Kelly wrote on 05/10/08 at 09:54:33:Thanks for the responses on the Taboo question. I do have one more question. I have the Taboo and a 84CS, and with the CS I seem to get more volume even though it has less rated power. It always has bothered me, as I bought the Taboo thinking I'd get more umph, but it doesn't seem to be the case. The CS seems to have more power than the Taboo. The speakers i'm using with either are the RL-3's. I'm using the the standard recommended tubes. The EL84's were supplied with my Taboo, but have tried the SV83's with no volume difference. I haven't messed with the input/signal tube or the rectifier tube. They are still the original. I'm always amazed at the SE84CS. For me it alway's out performs the Taboo. I just don't know if I have a problem with my Taboo. Although, i've noticed no reduction in performance since purchasing new. Any help here.
Kelly
Kelly, the Taboo needs a higher input signal than 2 volts to come to full power. That is why when set side by side your CS will always get louder. If you want to see what the Taboo is really all about, and see it totally outperform the CS you will need a preamp with some gain to put in front of it! Ideally the CSP, CSP2 or something similar.