9
STEREO / MONAURAL OPERATION
To run the amplifier in Stereo, simply connect
the left and right input jacks to your source or
preamp and the left and right output binding
posts to your speakers. If using the variable
inputs, the volume control located at the front
of the amplifier will control the output level of
both channels at the same time. If you use the
direct inputs, a preamp is required to control
the volume AND the volume control on the amp
that has become a variable shunt to ground
when the direct inputs are used, must be turned
all the way up.
This amplifier was not designed to be bridged
into mono. If you want this type of sound but
need more power and more efficient speakers
are not an option, consider our TORII Mk II am-
plifier.
LUCID MODE SWITCH
The lucid mode switch can be used on-the -fly
while listening to music. When engagued it cre-
ates an esoteric feedback scheme where feed-
back from one channel is fed to other channel
and visa-versa. This effect creates more space
and a better sense of dimensionality with most
recordings. There will be some recordings that
sound best when the amp is run is standard
mode (lucid mode off). Lucid mode is a unique
concept that can only be implimented in the Zen
Taboo amplifier. It is not something that can be
applied to any other circuit.
HOW TO OPERATE
After finding an appropriate place for the
amplifier you can install the tubes and con-
nect the speaker cables. Do not hook up the
input cables at this time. Install the power
cord and plug it into a grounded receptacle
and turn the amplifier on.
Let the amplifier warm up for several min-
utes with the volume control all the way
down. NOTE: it is common for new tubes to
make an occasional spit or crackle upon
startup. This goes away after the first cou-
ple uses.
Now that the amp is on and warmed up for a
few minutes with no source or preamp con-
nected to it, it is your chance to evaluate the
noise level of the amplifier. What you hear
coming from the speakers is your baseline
reference for a given set of tubes. All tubes
will vary somewhat. On all but the most effi-
cient loudspeakers, you should hear almost
nothing at a distance of less then 1 foot from
the speaker. Decware amps are known for
being quiet.
Next, turn the amplifier off and let it cool for
1 minute. Now hook up your source or
preamp making sure to have the volume
control all the way down and turn the ampli-
fier back on. Raise the volume control to
your desired listening level and enjoy!
BURN-IN PROCESS
Expect less then wonderful sound for the
first 20 to 40 hours of operation as the ca-
pacitors break-in. The fastest way to ad-
vance the burn in process is to play the amp
for 5 hours and then turn it off for at least 5
hours. Repeat this at least 5 times. Most
customers find that the amp really blooms in
about the 3rd week of their evaluation.