I think, like M0N, I have some better impressions than you, i doooo kind of keep coming back to it.
1 Like
Streamer: Lumin U1 Mini with LPS upgrade
DAC: Mojo V2XA
RCA: BJC LC-1
Headphones: ZMF Atrium, LCD-24, LCD-2.2pf
Tubes: Chatham Potato MasherRrecti, Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8, all others stock
Impressions are from both my unit (2017 SE full out beeswax caps upgrade) and the SBAF loaner (2021 BAL Miflex caps, those caps being an option that replaced beeswax as the top option). In general the loaner bal unit needed a little less volume, was a little clearer, and had a tiny bit more sparkle. It also felt like it’s iron weighed a bit more.
So the Decware Taboo Mk.IV:
If i had to do a one phrase summary I would say this amp is a “dense brick of powerful mids.”
What the taboo really brings to the table is a thick dense plate of midrange. Electric guitars in hard rock ensembles hit you with a force. Thick, meat-on-the-bone, and rich throughout. If you love mids, especially rock guitar mids, this is it. The texture is there, timbre is on the “heavier” side, and the footprint is felt.
The overall sound is very round at the ends. Bass isnt elevated, but it is felt. It is more subbass rumble than mid bass kick, but neither is standout or substandard. Just not noteworthy.
Treble seems to be the same. Rounded but neither a highlight nor detractor. There is still sparkle and a little bit of top end sizzle but if feels like there is a cap there holding it back. Like putting a tight lid of saran wrap on top of your prized casserole, the treble is trying to push out and bend the wrap, but it never escapes. This does tend to kill any air that is trying to be expressed and once again keeps it all pressed back in towards the mids. Sometimes it felt there was an eq slider on the treble that was turned down.
Stage and presentation is pretty flat. I wouldnt call it holographic as the depth just isnt there and it is more like a photography. It is also a little more grey than black background which promotes that dense brick characteristic. Dynamics are also good but shortened by that grey background on the quiet side of the dynamic range.
Detail was good, micro detail being the best ive heard so far. I will say this is the highest tier amp ive trued to date, but i was hearing things i just could not on other amps.
Lucid mode was neat but headphone and track dependant. If it was on, i would not go above 1/3 on the dial. It thickened things up and added presence to background details, but could make things sound fuzzy. Switching lucid off, cleaned it up but it was noticably thinner. I wonder, and imagine, this would be a trip when used with speakers.
The Atrium worked very well with the Taboo and loved the lucid mode. It kept that big, powerful, and lively feel. Once again guitars felt like you were standing in front of a full amp stack.
The LCD-2.2pf had all of its trademark characteristics fully blown up rather than balanced out. The Taboo was said to be made for this headphone and you can tell why. It gives a lush and velvety signature which was something i had not head before. Laidback without losing energy, syrupy without being molasses. It really is like suede on your ears.
The LCD-24… Hmmmm this was my least favorite. Wasnt bad, wasnt great, i felt it was a little too “grainy” overall. Like an over sharpened photograph, it was a little much.
Tube rolling had some effect but i felt less changed than rolling in say my BHC. I did not roll the output tubes as although i purchased some sweet Amperex el84s, the glass chipped around one of the pins and i think vacuum was lost on it. The chatham rectifier did keep things tighter than the stock, and the bugle boy 6dj8 added some more sweetness.
All in all i think most amps have a flavor, the Taboo seems very heavily flavored for it’s marvelous mids. And more than other amps i think you need to be ready for that.
10 Likes
@Souldriver, are those EL84 or Russian 6p15p tubes?
I was just swapping tubes around in my SE84UFO and I tried some of my “good” NOS el84’s in place of the Russians and I swear the amp signature changed so badly it sounded like I was listening to the equivalent of mud. The sound became too thick, way too thick to the point I could not enjoy it. Output volume easily decreased by 50% too. I had to mess around for 2 hours trying different solutions before I gave up on the el84’s and went back to Russians.
2 Likes
I assume you mean 6P14P, those are supposed to be EL84 equivalents, 6P15P’s are approximate equivalent to EL83’s, those are very different tubes.
2 Likes
I used the stock SV83s (some have it listed as a 6P15P)
I had tried the amperex EL84, but it was so bad and different that i assumed one of them had to of been a bad tube, and i shut it off before risking damage or troubleshooting more.
It felt very sucked out, like things were distant and very veiled. I needed to turn it up at least 25% more on the dial to get it to near same volume. The tubes themselves got insta-burn hot, yes tubes get hot but it felt like it was more than it should have been.
I know there is a mention of pins on el84s slightly differing, if it is an extremely bad synergy or incompatibility ill take that and be thrilled vs a broken tube.
Here is a pic of the tube where the chip/sliver is missing:
1 Like
Yes yes I had very similar experience myself using the el84’s. I’m ashamed of myself at waiting this long before trying them out.
