Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Buffer.... opinions?

Joey_V
Joey_V Posts: 8,552
edited December 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
I've been reading a lot about this great (or so it seems) product... it seems to impart a bit more tube flavor to the sound while providing an easier load for whichever components it is next to.

I was thinking.... my parents are looking to get me something for Christmas and I'm kinda stuck....

Do any of you guys have any experience with this guy? I was thinking of putting this between the SB3 and the Cary 98 preamp.

Retail is $399 so it's not too bad on the wallet.
x10v3frnt.jpg
Thanks as usual,
Joey :)
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    Thing is, I was thinking that maybe the vocals could use just a hint more weight... and I always welcome any improvement in vocal imaging so I'm all for it.

    Only thing is, I was also thinking of getting a DAC and I wasnt sure if I should just focus on the DAC (like a PS Audio Digital Link III DAC or the Benchmark DAC1 or the MF XDAC)...

    Then again, I am in the process of tube-rolling the Cary with some Sylvania 6SN7GTB tubes....

    AhhhH... so much to think about! :p

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited December 2006
    If you already have tube gear, why are you considering adding a tube buffer?
    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."
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    There are couple on the 'gon for around $250.

    As for DAC's on the cheap, have you considered Pacific Valve?

    http://www.pacificvalve.us/NOSDACS.html

    $150 for the Lite Audio DAC
    $220 for the modded version of same.
    The latter has gotten some fairly solid reviews on other forums.
    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
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited December 2006
    I've heard nothing but good things about these.

    Use the search feature..there has been several threads on that piece of gear.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited December 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    If you already have tube gear, why are you considering adding a tube buffer?

    I agree with Early B. Why don't you get a power shampoo if you don't have one, yet.
    -?¿-
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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited December 2006
    Joey, I used one with my old setup...it gave my all-SS gear a hint of tubeyness. However, I don't think you need one with your Cary. Also, you would definitely want to get a PSU power supply to go along with it.
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited December 2006
    Christmas present...and you get to choose? How about a source?;)
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    Any source besides your Apple IIC.....:D
    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
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    If you already have tube gear, why are you considering adding a tube buffer?

    Between the DAC and the pre.... the tube buffer in the Cary is between the pre and the amp..

    I figured just a bit more tubes will push the Summits just that much better. I noticed that the Summits are far better at revealing downstream equipment than even the Strata Minis, so I'm sure I'll hear something with the X10v3.

    Chris,
    Yeah... I see that I might have to spring for the XPSU also... but that would be a springboard for the XDac....
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    HTrookie wrote:
    Christmas present...and you get to choose? How about a source?;)
    That's the thing.. or a DAC... but I have to pay the difference.

    I was/am heavily considering the PS Audio Digital Link III Dac...
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    If you already have tube gear, why are you considering adding a tube buffer?

    And remember, people who have tube pres dont necessarily get SS amps.... some pair it with more tubes.

    Also, tube Dacs, tube amps, tube buffers, etc...
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited December 2006
    Joey_V wrote:
    That's the thing.. or a DAC... but I have to pay the difference.

    I was/am heavily considering the PS Audio Digital Link III Dac...

    How will a DAC improve if the original source is not that good???:D :D:D

    seriously..why not get a tube CD player?
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    HTrookie wrote:
    How will a DAC improve if the original source is not that good???:D :D:D

    seriously..why not get a tube CD player?

    Nonono.... the CDP will be an Ayre of some sort.....

    But you see, I have a large FLAC collection that I will not get rid of, pretty much forever, so I need a DAC for the SB3. Then I will also require a CDP and a TT. Each has its own purpose.

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    Ooohh... Musical Direct has the X10v3 for 299$..... ooooh.....
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • szhleppy
    szhleppy Posts: 320
    edited December 2006
    For that price, why not try it out? I got Early's a couple weeks ago and have been happy with it...all of my other gear is SS for now.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    edited December 2006
    Your not going to hear much useing it with the Cary.Use the money to upgrade your cables bro.Your current gear surpasses what the MF buffer is meant for.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Tony is right. With the level of gear you're currently running your not going to get any real benefits from a tube buffer. If it were me, given your position, I'd go for a tubed DAC. You will get the benefit of basically a tube buffer with it. I would try to get multiple inputs with it, so you can add to the system later down the road.
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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited December 2006
    Joey, while I tend to agree with the above posts, I remind you that Music Direct is just a few blocks from your place (318 N. Laflin). Why not try it out and return it if you don't like it?

    By the way, I was in there over the weekend and they have a pair of Avantgarde Duo Omega horn speakers set up...drool.
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    If it were me I'd go for the DAC and / or some stuff from Signal Cable (IC's, Speaker Cables, & AC Cables). Remeber Frank gives us Polkies a discount and you have a 30 day trial period (if you don't like them / don't hear a difference just ship them back - be sure to give them 50 - 100 hours to burn in). Guess the same trial period applies to the DAC - What've you got to lose :confused: Just my $.02 but I wouldn't bother with the tube buffer.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Get some CABLES!!!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    edited December 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    Get some CABLES!!!

    'Nuff said!!
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    Get some CABLES!!!

    Yeah yeah yeah.... :p .

    BTW, how much does Frank discount for us Polkies?

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    I think I'm going with a DAC first....

    Cables will be in the future....

    Thanks guys!

    I'll start another thread for your recommendations.

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Ok, I'm just going to come out and say it. You're flat out going about this whole thing the wrong way. You've got some nice pieces of gear and you're choking the **** outta what they are capable of with those patch and lamp cords. In fact, I can't understand how you can judge how any of it really sounds with those cables and the FLAC you're running as a source. I'm not sure where you're getting your advice, but they are not doing you any favors.

    Your list should have 2 things on it for now, new source and new cables, that's it.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    Ok, I'm just going to come out and say it. You're flat out going about this whole thing the wrong way. You've got some nice pieces of gear and you're choking the **** outta what they are capable of with those patch and lamp cords. In fact, I can't understand how you can judge how any of it really sounds with those cables and the FLAC you're running as a source. I'm not sure where you're getting your advice, but they are not doing you any favors.

    Your list should have 2 things on it for now, new source and new cables, that's it.

    With all due respect, come over and listen to my system before judging it and what I hear, Jesse.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    edited December 2006
    Joey,

    Your obviously a bright guy with a significant amount of scientific training. I am truly am at a loss why you would you would be so objectionable try another variable in you sound analysis evluation (which has significant discussion counterpoints in the scientific lieterature). I've had PH D. engineers working for me with 15 or more years of experience who I would have spanked and sent them back to the lab for this blatant oversight in their objective and experimental technicique. Take a good look at your approach.

    PS. I'm being critical as a friend. Step back from you plan and rethink you approach.
    Carl

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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    30 day in home trial period in regards to the IC's, Speaker Cables, & Power Cables. What have you got to lose? Its like you are a stubborn child digging your heels in and for what? If you try the cables / IC's (I highly reccommend doing them together and at the same time allowing 50 - 100 hours for burn in) and don't notice a difference you'll have proved (to yourself - in the end that is all that matters) that cables & IC's make no difference and you can tell us all to buzz off. Until you do I think you are doing yourself no favors by sticking with the lamp cord and "stock" IC's. I happen to believe, from personal experience, that the cables and IC's make an overall improvement and that you'll come to the same conclusion once you try it for yourself.

    Frank offers us Polkies a 5% discount and free shipping.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Joey, I've no need to hear your set up to know what you're missing. Been there, done that.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    I agree with F1nut here also.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    Ok... where is the money best spent if not on a DAC?

    Are we all in agreement with cables?
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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