give it a thought and let me know. they are just in the next cell block. easily retrievable. don

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by Rivieraranch on 12/31/10 at 23:50:53

That is very gracious of you. I burned in my first TABOO using the stock JJ ECC83. It was nothing special. Then I tried:

Mullard Phillips 12AX7; (somewhat bright)
Sylvania 12AX7; (well balanced overall)
Mullard CV4024 (12AT7); (smooth & well balanced)
1950's Sylvania 12AT7 black plate, (good mids & bass, clean highs)
Sylvania 5814; (strong bass) 6189 (mild)
Sylvania 12AU7 marked Baldwin; (smooth and well balanced)
1950's Sylvania 12AU7 black plate, (mellow, good bass & mids)
RCA 12AV7 (bright)
GE 12AV7 (unbearably bright).

I skipped the 5963 & 5965 as these were computer tubes, too. I did not think they would best the 12AU7 alternatives I had already tried.

I found if I used it with the CSP2 at home a good 12AU7 was ideal. However, when used at the office without the preamp, the TABOO did well with a 12AT7. The listening is near field so there was no need to create lots of gain.

I've sort of lost interest in trying the 6414 or 6829 for these I believe were computer tubes. I might slip in a 7062 if I get my hands on one someday. I have gravitated toward Mullard and Sylvania generally.

As for rectifiers I began using a 5U4GB and have switched to a Tung Sol 5U4G largely based upon a very detailed glowing review here. I have not been disappointed. I do want to try those 5Z3's through the adapter, though. The 5Z3 preceded the 5U4. It is possible that some wrinkles unique to the 5Z3 might differ the sound/performance from the later 5U4; hopefully in a good way.

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by Pale Rider on 04/11/11 at 16:28:45

RR:

I assume that Tung Sol 5U4G rectifier is NOS?

These are not easy to find, and when found, dearly priced.

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by Rivieraranch on 07/13/11 at 22:57:04

The Tung Sol was used, marked "Zenith" and had worked fine in the TABOO for some time now. The top mica was etching away at the glass inside the tube but the tube is fine.

Title: Re: Would it be TABOO to use a different input tube?
Post by mikek200 on 06/01/13 at 14:51:51

Last night ,I got delivery of the Taboo II,my first Decware amp
I love it,using the stock tubes.
Today ,I replaced the input tube ,with a tung-sol blackplate 12au7,and heard a very nice,but subtle increase in sq..
Question:
will I be better off,or are there any advantages rolling with the input tube,or,should do this with the rectifier tube?,or does it matter at all?

Thanks
Mike