There MAY be el84’s that sound acceptable but the ones I tried today did nothing good for me. 
this is knowledge and experience for us. I know there can be variety in the quality of the Russian tubes, I am fortunate in that I purchased a few pair
I will try a few more el84 but I don’t have much faith to they will sound any better.
My amp is sensitive to the tube rolling, as I swap around the other tubes on the chassis there are all sorts of nuanced differences that are distinct in their own way.
Keep this in mind as you mess around with it, I know you mentioned your Taboo was not as critical of the tube rolls but both my 341.5 and se84ufo are influenced by the rolling of tubes.
You are correct BUT there is conflicting information on the internet and also the el84 is actually recommended by the manufacturer as acceptable to substitute.
I did not like the 2 I tried today, I had a similar poor experience to Souldriver.
1 Like
Yeah I saw the post on the Decware forum where he was explaining the difference and also saying you could use either if you had one built after some date. They are different enough tubes that they will sound very different.
I’m a bit surprised there was as big a drop in volume as you suggest the mu’s for the tubes are 24 and 19 and while that isn’t exactly gain, it’s close enough in most amps.
2 Likes
The volume difference caught me off guard, it was substantial. My initial checks were to make sure I had not accidentally hit mute on the Berkeley DAC. Then I checked each wire and tube to make sure everything was fully seated.
First pair of tubes were Ei marked. Next set were Tunsgram marked.
I just didn’t enjoy the sound they produced, either pair.
1 Like
This. More substantial than the gain switch. Like a half plugged in audio jack. That type of difference.
Ok maybe the tube isnt bad, i really thought the chip there went just deep enough around the pin to make the tube leaky. Maybe i lucked out. I also had a tungsol el84 pair coming but cancelled that order, probably for the best.
2 Likes
Gratuitous pictures of the system i have spent 10 hrs (and still going while i write this up) fiddling w/ today.
The Decware SE84UFO25 is the heart and center of this system. Let it be known that if you have very sensitive speakers capable of providing any performance worthwhile using 1 or 2 watts, this amplifier provides various tricks and huge entertainment value for a cost considered relatively inexpensive in this hobby.
I am not experienced enough nor particularly knowledgeable and savvy in this hobby, but I want to say that this is one of the most “Holographic capable” amplifier’s i have had the pleasure of experiencing.
6 Likes
Out of the closet full of cables, the blue Jean one ended up winning?
2 Likes
Funny you should mention this…
Listening for nuances in cables is still very difficult for me. This room was set-up specifically so I can play with varieties of equipment.
During this day long session I focused on 1) sound differences w/ pre-amp in line and out of the chain
2) Tube rolling variances in both amplifier and pre-amp.
Yes I considered the possibility of listening to any possible variances in cables and lightly attempted that when I tried DAC direct to amplifier. I was unsuccessful in noting any sonic differences between a worlds best RCA and a blue jeans RCA.
Once the pre-amp went into the chain, I focused on using 2 same and equal length RCA cables of appropriate form factor that would work best with the awkward positioning of the posts on the amplifier.
I will note that I like the Blue Jeans brand for their no-nonsense approach and tough consistent build quality along w/ reasonable pricing.
1 Like
And RCAs that satisfyingly pop into place when connecting them.
1 Like
Taboo MK IV update.
I got up early today in order to use my “Morning ears”, @ 0415hrs I threw the power switches on and went off for coffee. At 0500hrs I came back to sit down and listen for what would be an absolutely extended session of HP use for me.
The previous evening I spent 2+ hrs using the amplifier w/ my Audeze LCD 2.1 pf’s, today’s session I used my LCD 3 pf’s.
Tubes installed, NOS USAF 596 rectifier, matched & mated Russian 6p15p-EV, and an Amperex Bugle Boy 6922.
System specs are: ROON > SoTM streamer & power supply > Singer SU6 ddc > (OG) Berkeley Alpha Reference DAC > LTA MZ3 ( RCA12 sn7’s & 1957 Brimar 12AT7’s) > Taboo mk IV > LCD 3 pf ( stock cable (yes I know my cable game is weak 
)).
Everything @Souldriver wrote up previously is pretty spot on w/ the exception that I am getting some very nice depth perception (forward of my eyes and behind my head). I also have what I consider decent soundstage, a few inches past my ears both left and right 
, I think that’s pretty good, no complaints, the overall effect is a nice bubble of sound around my head. 
Micro-detail is really great on good tracks that emphasize small nuances. I had to play around w/ the multiple points of volume control in this set-up to find my sweet spot, also for the macro-details to come out I was past my normal low volume settings and had to go louder than is my usual to feel the dynamic character of the HP’s. This caused me to take a few minutes break every 1/2 hr or so, I don’t usually listen at this volume level. My preference is lower volume, not that It was extremely loud but more than what I am used to.
