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OLDER DECWARE GEAR SUPPORT >> TABOO MK III >> Differences between the new & old Taboo's
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Message started by Steve Deckert on 03/21/13 at 04:03:46

Title: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Steve Deckert on 03/21/13 at 04:03:46


The main difference between the two is that the old one was designed for speakers and often optioned out with a headphone jack which became popular with planar headphone enthusiasts.  The new one was optimized as a planar headphone amplifier that will also work on efficient loudspeakers.  

The older (white) taboo that this model replaced was priced at      $1395.00
With optional cap upgrade      $200.00
Stepped attenuator      $250.00
Planar Headphone mod / 1/4 inch jack
$100.00
Total Cost for fully tweaked Headphone Use      $1945.00

The new Taboo Mk III costs $250.00 less at:


$1695.00
And comes with everything listed above.

In addition the following items are also included free:

Fully Balanced dual XLR jacks for balanced headphone cables.
2 pairs of inputs and a silver input selector switch.
Variable input level controls for all 4 channels.
Dual 1/4 TRS headphone jacks, one on each side.
The new lucid mode  - sound stage expander.
High Mass Steel upgrade for lower micro-phonics.
Conversion to the better sounding 6922/6N1P/6DJ8 front end.
Higher input sensitivity for better performance without a preamp.
Ultra cool bias meters, one for each output tube
Upgraded Coupling Caps (Cryo Beeswax HT Silver Lead)


NOTE:  4 Pin XLR option adds (dual 3 pin is standard)
$50.00

The Taboo MK III comes standard with Cryo Treated HT Beeswax signal caps with silver leads made by Jupiter Condensers.  We find them to have similar resolution and a more organic sound when compared to VCAPS.  However, due to years of popularity in the Taboo we felt it wise to continue to offer VCAPS as an alternate cap upgrade in the Mk III .


Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Pale Rider on 03/21/13 at 13:25:44

Good summary Steve. I don't see how anyone would not see the new Taboo as an excellent deal for a killer planar headphone amp.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Rivieraranch on 03/21/13 at 13:37:02

I did not realize how different they look with a side by side comparison.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Pale Rider on 03/21/13 at 21:15:18

Just got notification that mine is on the QC bench. Guess I had better get my LCD-2 4-pin cable.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by busterfree on 03/22/13 at 23:16:05

How does the Taboo MK III perform with non-planar headphones?

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by clowkoy on 03/23/13 at 16:30:09

How many of you bought the stock Taboo MKII for $1395? I got mine for $995.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by djtw on 03/23/13 at 23:06:11

My Taboo is also in the Testing QC stage so I should get it soon. As this is my first Decware amp, the question I have is the Tube dampers that are shown in the pictures, are they included with the amp or should I try to buy some. I'm not sure if this is the correct name or where I could find them for sale.

Thanks for any feedback, Tony
:)

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Steve Deckert on 03/24/13 at 02:50:43


So far there is every indication that this amp will be popular with non-planar as well.


Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Pale Rider on 03/24/13 at 03:03:26

Tony asked:

Quote:
My Taboo is also in the Testing QC stage so I should get it soon. As this is my first Decware amp, the question I have is the Tube dampers that are shown in the pictures, are they included with the amp or should I try to buy some. I'm not sure if this is the correct name or where I could find them for sale.

Tony, someone else may recognize those dampeners; I don't. I am a big fan of Herbie's, especially the UltraSonic Rx, and use them on all my Decware.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Pale Rider on 03/24/13 at 03:06:38

clowkoy asked:

Quote:
How many of you bought the stock Taboo MKII for $1395? I got mine for $995.

Well, I paid more than that for my MkII, in part because I got the V-Caps, stepped attenuator, headphone, etc. Sounds like you got a great deal! What I like about the III is it comes in with all the bells & whistles at a very good price.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by busterfree on 03/24/13 at 03:47:36

I have seen similar tube dampers on eBay.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by djtw on 03/24/13 at 21:16:55

Thank you for the info about Herbie's and ebay.

Do you think the Taboo III would also work for my HD600's with 300 Ohms impedance?

I was planning on just using my LCD2's.

Thanks, Tony

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Rivieraranch on 03/25/13 at 03:03:31

It seems that the amp has been optimized for the 6P15P-EV instead of the EL84. As a speaker amp it puts put 2 more watts than the ZEN. I look forward to comments how the unit works as a speaker amp.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by mikek200 on 05/29/13 at 15:53:04

Can anyone tell me ,what tubes can be used ,with the old TabooII?
Or,direct me to a link?

Thanks
Mike

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Rivieraranch on 05/29/13 at 16:44:01

Any EL84 6BQ5 type including the Russian 6P14P-EV; also the 6P15P-EV a la SV83.


Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by mikek200 on 05/29/13 at 17:05:10

Rivieraranch,,

Thanks for your reply.
I have a number of tubes ,that I used on my Crack amp:
12au7,many pairs.
6080
6sn7
CV2523GEC
WE-421a
Tung-sol 5998

So,I take it ,these tubes cannot be used,correct?

thanks
Mike


Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by Rivieraranch on 06/05/13 at 02:40:14

The Old Taboo will take a 12AU7 input but those other tubes you listed would not work.  

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by mikek200 on 06/05/13 at 04:00:37

Thanks Riviera,
Yes,I have been using the 12au7,s & they have been sounding great.
My taboo had a v-cap upgrade from the previous owner
Sometimes,however,I have to crank up the volume to 1-2 o,clock to get decent volume.

Mike

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by clowkoy on 06/05/13 at 22:35:18

You can try a 12ax7 to give you more gain or get a zstage.

Title: Re: Differences between the new & old Taboo's
Post by mikek200 on 06/05/13 at 22:51:51

Thanks,
Clowkoy,


I have one coming in tomorrow

Tnx
Mike

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