Model TABOO
100,120,240 VAC 50/60Hz

Factory Direct $995.00
Suggested List $1495.00

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OVERVIEW:

This is the 10th year anniversary edition of our Zen TABOO amplifier.  It is a 6 watt x 2 single-ended pentode design that is stereo only and generally favors higher impedance speakers between 6 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 high output source (3 to 4 volts) or a good preamp such as our CSP2.

LUCID MODE what is it?

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!

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.

STYLES:

This amplifier comes in two basic styles made possible by interchangeable hardwood bases. The amp shown above is in the black base.  The amp shown here is in a contemporary solid walnut base.  You may choose between the two bases when you order your amp.

FEATURES:

This amplifier has both direct and variable inputs so that you can use it with or without a preamp.  We recommend if you own a preamp to try both using and not using it to see which way is more transparent.  If the not using a preamp is more transparant but you need the gain of a good preamp try our CSP2.

IDEAL SPEAKERS:

We have successfully driven hundreds of different loudspeakers ranging in efficiency from 90 to 100dB 1w/1m.  On 90dB speakers it works nicely in smaller rooms or for late night out of body experiences.  94 to 96 dB speakers are almost ideal in that they let you play beyond a normal listening level and preserving the dynamic headroom.  When these amplifiers were first released in 1997 there were a minimal number of "high efficiency" speakers to choose from.  Today that is no longer the case - they are everywhere.  We also offer several different types of loudspeakers that will work with this amp.  If you own speakers that you love and are afraid this may not drive them understand two things: A) It will drive them louder then you're expecting and B) you can bridge these amps into mono blocks.  Because of the power increase into lower ohms, you will net 6dB of additional power.  Same thing as doubling your power... twice.

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.

VOLTAGES

This amplifier comes standard with our World Voltage Compatible Transformer. Your amp will be automatically wired for the correct voltage for your country and be supplied with the correct removable power cord.  

2ND GENERATION:

The original version of this amplifier was called the Taboo and was built in our original line of steel chassis.  They came in brown and black.

DESIGN NOTES:

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

TUBES:

This amp is shipped with graded premium quality N.O.S. 6P15P-EV output tubes rated at 5000 hours.  These Russian military spec tubes are the top grade of what we came to know in this country as the SV83.  You can also use EL84's without adjustments of any kind. You'll find the SV83's to be unparallel in speed and detail - in part because it is a video tube with much wider bandwidth then a normal audio tube.  We think these are the best sounding most transparent tubes available today.  The EL84 (6BQ5) is a bit warmer sounding giving the amp a different signature by just switching output tubes.

The input tube is a single 6N1P, 6922 or 6DJ8 - your choice.  6N1P's have the warmest tone, 6922's have the best dynamics, 6DJ8's have the most air and micro-detail with a touch less bass.  Again, a powerful tool for voicing your amplifier to your particular tastes.

The rectifier is a 5U4G and can be substituted with a 5AR4 or compatible rectifier.  Many owners of this amp like using the 274B.  Each rectifier change will also make audible differences in the sound and performance of the amplifier.

CABLES:

This amplifier is so transparent that if you can hear large differences between different brand interconnects and speaker wires.  If you don't have good interconnects or speaker cables or just not sure how good your are we offer affordable reference quality cables that will let you hear how good your gear really is.

DHC Power Cords
DSR Silver Interconnects
ZENSTYX Silver Speaker wire
 

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:

You may read reviews on this amplifier and other Decware amplifiers going back to 1996 at this link: Reviews

The Zen Taboo features a straight forward no-nonsense design like all of our products.
 

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 12AX7 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 12AX7's are 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 12AX7 than 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.

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