Major differences between the LCD 2.1 & The LCD 3 on this set-up: LCD 3 upper end is further extended, LCD 3 midrange is more recessed compared to the full forward midrange of the LCD 2.1. The LCD 2.1 had some good hefty sub-bass slam while the LCD 3 had less slam but really good texture and a bit more emphasis in upper bass regions w/ tight snap and slap and allot of detail in the bass.
This amplifier is built/tuned for midrange emphasis and micro-detail, it seems to enhance the nature of the midrange for those of us that crave it. I have the leanest cleanest front end I can come up w/ in my home feeding it and the midrange is still heavenly gorgeous.
Whatever discrepancy between my experiences thus far and those previously written I am sure are due to chain synergy and the effect other pieces will have on an amplifiers capabilities and end performance experience. This amplifier has its base character and what you feed it will vary your experience via small nuances.
I tried my hardest to give an unbiased write up based solely on a few hours of listening and my initial impressions. I find that once I get used to a piece and get that “brain burn in” I have difficulty in describing details that are pertinent to folks. “I love this piece”, doesn’t help anybody make a buying choice and I’m trying to avoid that here 
This amplifier provides enough genuine character that I can see it staying around for a while.
9 Likes
Some further comments on the Taboo and Decware amplifiers in general. At this point i have owned 4 of his amplifiers and it is abundantly clear that they are each voiced heavily by the designers listening preferences at the time of creation. For years afterwards he simply keeps improving upon the initial design by making changes in the innards as he develops his skills and his experience grows over the years.
I have personally grown to appreciate the fine level of control over gain, adjustment and volume that dual separate knobs provide. It is not a common control feature and became appreciated by me as my level of sophistication and the quality of my components has grown and developed over time. Nowadays it only takes me seconds to set to my desire and then i take major motor control over from another source.
Repairs and service: Unfortunately this is a major pain in the ass for any piece of equipment, Decware service, parts availability, refurbishing and accessories have been superior thus far to any other manufacturer i have had to deal with personally. I’m not happy that i have had to send pieces back but at least it was easy, timely and costs associated with fixes or upgrades were not unreasonable. I have no idea if the current influx of business will allow them to keep offering services as good as they have been until now BUT it is still much added value knowing that i can pay to have warranty and additional work done to a piece purchased used till they close their doors for good. I’m not sure what other manufacturers offer this level of safety net. It really takes the stress out of purchasing used and then needing repairs or help.
Last piece of information for the 2 channel folks is the Holographic capability of his amplifiers. I can reproduce this quality in my home with repeated results using a variety of other components. The quality is repeatable which means to me it’s part of his voicing and build philosophy and that is a characteristic i really geek over.
6 Likes
I think you have one really good leg up that many others may not have had, that LTA MZ3! That with the berkeley is probably giving it some cleanliness and linearity while still keeping that sweet sweet mid range.
I would also propose that your setup also gives it more depth and higher end air. For me it just felt like it lacked the air to fully express things, it was there but too dense.
But most importantly, what didnt work for me, works for you and the piece is in a better home. And I am basically even moneywise, but richer in experience.
3 Likes
Your write up @Souldriver was excellent and spot on, I took it up a notch with some equipment choices seeing what kind of synergy and performance i could squeeze out of it based on the characteristics provided by the pieces feeding it. At this level many folks here are building systems and we are so very fortunate to have such a large group of individuals providing knowledge and experience w/ component performance and characteristics regularly while people look for those great synergy match-ups 
every write up posted provides valuable insight in a wonderfully non-confrontational environment. So many places on the internet have devolved into messy pissing matches between socially awkward individuals who happen to have money to spend.
The pictures are all from my small secondary listening test-room, the set-up here gives me fairly easy access to swap components and be able to have audiofool learning experiences that would not be possible if I were capable of focusing on equipment purchases like a normal individual 
Cheers my friend 
you have talented ears and a knack for putting to paper your experiences, while I stumble around like a bull in china shop. Albeit a very satiated one, especially today after being able to put to rest my curiosity about this particular amplifier. 
4 Likes
Ohhh… 
So I am still sitting on this Taboo amplifier and decided to spend some more time listening to it this AM while paying bills online in my office. I set it up on my desk and used my LM32>PASS HPA-1 (pre-amp duties)>Taboo>ZMF Autuer. Ohhh
My inability to give good descriptors frustrates me, but when I think of what a good traditional TUBE amp should sound like, the TABOO performance is what I expect. I went one notch above and started playing w/ this Lucid mode the amp has and damn if it didn’t all just wow my ears.
I’ve been playing Blues w/ Otis Taylor, Vocals w/ Nina Simone, Jazz w/ Miles Davis. mmmmm so sweet… 
I had not tried the ZMF on it previous before I put the amp up for sale. It won’t hurt my feelings if nobody on any of the forums wants it, I have to work at making another amp sound SO much like liquid gold goodness. And this is where taste varies so widely, this is what i actually want music to sound like.
10 Likes
How did the swap back to the cream colored knobs affect the tone?
4 Likes