Decware Zen Taboo

I generally can't turn the volume knob much past 11 o'clock before it gets to ear-bleeding spl. The thing that has me interested in Decware is the theory that the first waat is most important. I've found that late night listening with the Quicksilver amps is somewhat uninteresting. There is a lack of dynmics at low volumes. Steve Deckert claims his amps are very dynamic at extremely low volumes and can still belt out surprisingly high spl with speakers rated at 90-100 dB efficiency. It seems that single-driver cross-over less speakers will optimize the qualities of Decware amps so I'm wondering how they'll do with the three-way Klipsch Fortes.

Klipschfan - I assume I don't need 115db+ to reach concert level sound in my 16'x20' room. I remember as a kid reading that The Who held the world record at the time for the loudest concert - 120db "Live at Leeds". I really have no reference other than the perceived loudness of live music in a large venue. I'd guess that I only need low 100db range to produce concert like spl but I don't have an spl meter.

Samac - I have a feeling that I'll give the Taboo a try as Decware has a 30 day return policy. I'd assume they have the standard 10% restocking fee but I feel it's worth a go.

I ride a VaMoots ti road bike. I used to race but just don't have the time to train at that level anymore. The old legs can't do the 100 mile road races and crits are just too dangerous.

Scott,

I see you're enjoying the new Merlin speakers and wonder how they compare to the Klipsch Forte's. Mine are modified with upgraded crossovers, 30 lbs. of sand in the base, and anchored with Audio Points brass spikes. They sound fantastic at medium to high volume with the Quicksilver Mini-mite monoblock amps. I'm interested in the Decware Taboo because I suspect it will sound better, particularly at low volume. Decware's website indicates that their amps are optimized for single driver cross-overless speakers, so I'm not sure how the three-way Forte's will fare with six watts/ch. I will let you know my findings.

Cheers,
Mike

Scott,

That does help. I've had the Forte's for five years and found great improvement when I upgraded the crossovers. They are very revealing of any problems upstream. There are times when they sound a tad bright but this has just as much to do with the recording. I don't have much first hand comparison with other speakers but I'll say this - when I have my musician friends over for a listening session, they shake their heads in disbelief. I bought these speakers for $500 and put another $500 into them with the upgraded crossovers and Audiopoints brass spikes. I can't imagine finding a better sounding speaker for this amount of scratch.

Here's my dilemma - I am very happy with the Quicksilver mono's. Reliable, simple design, and inexpensive initial investment. Fun to tube roll. I heard a rumor that the designer, Mike Sanders, voices some of his amps through the Klipsch Forte's. Not sure if this is true but I can believe it. Anyway, there's great synergy except at low volume listening. My curiosity has me wondering if Decware will fill the void and give me the late night "out of body" experience, as well as the live concert sound that I get with the Quickies.

I'll let you know where I go with this. Goin out on the Moots now to enjoy the spring weather.

Cheers,
Mike