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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Balanced Input for Taboo 3
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Message started by ihmeyers on 03/29/15 at 21:39:30

Title: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by ihmeyers on 03/29/15 at 21:39:30

I've got a DAC with both balanced and unbalanced outputs. Since I'm using the Taboo 3 I've got it running off the unbalanced outputs. The output from the DAC is 2.6V from the unbalanced output and 5.2 from the balanced outputs so I was curious how much better the Taboo could sound with a higher level signal. Is there anyway to run some sort of balanced to unbalanced cable to take advantage of the higher DAC output into the Taboo? Is it possible to buy a passive preamp with balanced inputs and unbalanced outputs to take advantage of the higher gain?

Thanks very much. :)

Title: Re: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by Lonely Raven on 03/30/15 at 01:51:28

Yes there is actually. I forgot what the official name is, but Decware has a "Magic Box" that has the transformers needed to convert balanced output to unbalanced, and Steve included an attenuator so you can dial down the voltage to where your amp is happy with it.

I don't see it listed on the Decware main page - I'd give Steve a call and see what he says about the cost.

I had those transformers added to my ZMA amp, and they sound wonderful! This "Magic Box" would let you do the same thing, except with any amp that has standard RCA inputs.

Title: Re: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by TubeNube on 03/30/15 at 06:43:58

Hey guys,

I believe the official name for the box that you're speaking of is the ZBIT. (Zen Balanced Input Transformer?). Sounded like a great idea, but I haven't seen it on the site yet.

Randy

Title: Re: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by Rizlaw on 04/01/15 at 16:42:27

TubeNube,

Based on the time elapsed since the ZBIT was created and made available, Steve hasn't actively promoted it (or perhaps, he hasn't the time to do so given some of the other things I see he has been doing - Priorities ... Priorities).

For those who know about it and believe they might need it, then the best thing to do is call Steve and get the info. It is not inexpensive. Some like the change (improvement) in sound, others do not.

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1415411351

P.S. The link to Jensen transformers in my post above has since been removed by Jensen; not sure why.

Title: Re: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by TubeNube on 04/02/15 at 07:34:32

Thanks Rizlaw for the info. If you get a chance sometime, will you take a picture of the back of the unit, so that we can see the connections? (Iknow that you had yours upgraded from the stock unit). Thanks,
Randy

Title: Re: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by ihmeyers on 04/05/15 at 20:16:23

Rizlaw. Great minds think alike, LOL. I wanted a balanced device to run my W4S DAC through the transformer directly to my Taboo (bypassing my CSP2+).

What was the cost of the ZBIT and what is the typical turnaround time?

Thanks. :)

Title: Re: Balanced Input for Taboo 3
Post by Rizlaw on 04/06/15 at 18:22:20

I paid $597.00 for my Zbit (#002) with one set of silver RCA's. Because I got the 2nd one (Steve has #001), Steve was kind enough not to charge me extra for the silver RCA's. So, if you order one with silver RCA's I imagine it will be over $600.00; an extra pair of RCA's would increase the price a little more. As I've said before, it's not an inexpensive item, but I do hear an improvement. Other's may disagree, but that's O.K.

As to turn around time, I guess you go on the build list, like anyone else placing an order, and wait the month or so it takes for the Decware Team to build your unit. I don't think this is a commonly ordered item such that Steve might keep a few in stock (like cables might be pre-built and keep in stock) for quick shipment.