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OLDER DECWARE GEAR SUPPORT >> The ZEN TABOO >> Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
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Message started by MoNelly on 02/07/11 at 06:43:00

Title: Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
Post by MoNelly on 02/07/11 at 06:43:00

Has anybody used a DAC1 USB in front of the Taboo? The preset "calibrated" mode sets the output at 2vRMS, so does that mean in the variable mode the output goes up when I turn the pot?

I know the conventional wisdom is to put the CSP2+ in front of the Taboo, but I'm working with a very tight budget. I'm looking to power a set of DM944's I picked up from Audiogon.

Any and all comment welcome, and thanks!

Title: Re: Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
Post by Rivieraranch on 02/07/11 at 12:37:56

Can the DAC be set to a higher voltage. That might be better. I think with 2 volts you can still get a satisfying volume out of the TABOO

Title: Re: Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
Post by Pale Rider on 02/07/11 at 17:10:53

I am asking myself this same question with respect to my PS Audio III, with the Cullen Stage IV mods. The stock PSA delivers 2.75V through its RCA outputs. I have not yet determined whether the Cullen mods have any effect on voltage output but I do not expect so.

My plan is to use the Taboo with Audez'e LCD-2 headphones. For that reason, I have ordered a 12AX7 (Genalex Gold Lion) for the Taboo, but I still have this sneaking suspicion I will need to insert a preamp into this circuit to drive the LCD-2 cans as well as I might like.

Title: Re: Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
Post by MoNelly on 02/07/11 at 17:42:17

I too am planning to run with the LCD-2s (I'm on the waitlist, hence the limited budget).

With the Benchmark, I have variable gain. The DLIII (a great DAC I used to own, minus the mods) does not. However, I know the DLIII is known for high output.

Title: Re: Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
Post by Pale Rider on 02/07/11 at 17:44:41

In balanced mode, the output is quite healthy. That is how I run it out to my RSA Apache, which I use to run my HD800s.

But that 2.75V in SE mode is starting to look a little anemic to me. :-/

Title: Re: Benchmark DAC1 USB OK as "pre" for the Taboo?
Post by Pale Rider on 04/04/11 at 20:16:36

Well, output of the PS Audio in non-balanced mode is not an issue. With both the 12AX7 and 12AU7 output tubes, there is more than ample gain. More. Than. Ample.