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Decware CSP2 +

How good is this as a preamp? How does it compare with much more expensive units? My most recent active tube linestages have been CAT SL1, Joule LA-150MKII SE, and Dodd. Does it compete in that league? If not, how so? The fact I can use it as a headphone amp is just icing on the cake. My current reference is the Lightspeed Attenuator, but I want an RCA-based tube linestage to throw in the mix. This is for a single source CD system.
pubul57
devilboy
818 posts
 
Rischa: I too am very interested in the CSP2+. It's either that or a Burson HA-160D (again). If I get the Decware, I'll have to hold on to my current dac. I don't know what to do here. My headphones are the, somewhat difficult to drive, Audeze LCD-2's. I don't know if the Decware will be able to drive the 'phones sufficiently. I guess you didn't get yours yet.
rischa
37 posts
 
Nope, hasn't come yet. But I did get an email from Decware informing me it was in QC. I'll report back when it's here.
devilboy
818 posts
 
Just saw that the proper Decware headphone amp for the Audeze headphones is actually the Taboo. Meant for headphones from 4-60 ohms (the Audeze is 60). Also, I can sell my amp and use the Taboo (only 6 watts but my speakers are 96db so I'm good). Problem is, looks like the Taboo needs at least 3 volts and my dac outputs only 2V. I emailed Steve and asked him if I'll be ok.
rischa
37 posts
 
CSP2+ arrived last week and is now, more or less, broken in. How does it sound? In a nutshell, phenomenal. I've already been writing about it over on Audiocircle, so I'll just post a link to that thread in case any of you frequent both sites. Happy to answer any questions here, though, if folks are curious. Here's the link:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=106527.0
snapontom
6 posts
 
I have the CSP2+ and the Taboo on order. The CSP2+ will have two sets of RCA outputs, as well as the two sets of RCA inputs, plus the headphone jack. The Taboo will have a capacitor cable made up so I will have the option of not hooking up speakers when I listen to my Audeze LCD2 Rev2's.
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