Indeed MKIIIA Tube Buffer
deronb1
Posts: 5,021
Wanted to post my thoughts on this piece that I have had for about a month now. I would like to preface by saying that I don't know much or had any experience with tubes, so I just want to comment on its effect on my 2 ch system.
First of all, my system was sounding a bit bright and mechanical. I loved all the detail I was hearing, but often, it just didn't sound natural. Someone mentioned adding a tube buffer, so that's what I did. I didn't want to spend a ton of cash and set my limit around 100.00. I saw this piece on ebay and decided it was the best fit due to space limitations.
It took awhile to get here from Hong Kong, but it arrived undamaged and packeged very well. It is well made with what appears to be quality components. The unit came with one 5814A vacuum tube Made in USA, so that was kind of a bonus for me. It only measures approx 4" x 4" and fits nicely between my AVR and TT. It has an appealing blue glow when on. I like the fact that the inputs and outputs are right next to each other on the back, so it hides the RCA cables.
As for the sound, it did its job. Softened the sound a bit while remaining very detailed. Still have the SL2000s on the RTA8Ts and now SDA 2Bs. Those tweets paired with the Adcom would become fatiguing after long listening sessions, so that is worth the money right there. I have to increase the gain, however, to achieve the same SPL, but not a big deal really. Didn't have to turn it up much to get loud anyway.
So, although I have nothing to compare this piece to, I am glad I made the purchase. I guess the overarching theme of this post is that if you have a SS system that sounds a bit bright and unnatural, a tube buffer could make for a better listening experience. This particular piece is an inexpensive solution to accomplish just that.
Photo is stock, as mine came out like crap!
First of all, my system was sounding a bit bright and mechanical. I loved all the detail I was hearing, but often, it just didn't sound natural. Someone mentioned adding a tube buffer, so that's what I did. I didn't want to spend a ton of cash and set my limit around 100.00. I saw this piece on ebay and decided it was the best fit due to space limitations.
It took awhile to get here from Hong Kong, but it arrived undamaged and packeged very well. It is well made with what appears to be quality components. The unit came with one 5814A vacuum tube Made in USA, so that was kind of a bonus for me. It only measures approx 4" x 4" and fits nicely between my AVR and TT. It has an appealing blue glow when on. I like the fact that the inputs and outputs are right next to each other on the back, so it hides the RCA cables.
As for the sound, it did its job. Softened the sound a bit while remaining very detailed. Still have the SL2000s on the RTA8Ts and now SDA 2Bs. Those tweets paired with the Adcom would become fatiguing after long listening sessions, so that is worth the money right there. I have to increase the gain, however, to achieve the same SPL, but not a big deal really. Didn't have to turn it up much to get loud anyway.
So, although I have nothing to compare this piece to, I am glad I made the purchase. I guess the overarching theme of this post is that if you have a SS system that sounds a bit bright and unnatural, a tube buffer could make for a better listening experience. This particular piece is an inexpensive solution to accomplish just that.
Photo is stock, as mine came out like crap!
Post edited by deronb1 on
Comments
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Cool. Thanks for the review. Where did you end up putting it in your system ?
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Cool. Thanks for the review. Where did you end up putting it in your system ?
I put it between the pre and the amp
