Tube Buffer or Tube CD Player
Early B.
Posts: 7,900
I'm considering adding a tube buffer to my Oppo DVD player. I'd like to use the DVD player as a good CD player; otherwise, I'd buy another tube CDP. However, if I can get essentially the same type of sound through a tube buffer on the DVD player, I'd rather go that route.
Anyone ever use a tube buffer? Is it worth it?
Thanks.
Anyone ever use a tube buffer? Is it worth it?
Thanks.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50 LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub
"God grooves with tubes."
"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on
Comments
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Never used one, but I could see the merits. If it (the oppo) does a good job with CD's then I say go for it.
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Early... not necessarily from personal experience, but from reading on other forums...
A tube buffer (like the one offered by Musical Fidelity) will have more of an impact than a tube CDP. But I'm just the messenger here.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
If you're only interested in the CD capability, I'd suggest a separate tube CD player. The MF tube buffer works best with its dedicated power supply, and you'd need an additional pair of interconnects, so getting a separate CD player turns out to be cost effective in comparison. If you're interested in using the Oppo as a universal (CD, SACD, DVD-A) two-channel player, I'd suggest the tube buffer. Modified tubed universal players start around $3K and up.
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Emlyn wrote:If you're interested in using the Oppo as a universal (CD, SACD, DVD-A) two-channel player, I'd suggest the tube buffer.
Thanks.
Yeah, this is what I'm trying to do -- use my DVD player as a CD player. Right now the DVD player sounds OK with CDs, but I'd like to get an improved sopund for not a lot of cash or extra components.HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50 LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub
"God grooves with tubes." -
Also consider a tube DAC. I know that I like my tube cdp a lot. With that said, I've heard nothing but good things about the MF tube buffer. The cool thing about it, is that it can be put between any of your components, with between the source and pre and between the pre and amp as the most popular places for it."SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE" -
Just ordered a MF tube buffer. Will let you know how it sounds.HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50 LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub
"God grooves with tubes." -
:cool: :cool: :cool:Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
Early B. wrote:Thanks.
Yeah, this is what I'm trying to do -- use my DVD player as a CD player. Right now the DVD player sounds OK with CDs, but I'd like to get an improved sopund for not a lot of cash or extra components.
I have seen the MF tube buffer in retail locations, but have never heard it in use. How would a tube buffer improve the line level output from the player? Did you consider the addition of an external DAC for your CD sources?
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident. -
jm1 wrote:Did you consider the addition of an external DAC for your CD sources?
Yeah, but since a decent tube DAC and tube CDP cost about the same, I'd go for the CDP. A tube buffer is a lot less expensive and will hopefully give me what I'm looking for.HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50 LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub
"God grooves with tubes." -
can you put a link to that tube buffer? I aslo have an Oppo and have been quite impressed with it's CD playback quality. not refeence, but surprisingly good. Hooked to my Outlaw in the theater with Nordost interconnects yielded great results for 2 channel listening through the LSi's.Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
I was rather impressed with my Oppo player's CD playback as well....
HDCD is icing on the cakeI never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
Early B. wrote:Just ordered a MF tube buffer. Will let you know how it sounds.
I tried the MF tube buffer in line with my OPPO player & NAD receiver. I gave it a good workout for about 3 weeks & to me it really didn't do anything. I wound up sending it back. But your doing the right thing by giving it a shot in your system. You might just love what it does for you. The OPPO now is just for HT duty. And I also agree that the OPPO does do a very good job on CD playback. I've since moved on & added a few more pieces to my 2 channel system. I should be getting my Ultra DAC any day now from AVA. Hopefully that will put an end to my 2 channel quest. Just like you with not buying anymore speakers!!!! LOL By the way they are some fine speakers you picked up Early!! Enjoy!!"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
pearsall001 wrote:Hopefully that will put an end to my 2 channel quest.
HAHAHAHAHA......good one Phil
MikeModwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
Consonance cd120T
Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
Usher CP 6311
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pearsall001 wrote:I tried the MF tube buffer in line with my OPPO player & NAD receiver. I gave it a good workout for about 3 weeks & to me it really didn't do anything. I wound up sending it back.
I think I know why the MF tube buffer didn't work very well for you -- the signal is still running through the receiver, so the sonic signature is not going to change dramatically. I'm expecting to get the same results you did.HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50 LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub
"God grooves with tubes." -
I own a Musical Fidelity X-10 v3, i bought it before i had owned any tube preamplifiers to see what tubes would sound like in my audio chain. i tried it both between the cd and the preamplifier and between the SS preamplifier and the power amplifiers. to my ears it sounded better between the preamplifier and power amplifiers but i am sure this is subjective and a matter of preference and it would be totally system dependant. thanks....WCW IIIEarly B. wrote:I'm considering adding a tube buffer to my Oppo DVD player. I'd like to use the DVD player as a good CD player; otherwise, I'd buy another tube CDP. However, if I can get essentially the same type of sound through a tube buffer on the DVD player, I'd rather go that route.
Anyone ever use a tube buffer? Is it worth it?
Thanks.
Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
.Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.
