MODEL TABOO MK IV 2024
MODEL TABOO MK IV
introduction
We were asked to add a headphone connection to our Taboo amplifier in 2011 so that it could be used with planar headphones on a regular basis. Ever since then…
A year later, we completely redesigned the Taboo to become a planar headphone amplifier that could still drive speakers (instead of a speaker amplifier that could still drive headphones) in response to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The resulting Taboo Mk III was so brilliant that it gained a genuine following among owners of dynamic headphones in addition to dominating the planar headphone market for people who value tube transparency. Even a top-tier American headphone manufacturer uses it as a guide when creating and testing all of their new models.
With the introduction of this new model, the Taboo Mk IV, we have reached the last stage of the development of this excellent reference-grade headphone amplifier.
ANNOUNCING
THE TABOO MK IV
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
You must realize that the “Lucid Mode” feature, which creates images, is what makes a Taboo so special.
An obscure type of crossfeed, its initial purpose was to enhance loudspeaker imaging. Since crossfeed is a crucial component of all excellent headphone amp designs, we included a second “Lucid Mode” option in 2013 that was tailored especially for the 50 ohm Audeze LCD-2. Because of this, if you have LCD-2, ZMF, or other impedance headphones, the Taboo was a formidable opponent.
Lucid Mode has now been expertly recreated as a bypass switch and single variable control. As you listen, you can easily adjust the desired effect by ear.
A completely analog effect that naturally arises in the circuit is called lucid mode. Inside a Taboo, there are no circuit chips, circuit boards, or solid state components that could alter or poison the music’s complete transparency.
features
Since Lucid mode is now completely adjustable, it may be used with either Planar or Dynamic headphones!
Additionally, the amazing dual volume arrangement with endlessly adjustable left and right controls is a thrilling improvement over the previous Mk III model. Even though they were initially hesitant, everyone who has tried it so far says they can’t live without it! You won’t want to live without the extremely exceptional things that dual controllers let you perform.
Additionally, the Taboo Mk IV has a revised layout that necessitates a new chassis design in order to enable a more straightforward internal arrangement, which leads to more astounding transparency through increased simplicity.
On the Mk III, some features that were available at an additional expense are now standard. In place of an HI and LO headphone jack, we included a switch so you may listen to any headphone in either mode and determine for yourself which sounds better. This includes the well-liked HI/LO option for running both high and low efficiency headphones.
Optional balanced XLR inputs are now available; these have been tuned to benefit from the higher signal voltages typical of balanced sources. All the sonic benefits that a decent preamp often brings, but with more transparency, would be available if you could run your Taboo fully balanced.
As seen in the pictures below, the Mk IV now has a 4-pin XLR headphone jack and is constructed with exclusively balanced outputs. The Taboo Mk IV is only accessible in this manner. This machine does not have an unbalanced 1/4 headphone jack.
Because the Taboo requires no upkeep and has no bias pots to alter, it’s a simple amplifier to possess. The average lifespan of a tube is many years. Because the chassis is constructed without vent holes, dust and debris can pollute the inside.
Two source inputs and speaker level outputs for loudspeaker operation are still included, just like in earlier generations. Some die-hard headphone fans will also use these speaker binding posts in an unusual way by adding resistors of different sizes on the amplifiers to further adjust their headphones.
Made in the USA with only the highest quality audiophile materials and no circuit boards, the Taboo Mk IV is a top-tier reference headphone amplifier that comes with a lifetime warranty.
options
This amplifier has a chassis design with several knobs and solid wooden bottoms that can be swapped out. You can select from a variety of wood bases for your Taboo below. The knob options are below that.
VOLTAGE OPTIONS
You can choose to use our World Voltage Compatible Transformers with this amplifier. Simply choose your voltage at check-out if you don’t live in the USA, and your Taboo will be automatically wired and tested for the appropriate voltage in your nation.
WOOD BASE OPTIONS
At no additional cost, you can choose between two conventional wood bases: walnut and what we call black figured. For a slight upcharge, you can also choose Oak, Cherry, and Maple. Custom woods are also available; simply select the Custom option in the shopping basket and then email us or leave a note in the order’s comments section with the type of wood you’d like.
SIGNAL CAPACITOR OPTIONS
Film capacitors are included with the amplifier by default. As an alternative, we offer a slightly superior foil capacitor.
KNOBS
The knob options are displayed above. Since they are all interchangeable, you can alter the knobs if you decide to change your mind later.
XLR INPUT OPTION
By choosing this option, you can operate and switch between fully balanced XLR and RCA inputs. You will just alternate between two pairs of RCA connectors if you don’t have this option.
The Taboo Mk3’s inside is shown in this video, which demonstrates point-to-point soldering. Even better is the Mk4.
More about THE AMP
T U B E S
In the stock setup, two EL84 or SV83 (6P15P-EV) output tubes are driven by a single 6922 family input tube (6N1P, 6DJ8, 6N11, 6N23P, or 7DJ8). Although the rectifier is a 5U4, you can use the new Valve Art 274B, 5Y3GT, or 5AR4s instead. The 6P15P-EV tubes that are provided should provide you with more than 6000 hours of flawless fidelity.
We supply the amp with the best mil spec 6P15P-EVs made since it features the Hazen Grid Mod, which only activates when SV83 (6P15P-EV) output tubes are used. These are Russian New Old Stock tubes that have been tested in your amplifier and have gold grids, thicker glass, and plated pins. Every tube is covered by a 90-day guarantee.
The highest caliber hand-picked replacement tubes for your Taboo are always available from DECWARE.
S E L F – B I A S I N G
You never need to set or modify the bias for the output tubes because the amplifier is self-biasing. You’ll love this design if you’ve ever had an amplifier that required constant biasing. The state of each output tube and the degree of compatibility between the two tubes are displayed by the analog meters.
I D E A L S P E A K E R S
Eight-ohm speakers will sound marginally louder than four-ohm speakers when used with this amplifier. Larger listening rooms are ideally suited for speakers that are 94dB or above, however desktop use can be done with almost any tiny monitor.
C A B L E S
Because of how transparent this amplifier is, variations in cables will suddenly become noticeable. We provide reference-quality cables that will allow you to hear the full capacity of your speakers if you don’t have good interconnects or speaker cables or are unsure of their quality. We provide the same silver cables that we personally use and constructed because we want you to hear what your new amplifier is capable of.
S U P P O R T
DECWARE/High Fidelity Engineering C0 hand-builds this amplifier in the USA. For the original owner, a lifetime warranty is included. We will be pleased to inspect it for you and provide any necessary maintenance at a very affordable price if you buy one used and you have any inquiries or technical issues.
